By
Rebecca Gibson |
WestSEA Shipyard officially delivered Star Seeker to Windstar Cruises at its yard in Viana de Castelo, Portugal, on 15 December 2025.
The handover ceremony for the 224-guest, all-suite yacht was attended by the ship’s captain, Tom Schofield, and his team, as well as several Windstar Cruises executives, including Christopher Prelog, president; Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer; Janet Bava, chief commercial officer; and John Gunner, vice president of expansion projects, who oversaw the shipbuilding programme.
“Taking delivery of a new ship is one of the most meaningful moments in a shipbuilding journey,” said Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take shape with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA team and Mario Ferreira with the Mystic Cruises team have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has worked tirelessly to ensure the yacht is delivered in exceptional condition. We cannot wait to welcome guests aboard in just a few short weeks.”
Ferreira joined other senior representatives of WestSEA Viana Shipyard at the ceremony. “Watching Star Seeker evolve from concept to completion has been a point of pride for everyone at WestSEA,” he said. “Windstar challenged us to build a yacht that could reach new destinations, deliver exceptional comfort and operate responsibly. We’re proud to hand her over today knowing she will bring guests closer to the world in ways only a small ship can.”
Star Seeker will undergo final preparations before embarking on its maiden voyage on 28 December, sailing from Malaga, Spain, to Miami, Florida. It will be christened in Miami by Denver-based musician Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz, on 15 January 2026 and then begin its inaugural Caribbean season. The ship will then head to Alaska and Japan later in 2026.
Read more: Where will Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker spend its maiden season?
Star Seeker is the first of the brand’s new Star-class vessels and has 112 ocean-view suites, two new Horizon Owner’s suites with wraparound balconies, expansive open decks, WorldSpa by Windstar and a reimagined marina, which gives guests direct access to the ocean. There are also five dining venues, including a new Mediterranean-Asian speciality dining venue named Basil + Bamboo.
In addition, Star Seeker is equipped with sustainability and safety technology, including shore power connectivity, Tier III nitrogen oxide emission-rated Rolls-Royce engines, pump jet thrusters, forward-facing sonar and advanced wastewater treatment systems.
Windstar Cruises will debut a second Star-class ship named Star Explorer in December 2026.
Read more: Christopher Prelog discusses new ships, refurbishments and in-demand destinations