Published on December 12, 2025
Windstar Cruises is set to receive the Star Seeker, a 9,300-ton cruise ship, on December 15, 2025, from the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Wind star acquired the vessel in 2024 from Mystic Cruises during its early construction stages. The ship will undergo final preparations at the shipyard, with modifications to meet Wind star’s specific requirements.
The Star Seeker will welcome its first passengers on December 28, 2025, sailing from Barcelona on a trans-Atlantic journey to the Caribbean and North America, marking Wind star’s return to new ship entries after a decade.The ship has a lot of high-tech features, like Rolls-Royce engines and custom control panels on the bridge. These enhancements aim to support smooth navigation and efficient performance at sea. Star Seeker will accommodate up to 220 guests on board.

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The 16‑night itinerary includes stops in Spain and the Bahamas. The crossing will conclude in Miami in early 2026, marking the ship’s official entry into service. Furthermore, this route seeks to get travelers who want a one-of-a-kind transatlantic cruise experience during the holidays.

Where Star Seeker Will First Sail?

After the trans‑Atlantic journey, Star Seeker will operate a series of Caribbean cruises. The ship’s first trip is to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, which is a popular place for cruise passengers from all over the world.

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In spring 2026, Star Seeker will sail through the Panama Canal. This important waterway links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is a popular choice for many travel plans because it is both useful for navigation and beautiful.
For the summer 2026 season, Wind star plans to reposition the vessel to Alaska. This region is known for glacier views, wildlife, and rugged coastal landscapes. Star Seeker’s smaller size will give guests access to ports often inaccessible to larger ships.

Why This Delivery Matters for Wind star

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Star Seeker represents Wind star Cruises’ first new ship in ten years. The addition aims to support growth in key cruise markets. The ship’s Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska schedules align with travel demand from North American and international passengers.
However,the vessel also positions Wind star for expanded global operations in Southeast Asia. After the Alaska season, the company wants to send Star Seeker to Asia. This reflects Wind star’s strategy to diversify cruise routes and target emerging markets.
The delivery also reflects the shipyard’s role. The West Sea shipyard will start working on World Explorer, another ship bought from Mystic Cruises, now that the Star Seeker project is done. World Explorer, built in 2019, will undergo a conversion process before entering Wind star service in December 2026.

How the Ship’s Sale and Construction Changed

In the early planning and building stages, Windstar bought Star Seeker and World Explorer from Mystic Cruises. This plan let Windstar change the ships to fit its service and brand needs. Mystic Cruises is still in business, and it recently ordered a new ship from China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
Multiple ships are optional under the China Merchants Shipbuilding contract. More information about the contract will come out soon. This news shows that the cruise ship building business is still going strong and that global operators still want to add to their fleets.

What This Means for Cruise Travellers and the Market

The Star Seeker delivery adds capacity to Windstar’s fleet at a strategic moment for cruising. People are still very interested in unique travel plans and smaller, more personal cruises. Star Seeker wants to go to different places, from the Caribbean to Alaska and Southeast Asia, and their many routes show that.
According to analysts of the cruise industry, brands can bring in both new and returning cruise passengers by launching new ships. Star Seeker’s mix of trans‑Atlantic, Caribbean, and Panama Canal sailings responds to traveler demand for experiential voyages at sea.

Where to Follow Future Updates

Nearer the delivery date, Windstar Cruises may release Star Seeker itineraries, onboard amenities, and booking information. Through 2026, travel news and cruise industry sources will track the ship’s launch and operations.
Star Seeker provides cruise planners, travel agents, and passengers with data on emerging cruise trends and new global departure options.

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Tags: caribbean cruises, new cruise ships 2025, Star Seeker cruise ship, Viana do Castelo, Windstar Cruises 2025

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Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025

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