What Travel Advisors Need to Know about Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker

Windstar Cruises christened Star Seeker – its first newbuild in four decades – in January 2026, but sailings have been so full it’s taken awhile for TMR to get onboard. We finally sailed on a Caribbean voyage in early April for a closer look as the ship repositioned from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Colon, Panama. 

Here’s what travel advisors should know about the ship (plus a little about Windstar’s “Ocean to River” voyages, of which Star Seeker will be sailing some).

Sleek, Contemporary Design

The 224-guest vessel, built by Mystic Invest, was originally designed as an expedition ship for another company before being acquired by Windstar. At just 431 feet long, 62.3 feet wide, and measuring 9,315 GRT, Star Seeker is a small ship, especially compared to the Royal Caribbean vessel docked alongside us in San Juan. But there is no compromise in its onboard offerings. Aside from the absence of a casino (which isn’t missed), the ship features all the expected amenities, including bars and lounges, a swimming pool, hot tubs, a spa, a fitness center, a boutique, and three dining venues.

The ship’s contemporary interiors are spacious and tastefully appointed in calming blue, brown, beige, and green tones, complemented by stylish carpeting and polished tiled flooring. Since Star Seeker was originally designed as an expedition vessel, it has expansive windows and generous open deck space.

Lounge and restaurant seating accommodates both quiet conversations and social interaction. Ample sun loungers are available, along with shaded sitting areas at the stern. The pool and two hot tubs (including one on the bow on Deck 5) are popular gathering spots.

Star Seeker also features a floating marina platform with complimentary watersports equipment. However, due to rough seas during our sailing, it could not be opened. Guests can also sign out snorkel gear for the entire duration of the cruise at no charge.

New Accommodation Categories

The 112 accommodations onboard Star Seeker range from 203-square-foot oceanview suites to the 796-square-foot Horizon Owner’s Suite. All but the oceanview suites include a sitting area, while higher categories offer true one-bedroom layouts. Décor is understated and elegant, with blue-toned upholstery and light wood finishes. Leather-covered suite and bathroom doors are a nice touch.

Standard amenities include a minibar (stocked with complimentary sodas and water; alcohol is included when a beverage package is purchased), safe, hairdryer, umbrella, robes, and slippers. USB, USB-C, American and European plugs are located bedside and at the vanity.

The fully tiled bathrooms have wood-effect accent walls and cabinetry, and are consistent in size and layout across most categories. Bathtubs are found only in the top-tiered suites. We loved the spacious glass-enclosed shower with tiled walls and body jets. One drawback is that bathrooms have only European outlets, so North American travelers will need to bring an adapter.

Star Seeker also introduces two new suite categories for Windstar. Infinity Suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that lower halfway to create an open-air balcony – part of the original Mystic design that Windstar retained.

Additionally, the ship has full balcony suites for the first time (previous Star-class ships only have French balconies). Black balcony dividers break the monotony of the white exteriors, while comfortable balcony chairs are at the optimal height for unobstructed views while seated.

All Complimentary Dining

All dining onboard, including room service, is complimentary. Amphora, the main restaurant, serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style, complemented by a small à la carte menu with waffles, French toast, and egg dishes at breakfast, and burgers, pasta, and fish of the day at lunch.

Dinner is full-service, with a mix of international and regional dishes, plus a rotating specialty created by a James Beard Foundation Chef (Windstar is the foundation’s official cruise line). Salmon, chicken, and steak are always available. Amphora operates on an open seating basis.

Two specialty restaurants require reservations: Star Grill and Basil + Bamboo.

Star Grill, which essentially replaces Candles, is located on the pool deck and offers a casual, al-fresco menu of grilled meats and seafood, along with salads, sides, and desserts.

Basil + Bamboo is a more intimate venue with an open kitchen, serving a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Two menus rotate weekly. During our sailing, offerings included tapas, sushi, a Mediterranean raw bar, and burrata salad. Mains were divided into seafood and meat options, with miso black cod and grilled Spanish octopus, free-range chicken, and beef medallions on our menu. A choice of three desserts followed. Although the portion sizes are modest, we found them satisfying.

Sodas, specialty coffees, and teas are included in Windstar’s fare. Refillable water bottles are provided for guests to use on board and ashore (and available for purchase if guests would like to take it home). Guests can add a beverage package or opt for the All-Inclusive Package, which also covers Wi-Fi and crew gratuities. 

Star Seeker’s Onboard Atmosphere

The Windstar experience is relaxed and laid back, and Star Seeker is no different. The dress code is resort casual with no formal nights. Service is attentive and warm, delivered by a friendly Indonesian and Filipino crew. The captain, hotel general manager, and other officers are highly visible and engage with guests throughout the voyage, contributing to a welcoming and easygoing onboard atmosphere.

Star Seeker caters to well-traveled guests who are not looking to be constantly occupied. Scheduled activities are low-key, such as trivia, port talks, and guest lectures. Entertainment is limited to a resident trio and an entertainment and engagement manager who also performs. Most guests spend their time reading, sunbathing, playing cards, or socializing.

A small fitness center has cardio and strength equipment, but it is unstaffed, and there aren’t any fitness classes. 

Windstar is one of the few cruise lines with an open bridge policy, allowing guests to visit at almost any time except during arrival and departure manoeuvres. Officers on watch are approachable and happy to answer questions and share navigation information, making this a standout feature for ship enthusiasts.

Eight Zodiacs were loaded onto Star Seeker before we left San Juan and will be used for upcoming voyages in Costa Rica and Alaska. For the Alaska season, Windstar will bring in an externally sourced expedition team to lead lectures and operate optional soft expedition-style excursions at an additional charge. 

Star Seeker Guest Demographic

Americans make up the majority of Star Seeker guests, followed by Canadians. Most guests are couples, and there is a small number of solo travelers. The majority are 50+, typically retired or semi-retired.

While some suites accommodate three, and children aged 8 and over are welcome, Windstar isn’t positioned as a family-focused cruise line, as there are no dedicated facilities or programming for kids.

Although there is a small elevator connecting all passenger decks, guests should be mobile, as getting on and off the ship requires climbing gangway stairs. There are, however, two accessible suites onboard.

Star Seeker Itineraries

Star Seeker will spend the summer season in Alaska. In the fall, it will reposition to Asia for cruises in Japan and Southeast Asia, before returning to Vancouver in May 2027 for another Alaska season.

Ocean to River Voyages

Windstar recently introduced “Ocean to River” voyages, a unique concept that combines ocean cruising with river access on a single itinerary. For example, Star Seeker will have sailings that visit marquee ports such as Phuket and Singapore but also sail up the Saigon River to Ho Chi Minh City and the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok, bringing guests directly into these vibrant cities and eliminating lengthy transfer times. 

Sister ship Star Explorer, launching in December 2026, will offer similar experiences in 2027, including sailings around the British Isles but also on the Thames River to London (including passage under Tower Bridge). Additional “Ocean to River” itineraries will be available on Star Legend and Star Pride.

TMR spoke to Janet Bava, Windstar’s chief commercial officer, who expressed excitement for the program. “The growth in river cruising has been phenomenal, but the limitation is the destinations advisors can sell,” Bava told TMR. “With our ‘Ocean to River’ voyages, we’re giving them options to expand their destination offering…”