Windstar Welcomes Star Seeker with an Intimate Christening Celebration in Miami on January 15, 2026

First new build for the Star Class Sails in the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan and Southeast Asia

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yesterday, Windstar Cruises debuted its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, with a splash at its Miami Christening Event on January 15th. Following the ceremony, Star Seeker departed on an 8-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. In 2026, Star Seeker will explore the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Japan and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on immersive travel in Thailand and Vietnam.

The Christening Event

Libby Anschutz—daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz—took center stage at Star Seeker’s christening ceremony to deliver a heartfelt message, offering well wishes for the yacht and all who will sail aboard. In a moment steeped in maritime tradition, she followed with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull, formally naming and welcoming Star Seeker to the fleet and underscoring the Anschutz family’s vision for warm, thoughtfully crafted journeys at sea. Libby’s role as Godmother continues a meaningful family connection to Windstar, echoing the christening of Star Pride by her mother Mrs. Nancy Anschutz. Libby’s sister Sarah Anschutz is set to christen Windstar’s second new ship, Star Explorer, June 2027 in London.

Windstar's President Christopher Prelog kicked off the event with a reminder about what makes Windstar special and brings guests back. “It’s the way you feel when you are on board a Windstar ship. The smiles from the crew, the genuine conversation, the kindness and caring that flows through the ship every day. This is the Windstar culture that’s been part of the company since it began with two small sailing ships, and it continues today.”

Star Seeker’s Captain Tom Schofield shared how meaningful it is to see a ship come alive once crew and guests come aboard and then introduced his senior officers and crew. Three current ship godmothers were notably present to welcome the new ship and godmother into the fold: Mrs. Louise Andren, godmother of Windstar’s first ship Wind Star and wife of founder Karl Andren; Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, godmother of Star Pride and wife of owner Phil Anschutz; Ms. Gloria Bohan, godmother of Star Legend, a travel industry leader. Pastor Bill White from Christ Journey Church provided a blessing for the ship before the evening concluded with a send-off firework show above the harbor.

About Star Seeker in 2026

Star Seeker is the first new build in the Star Class fleet, designed for just 224 guests and crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark style—intimate, immersive, and effortlessly elegant. It features 112 beautifully appointed accommodations—most featuring private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows, including two new aft-facing Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Designed for comfort and elegance, suites include walk-in mosaic glass showers, fully stocked mini-bars, and premium amenities in top-tier categories. Onboard, guests can enjoy five included dining venues, a full-service spa with a dramatic two-deck entrance, and a reimagined Marina with direct ocean access. In 2027, Star Seeker will revisit Alaska — with itineraries like 7-Day Scenic Alaska and 10-Day Alaskan Splendor— and Japan with its 10-Day Grand Japan itinerary, the introduction of a new Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, and the addition of a brand-new Mystery Cruise.

Looking Ahead: Star Explorer

Star Explorer, the sister ship to Star Seeker, debuts in December 2026, bringing Windstar’s signature small-ship style to some of Europe’s most captivating, and hard-to-reach, destinations year-round. Carrying just 224 guests, Star Explorer is designed to sail where larger ships simply can’t, gliding into river ports and city centers like London on the Thames, Bordeaux, Rouen, and Caen, while also exploring the British Isles, Ireland, the Baltics, Norway’s fjords, France, Northern Spain, and Portugal. Her itineraries are deeply immersive and port-intensive, with longer stays and overnights in destinations such as Stockholm, Tallinn, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, plus Windstar firsts like Puerto Banús, the marina gateway to Marbella. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined—mirroring Star Seeker—with 112 spacious suites, many with either private verandas or infinity windows, including two new Horizon Owner’s Suites, World Spa by Windstar, and Windstar favorites like Yacht Club Café, Basil + Bamboo, Amphora, and the signature Marina with complimentary watersports, open dining, and a warm, attentive crew.

Need to Know

• There are multiple Star Seeker sailings in 2026 to explore:
  • Alaska Itineraries
  • Caribbean Itineraries
  • Asia Itineraries
  • Latin Itineraries
  • Ocean Crossings

How To Book: To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.

• Star Seeker imagery here, credit to Windstar Cruises.
• Windstar Cruises Brand imagery here, credit to Windstar Cruises.

About Windstar Cruises:

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts—including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025—and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. It’s highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference.

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.