Set to be delivered to Windstar Cruises on December 15, 2025, the Star Seeker is currently receiving its last touches at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Originally ordered by Mystic Cruises, the 9,300-ton vessel was acquired by Windstar during its early construction phase in 2024.
Mario Ferreira, CEO and President of Mystic, oversees this project and notes the modifications made to align with Windstar’s specifications. He expressed satisfaction in seeing the project conclude, acknowledging its complexity due to advanced technological changes and the unique requirements involved.
Some of the ship’s notable features include Rolls-Royce engines and special leather-lined control consoles in the bridge. The Star Seeker marks the first ship to join Windstar in a decade, set for its inaugural voyage on December 28, 2025. This journey will commence from Barcelona, taking guests across a trans-Atlantic route to North America and the Caribbean, with a 16-night schedule that includes stops in various locations in Spain and the Bahamas before reaching Miami in early 2026.
Following this initial journey, the Star Seeker will carry out a series of cruises across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean and will transit the Panama Canal in April 2026. The ship is also slated for a summer season in Alaska before relocating to Southeast Asia later that year.
As the final ship in the Explorer series, Ferreira mentions that the shipyard will subsequently focus on converting the World Explorer, another vessel recently acquired by Windstar, which is scheduled to enter service in December 2026 after undergoing refits.
In other news, Mystic has recently placed an order for a new cruise ship with the China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, which includes an option for three additional ships. Further details regarding this contract will be revealed soon.
Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.
