Windstar Adding 2 Ships
By Ted Scull, with reporting by Anne Kalosh
Windstar broke the mold 40 years ago when in 1984 the new firm launched its first of what would be a trio of sleek combination motor sailers.
Now, decades later, Windstar is adding a new build, the Star Seeker, to join the fleet in December 2025. A second vessel, the 2019-built World Explorer will be renamed Star Explorer in 2026. Presently it is on a seasonal charter to Quark Expeditions.
Both will carry 224 passengers and will be redesigned to fit into the Windstar style, including adding their signature watersports platforms and many other features.
All of this news was first reported by journalist Anne Kalosh, editor for Seatrade Cruise News at last week’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference.
READ Anne’s full report HERE about Windstar adding 2 ships to its fleet.
Star Seeker and Star Explorer
Anne reports that the first newbuild, coming in December 2025, was initially intended for Mystic Invest‘s Atlas Ocean Voyages to be named World Seeker. It will be called Star Seeker for Windstar.
The other, coming in December 2026, is World Explorer, the 2019-built first ship in the Mystic Expedition series. It is currently on a seasonal charter to Quark Expeditions. It will be renamed Star Explorer.
Their present designs will be converted to be more compatible with the existing Windstar fleet.
The ships will see the addition of a watersport’s platform, a Windstar-style pool, a two-story spa and fitness facility, and an intimate whirlpool at the bow. The transformation of the present helipad space will allow for two big owner’s suites with wrap-around balconies.
Each ship will have two dining rooms plus a third specialty restaurant at no extra charge.
The ships’ bows will be altered to look more like a yacht, with a ducktail added to provide for the watersport’s platform.
Windstar’s two new additions will each have the signature stern marina. * Rendering: WIndstar
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Expansion – Berths and Itineraries
Further, Anne reports that Star Seeker and Star Explorer will add 30 percent more accommodations for the cruise line’s fleet, increasing it from 1,500 berths to 2,000 berths.
That enables Windstar to return one of its original Wind-class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti to join up with Star Breeze in 2027 in order to satisfy the growing demand for French Polynesian island sailings. Additional itineraries are forthcoming.
RELATED: Judi Cohen reviews her Tahiti Windstar cruise.
The new joiners, Star Seeker and Star Explorer,have ice-strengthened hulls, opening up new destinations in Alaska and Greenland. However, Anne reports, they will not and could not operate as expedition ships, so there will be no sailings to the North Pole or Antarctica.
Itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker are expected to be announced in late June.
Stay tuned for more details about Windstar adding two new ships to its fleet.
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