Windstar Cruises Just Launched a New Ship With Incredible Restaurants and 112 Suites—We Were Among the First on Board

This week, World’s Best Award-winning small-ship line Windstar Cruises christened the 224-guest Star Seeker, its first new-build vessel in more than a decade. Seventh in the fleet, the newest Star-class offering is sibling to Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride (former Seabourn ships, which were launched between 2013 and 2015).

Aboard the brand-new Star Seeker, there are 112 suites featuring either a veranda or floor-to-ceiling “infinity windows.” This ship has new-to-the-line stateroom categories, including a pair of aft-facing, 548-square-foot Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies; 30 Infinity Suites with windows that slide downward from the top (as on expedition ships); and 10 Ocean-view Suites with mosaic glass showers. I was on board for the christening, but because the ship was sailing at full capacity, I was not able to tour them. A few quick peeks, however, revealed contemporary decor in a palette of taupe and teal, with handsome wood cabinetry and marble-clad bathrooms (some with tubs).

Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, and Star Seeker features several food and beverage additions and enhancements. Among them is Basil + Bamboo, a new complimentary specialty restaurant serving “Mediterr-Asian” cuisine (think miso-glazed black cod with pea purée) in an intimate space limited to 40 cruisers. The all-day restaurant Amphora now offers both buffet and à la carte dining, either indoors or al fresco at the aft of the ship. The Yacht Club (serving light breakfast and lunch); poolside Star Grill; and complimentary 24-hour room service round out Star Seeker’s five dining options.

A boon for those who want to stay fit on the fly, Star Seeker’s light-filled fitness center is the largest in the fleet, with cardio and strength training machines (and cute yoga mats that declare “cruising is my self-care”). The ship’s WorldSpa, also the fleet’s biggest, has three treatment rooms, a salon, and a co-ed ocean-view sauna.

Windstar has also revamped its marina (the water sports platform at the ship’s aft), which, on Star Seeker, is accessible by stairs. So when they’re not paddling in the ship’s kayaks or playing with water toys, guests can now soak up the sun on large inflatable “islands” tethered to the ship.

Windstar president Chris Prelog was brimming with excitement about Star Seeker, calling it the smoothest delivery of his 25-year career. “Everything was carried out flawlessly, and I’ve not found anything we could have changed,” he said in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “I’m usually our biggest critic, but it’s incredible how everything turned out.”

Prelog’s favorite spot on the ship: The Yacht Club, Star Seeker’s hybrid observation lounge, library, café, and bar. “It’s a social hub where crew, officers, and guests connect. And on Star Seeker, it’s the perfect harmonization of architecture, warmth, and personality. It’s going to be a home run.”

Once godmother Libby Anschutz (daughter of Windstar owner Phil Anschutz) christened the ship and celebratory fireworks had faded from the night sky, Star Seeker departed on an eight-night voyage to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with port calls in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. After sailing the Caribbean season, the vessel will spend the summer in Alaska, transitioning to East and Southeast Asia next fall and winter. Sibling ship Star Explorer is scheduled to debut in December 2026.

You can book cruises on Star Seeker here.