This small ship visits areas of Vietnam & Thailand others can’t access + get free daily laundry!

Windstar has announced its 2026 Southeast Asia programme for its newest yacht, Star Seeker, debuting in December 2025. The line offers two core itineraries, which can be combined in 17 different variations, including inland pre- and post-cruise tour options. The cruises even include free daily laundry!

Star Seeker’s Southeast Asia programme provides an in-depth exploration of the cultures, cuisine, and history of Thailand and Vietnam, enhancing the typical cruise experience in the region.

Unlike most cruises that start and end in Singapore or Hong Kong, make stops at industrial ports far from key attractions, and spend just two or three days in each country, Windstar will use Star Seeker’s small size to offer a more immersive experience.

Itineraries begin in-country – in Hanoi, Bangkok and Phuket – allowing guests to make the most of their time on land before and after sailing, with options for pre- and post-cruise tours to inland destinations such as Angkor Wat.

The small size of Star Seeker enables access to ports and docking locations that larger ships cannot reach, including sailing up rivers to dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, stopping at Ko Kood for the Windstar Signature Beach Party – a port visited by only select small ships – and visiting Krabi and Ko Yao Noi.

– READ MORE: The ultimate cruise guide to Thailand for 2025 & 2026 –

The Southeast Asia programme includes two core cruise-only voyages:

10-day Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

A Vietnam-focused cruise stopping at three to four ports in Vietnam, including overnights in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Halong Bay), with an additional visit to Cambodia where guests can book a three-day, two-night shore excursion to Angkor Wat. Prices from £3,748 per person.

11-day Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia

A Thailand-focused cruise stopping at six Thai ports, including smaller destinations such as Krabi and Ko Yao Noi, plus an overnight in Singapore, a highlight of the sailing. Prices from £4,072 per person.

– READ MORE: Sailawaze’s Singapore cruise port guide –

The Southeast Asia itineraries can be extended with culturally immersive Cruise Tours before or after the cruise:

Hanoi

A three-night trip for cruises embarking and disembarking in Ha Long Bay, allowing guests to experience Hanoi’s local life with street food tours in the old quarter featuring traditional Vietnamese phin drip and Vietnamese coffee, morning tai chi lessons, history tours of the Hanoi Hilton Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, cultural attractions such as a traditional puppet show and a cyclo tour, and a visit to a local pottery village.

Angkor Wat

A three-night extension on cruises that start and end in Bangkok, featuring a visit to Angkor Wat, exploration of Siem Reap to learn about the Khmer people and their craftsmanship, and visits to the Tonle Sap Lake stilt village and floating markets.

Chiang Mai

A three-night exploration of Northern Thailand’s cultural capital is available on cruises that start and end in Phuket. Guests can visit the famous mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, experience monk ceremonies, explore night markets and taste local specialities like Khao soi, and visit an elephant sanctuary to interact with and help care for the animals, which hold great cultural significance in Thailand.

Guests can also combine cruises into back-to-back Star Collector sailings, with itineraries ranging from 20 to 41 days. The longest voyage sails between Tokyo and Phuket. As a bonus, free daily laundry is provided so guests can pack light.

“We are thrilled to release these itineraries after many months of working with our local partners and visiting these destinations for research,” said Melissa Witsoe, Windstar’s senior product manager. “Windstar’s investment in destination development translates into unique, local and exciting experiences for our guests.”

– READ MORE: 8 small cruise lines for when you hate big ships –

What is Star Seeker like?

Windstar’s new build, Star Seeker, features 112 spacious suites, nearly all with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window that opens to let the breeze in, offering guests perfect views of the awe-inspiring sights outside.

Guests are encouraged to book as soon as possible for the best value and to secure their preferred suite. Windstar’s early booking offer includes a free all-inclusive experience (Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited select beer, wine and cocktails) plus up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom. The offer is valid until 31 May 2025.

– READ MORE: 6 unmissable destinations in Asia for your bucket list –