Want to jump from your ship into an infinity pool sea? There’s a cruise for that

Star Seeker, the first Star Class small ship for Windstar Cruises, has officially floated out of the building dock at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, marking its initial contact with water.

This maritime tradition signifies the transition from dry dock to waterborne status. While the ship’s exterior is complete, work continues on the interiors, including 112 elegant suites.

What’s onboard Star Seeker?

Star Seeker will feature five dining venues, a full-service spa with a striking grand entrance, a fitness centre and 12 spacious suites, with all but ten featuring either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

There’s even a revamped Watersports Platform that transforms the ocean into an infinity pool, allowing guests to access the sea directly from the ship.

Windstar cabins on Star Seeker

The suites aboard Star Seeker are designed to offer a sense of tranquillity, creating an oasis for relaxation. Light wood finishes and a calming colour palette of soft blues, greens and natural browns reflect the ship’s Star Class style, inspired by the sea, sky and surrounding landscapes.

A highlight of the accommodations is the new Horizon Owner’s Suites, located aft on Deck 7. These suites, the most luxurious aboard Star Seeker, feature wraparound balconies with breathtaking views—ideal for private dinners or sunset cocktails. For additional flexibility, they can connect with adjacent suites to cater to larger groups or multi-generational families.

The ship provides 12 suite categories, including 72 with expansive verandas and 30 innovative infinity suites with windows that open halfway for fresh sea breezes.

Unlike traditional cruise ships, Star Seeker has no interior cabins. Its 10 Oceanview suites, filled with natural light, include a walk-in mosaic glass shower and a queen bed that converts to twins. All suites have premium amenities, such as a fully stocked minibar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit and plush waffle-weave robes and slippers.

Guests staying in the four highest-tier suites — Horizon, Star, Classic and Deluxe — will also enjoy added touches, including Illy espresso machines, canapé service, and fresh flowers, enhancing the onboard luxury experience.

As for the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, these feature more vibrant hues, such as warm yellows, golds, and oranges, drawing inspiration from sunrises and sunsets.

Designed to accommodate 224 guests with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, the ship will maintain Windstar’s hallmark of personalised, intimate service.

When will Star Seeker sail?

Starting in December 2025, Star Seeker will debut with a voyage from Málaga to Miami, where its christening ceremony will occur in January 2026.

Where will Star Seeker go?

The ship’s inaugural sailings will explore the Caribbean before journeying along the U.S. West Coast to Alaska for a summer season. Following that, it will sail to Asia, reintroducing Windstar’s popular Around Japan itineraries.

The float-out ceremony was attended by Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest, along with Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects, John Gunner, who oversees the shipbuilding project. Gunner praised the dedication of the Portuguese shipyard team and Ferreira’s vision, noting the significance of this milestone.

“Seeing a ship come together and be at the point where she leaves dry dock for the sea is a memorable milestone in the life of a new build project,” says Gunner. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Mario’s passion and vision for ships which helped guide us to this momentous event today – the float out of a new, beautiful ship for Windstar.”

What other new ships does Windstar have?

Windstar will also debut Star Explorer, a sister ship to Star Seeker, in December 2026. Both ships feature ice-strengthened hulls, expanding access to remote destinations.

How sustainable are Windstar ships?

Equipped with advanced technology for safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing sonar, the ships reflect Windstar’s commitment to innovation.

Their Tier III NOx-rated Rolls Royce engines and shore power connectivity minimise port emissions, while advanced wastewater treatment systems meet stringent global standards. These sustainability-focused features ensure that tStar Seeker and Star Explorer provide unforgettable travel experiences with a reduced environmental impact.