Sarah Bretz, ContributorSmall ship cruise line Windstar Cruises announced today that it’s planning to operate its newest vessel, Star Seeker, in Alaska and Japan when it joins the fleet in 2026.
Windstar most recently sailed in Alaska and Japan last year, before redeploying Star Breeze to be the year-round ship in Tahiti. “We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests,” said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “We know these are popular destinations, and we have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer.”
Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August in seven, 10, and 11-day voyages between Juneau or Seward, Alaska and Vancouver. Pre and post-cruise land tours to Denali will be available as well.
In Alaska, Windstar will employ expedition leaders on board to lead its Signature Expeditions as it did during previous Alaska seasons. To explore remote wilderness areas such as the Misty Fjords, guests can book hiking, kayaking, and skiff small-group expeditions through the cruise line. Expedition leaders will also give presentations on the ship to bring Alaska’s rich history, culture, flora, and fauna to life.
After departing Alaska in late August, Star Seeker will sail to Japan to begin the line’s popular 10-day Grand Japan voyages sailing between Tokyo and Osaka. The vessel will remain in Japan through November.
In April, Windstar Cruises announced the addition of two new ships — Star Seeker and Star Explorer — to its fleet of boutique yachts. Each will have 112 suites for a guest capacity of 224 and will be similar to the line’s current Star Class motor yachts. Star Seeker is scheduled for a December 2025 delivery, while Star Explorer is set to be delivered in December 2026.
Windstar plans to have Star Seeker‘s new deployment details online and bookable this August.
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