Sarah Bretz, ContributorWindstar Cruises’ newest yacht, Star Seeker, has been floated out of the building dock, touching water for the first time. The construction milestone took place at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
A float out is a maritime tradition of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and floats for the first time. Construction of Star Seeker‘s exterior is now complete, but work continues on the interior of the vessel.
To commemorate the occasion, Star Seeker‘s float out ceremony included Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who is directing the ship building project for Windstar. Gunner was on site for the float out and provided remarks including thanking Ferreira for his support through the process and the team at the Portuguese shipyard for their dedication and craftsmanship.
“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.”
Star Seeker Details
Star Seeker, which is the first Star Class new build for the line, will feature 112 suites, five dining options, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform. The platform turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship.
Star Seeker will be able to hold 224 guests and have a staff to guest ratio of 1:2. It is set to enter service in December 2025, sailing from Málaga, Spain to Miami, Florida. The christening ceremony will take place in January 2026.
The ship will then sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the region before heading up the west coast for a full season of summer cruises in Alaska. From there, Star Seeker will sail to Asia, bringing back Windstar’s popular ‘Around Japan’ itineraries.
A sister ship to Star Seeker, Star Explorer, is set to debut in December 2026. Both vessels have ice-strengthened hulls, which will unlock access to new and far-flung destinations. They’re also equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar.
To minimize their environmental footprint and uphold Windstar’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power, which minimizes port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards.
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