Windstar Welcomes Star Seeker With Intimate Christening
Windstar Cruisesdebuted its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, with a splash at its Miami Christening Event yesterday (15th January). Following the ceremony,Star Seeker departed on an eight-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. In 2026, Star Seeker will explore the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Japan and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on immersive travel in Thailand and Vietnam.
The Christening Event
Libby Anschutz – daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz – took centre stage at Star Seeker’schristening ceremony to deliver a heartfelt message, offering well wishes for the yacht and all who will sail aboard. In a moment steeped in maritime tradition, she followed with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull, formally naming and welcoming Star Seeker to the fleet and underscoring the Anschutz family’s vision for warm, thoughtfully crafted journeys at sea. Libby’s role as Godmother continues a meaningful family connection to Windstar, echoing the christening of Star Pride by her mother Mrs. Nancy Anschutz. Libby’s sister Sarah Anschutz is set to christen Windstar’s second new ship, Star Explorer, in June 2027 in London.
Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog kicked off the event with a reminder about what makes Windstar special and brings guests back. “It’s the way you feel when you are on board a Windstar ship. The smiles from the crew, the genuine conversation, the kindness and caring that flows through the ship every day. This is the Windstar culture that’s been part of the company since it began with two small sailing ships, and it continues today.”
Star Seeker’s Captain Tom Schofield shared how meaningful it is to see a ship come alive once crew and guests come aboard and then introduced his senior officers and crew. Three current ship godmothers were notably present to welcome the new ship and godmother into the fold: Mrs. Louise Andren, godmother of Windstar’s first ship Wind Star and wife of founder Karl Andren; Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, godmother of Star Pride and wife of owner Phil Anschutz; Ms. Gloria Bohan, godmother of Star Legend, a travel industry leader. Pastor Bill White from Christ Journey Church provided a blessing for the ship before the evening concluded with a send-off firework show above the harbour.
About Star Seeker in 2026
Star Seeker is the first new build in the Star Class fleet, designed for just 224 guests and crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark style – intimate, immersive and effortlessly elegant. It features 112 beautifully appointed accommodations – most featuring private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows, including two new aft-facing Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Designed for comfort and elegance, suites include walk-in mosaic glass showers, fully stocked mini-bars, and premium amenities in top-tier categories. Onboard, guests can enjoy five included dining venues, a full-service spa with a dramatic two-deck entrance and a reimagined Marina with direct ocean access. In 2027, Star Seeker will revisit Alaska – with itineraries like seven-day Scenic Alaska and 10-day Alaskan Splendor – and Japan with its 10-day Grand Japan itinerary, the introduction of a new Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura and the addition of a brand-new Mystery Cruise.
Looking Ahead: Star Explorer
Star Explorer, the sister ship to Star Seeker, debuts in December 2026, bringing Windstar’s signature small-ship style to some of Europe’s most captivating, and hard-to-reach, destinations year-round. Carrying just 224 guests, Star Explorer is designed to sail where larger ships simply can’t, gliding into river ports and city centres like London, Bordeaux, Rouen and Caen, while also exploring the British Isles, Ireland, the Baltics, Norway’s fjords, France, Northern Spain and Portugal. Her itineraries are deeply immersive and port-intensive, with longer stays and overnights in destinations such as Stockholm, Tallinn, Bordeaux, San Sebastián and Biarritz, plus Windstar firsts like Puerto Banús, the marina gateway to Marbella. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined – mirroring Star Seeker – with 112 spacious suites, many with either private verandas or infinity windows, including two new Horizon Owner’s Suites, World Spa by Windstar, and Windstar favourites like Yacht Club Café, Basil + Bamboo, Amphora and the signature Marina with complimentary watersports, open dining and a warm, attentive crew.
Need to Know
- There are multiple Star Seeker sailings in 2026 to explore:
How To Book
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, contact the Cruise Monkeys Travel team today.
