Windstar Cruises has formally taken possession of Star Seeker, its latest all-suite yacht, following a handover ceremony on Monday, December 15 on the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. The 224-guest yacht is the primary new construct in Windstar’s Star Class and marks a significant milestone within the small ship cruise line’s ongoing fleet growth.
The ceremony formalized the switch of possession. Representing Windstar had been President Chris Prelog, Chief Working Officer Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Business Officer Janet Bava and Vice President of Growth Tasks John Gunner, who oversaw the shipbuilding program. Additionally in attendance had been Captain Tom Schofield and his staff who’ve been instrumental in making ready Star Seeker for supply, reflecting the dedication and experience of Windstar’s crew—a necessary a part of the model’s visitor expertise. They had been joined by senior representatives of the Portuguese shipyard that introduced the yacht to life.
“Taking supply of a brand new ship is among the most significant moments in a shipbuilding journey,” says Prelog. “From the float out to the handover, we’ve seen Star Seeker take form with extraordinary craftsmanship. The WestSEA staff and Mario Ferreira with Mystic Cruises staff have been unimaginable companions all through this course of, and our crew, led by Captain Schofield, has labored tirelessly to make sure the yacht is delivered in distinctive situation. We can not wait to welcome company aboard in just some brief weeks.”
“Watching Star Seeker evolve from idea to completion has been some extent of delight for everybody at WestSEA,” says Ferreira. “Windstar challenged us to construct a yacht that would attain new locations, ship distinctive consolation and function responsibly. We’re proud at hand her over as we speak understanding she’s going to convey company nearer to the world in methods solely a small ship can.”
Star Seeker now enters its remaining preparations forward of its December 2025 debut, starting with a Maiden Voyage from Málaga, Spain, departing December 28 and crusing throughout the Atlantic to Miami, now dwelling to Windstar Cruises’ company headquarters. A christening ceremony is scheduled to happen on January fifteenth, 2026. Star Seeker will then enterprise to the Caribbean for a celebratory inaugural season earlier than its extremely anticipated return to Alaska and Japan later within the yr.
In Different Windstar Information….
Windstar has introduced that Libby Anschutz can be Star Seeker’s godmother when the ship is christened on January 15. The function of a ship’s Godmother is rooted in maritime custom, a symbolic gesture meant to convey luck, safety, and easy crusing to the vessel and all who journey aboard.
As a part of the official christening ceremony on January 15 in Miami, Libby will take middle stage to ship the Godmother’s blessing providing heartfelt needs for Star Seeker and all those that will sail aboard. In step with maritime custom, Anschutz can even carry out the ceremonial breaking of a Champagne bottle in opposition to the yacht’s hull, formally naming and blessing Star Seeker earlier than it units sail.
Libby, daughter of Windstar’s proprietor Phil Anschutz, brings a deeply private connection to the yacht. Her involvement displays the household’s enduring imaginative and prescient for Windstar: creating heat, welcoming journeys the place each element feels thoughtfully thought of. Persevering with this household custom, her sister Sarah Anschutz can be named Godmother of Star Explorer when she debuts in 2026.
Libby and Windstar President Christopher Prelog toured the shipyard in November to see the placing vessel firsthand. Anschutz shared, “Seeing Star Seeker for the primary time was an unforgettable expertise—the design, heat, and a focus to element all felt distinctly Windstar,” says Anschutz. “I’m honored to function Godmother and look ahead to celebrating this unimaginable new chapter with the staff and our company in January.”
“Having the Anschutz Household so deeply engrained within the debut of Star Seeker is a unprecedented honor and a deeply private milestone for all of us at Windstar,” mentioned Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “Libby’s function as Godmother brings coronary heart, creativity, and a real connection to what we do, and her blessing of our latest yacht makes this new chapter much more significant.”
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