An Inside Look at Windstar Cruises Newest Ship: Star Seeker

With Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises delivered a thoughtful, elegant gift to travel advisors who curate experiences clients remember.

Denella Ri'chard Published January 22, 2026

I was in Miami for the christening of Star Seeker, Windstar’s first newbuild and first new ship since 2015, and the energy on board said everything. Advisors. Media. Industry insiders. Everyone leaning in. Because we all knew — we were stepping onto something special.

This wasn’t just the launch of a new ship; with Star Seeker, Windstar Cruises delivered a thoughtful, elegant gift to travel advisors who curate experiences clients remember — and thank them for later.

With the Miami skyline glowing behind her, Star Seeker felt exactly where she belonged. Modern. Elegant. Confident. Not flashy. Not overdone. Just right.

And yes, she has a godmother — Libby Anschutz, daughter of Windstar owner Phil Anschutz.

This Is the Kind of Ship Clients Thank You for Later

As I toured the yacht, what struck me immediately was how serene and tranquil I felt on board. The interior design is ocean-inspired in the best way — soft blues, natural tones and a flow that feels peaceful instead of busy. This is the ship you put your “I don’t want crowds, noise or chaos” clients on.

Now… the men on my tour? They were deep into the Tier III NOx-rated Rolls-Royce engines and pump-jet thrusters. And honestly, I loved that. Because that’s Windstar — beautiful on the surface, serious performance underneath.

Suites, Food and Spa Time — Yes, Please

Star Seeker is designed to carry 224 guests in 112 ocean-view suites, and nearly all of them have either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window. Translation: light, views and fresh air everywhere. Two new Horizon Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies? Absolute showstoppers — perfect for milestone birthdays, anniversaries or your “I want the best” clients.

And let’s talk food. I was genuinely excited to see Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s new complimentary Mediterranean-Asian restaurant. Fresh, flavorful and globally inspired — this is the kind of dining that becomes part of the travel story your clients will rave about.

Sea days are everything to me, so I made a beeline for WorldSpa by Windstar — and it did not disappoint. The upper-level access, thoughtful wellness and fitness spaces and that unmistakable you can exhale now energy set the tone. With private massage rooms, a full hair and beauty salon, a peaceful relaxation area and a dry sauna, this is the kind of spa that becomes the reason clients book the ship.

One of My Favorite Windstar Moments — Every Time

Windstar remains one of the only cruise lines that offers an open bridge. Yes, guests can walk in, say hello to the captain, and watch the world unfold from the front of the ship.

And yes… I absolutely sat in the captain’s chair. No regrets.

This is the kind of experience that makes guests feel connected — not just entertained.

Caribbean Sun, Alaskan Ice & Asian Wonders

Star Seeker will sail her inaugural Caribbean season — Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, San Juan — with calls on Îles des Saintes, Bequia, Mayreau, Pigeon Island, plus immersive stops in historic cities like Santo Domingo and Cartagena.

From there, she heads to Alaska, Japan and Southeast Asia. And if you’re thinking ahead, her identical sister ship, Star Explorer, debuts in December 2026 in the Mediterranean.

As my evening onboard ended, I honestly wished I was one of the guests cruising on to the Caribbean. That’s always my test — Do I want to unpack and go? With Star Seeker, the answer was yes.

My Personal Recommendation to You

I’ve sailed Windstar in Tahiti and the winter Mediterranean, and now I’m officially adding Southeast Asia and the Caribbean from Miami onboard Star Seeker to my own must-sail list.

So here’s my recommendation:

Add Star Seeker to your 2026 and 2027 recommendations
Position her for clients who want luxury without pretension
Sell the experience, not just the yacht

And yes remember…she’s a yacht…not just a ship!

Windstar continues to deliver on its promise — 180 Degrees From Ordinary — and Star Seeker is proof.

Be one of the first advisors to introduce her to your clients. And if you’re new to Windstar, take a look at my previous coverage and TV episodes on Tahiti and the Winter Mediterranean — it’ll give you even more confidence when you make the recommendation.

Click here to watch my experience onboard Star Seeker
Click here to watch and read about my experience onboard Windstar Cruises Winter Mediterranean
Click here to watch and read about my experience onboard Windstar CruisesTahiti

Be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About the Author

Denella is the host and executive producer of the award-winning, nationally syndicated (ABC, CBS, NBC, CW) and globally streaming television show, “Traveling With Denella Ri’chard”, which won two, 2023 Silver Telly Awards for “best cultural and diversity television series” and two Magellan GOLD Awards (2023), one for her partnership with Disney Cruise Line. Denella was recognized by International Hospitality Institute and Global Hospitality Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in USA Hospitality and Travel for 2023.

With her unique blend of Southern charm, humor and hospitality, Denella Ri’chard is a world traveler, TV personality, travel industry executive, travel lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur. Her uncanny ability to connect with people at all levels inspires them to experience the beauty and abundant culture that travel offers. Yet beneath her powerful influence, she is both authentic and accessible. Her ability to engage her audience in life-changing experiences allows them to walk in the footprints of her journeys.

Denella is a sought after travel expert and thought leader, often speaking at conferences on the future of travel, women in travel, and diversity in travel. She previously held leadership positions with publicly traded multi-billion dollar travel companies: Hilton Worldwide, Carnival Corporation & Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.