Star Seeker
Star Seeker: Wide-ranging itineraries with small-ship intimacy
Snapshot
Star Seeker from Windstar Cruises is an all-suite, small-ship yacht designed to deliver a relaxed luxury experience with the access advantages of a compact vessel. With just 112 suites for a maximum of about 224 guests, the ship is aimed at travelers who want thoughtful onboard comforts without the crowds and long lines that can define contemporary megaship cruising.
Star Seeker sails a port-intensive mix of warm-weather islands, glacier country, and culture-rich Asia — a three-act debut that plays to Windstar's strengths.
On board, Star Seeker updates Windstar's Star Class formula with new and upgraded venues: the intimate, complimentary Basil + Bamboo specialty restaurant; a refreshed Amphora restaurant that now serves breakfast and lunch as well as dinner; and Windstar's social-hub Yacht Club that shifts from coffee and light bites by day to cocktails and conversation at night. A reimagined Marina, a full-service World Spa by Windstar, and generous open-deck space round out a ship built for scenic cruising and active days on the water.
Who will like sailing on Star Seeker
Star Seeker is well suited to travelers who prefer a quieter onboard atmosphere and a more intimate social scene. With a few hundred guests rather than a few thousand, the ship tends to feel clubby and familiar quickly — you'll recognize faces, staff will learn preferences fast, and the pace often feels like that of a boutique hotel.
The ship is a strong fit for cruisers who like off-the-beaten-path destinations and who value well-run, included dining and the kind of menu-driven flexibility Windstar is known for. The James Beard Foundation relationship and the introduction of Basil + Bamboo underscore a strategy of delivering premium culinary experiences aboard a small ship.
Active travelers will also appreciate the ship's emphasis on the outdoors: open decks for sightseeing, a Marina designed to get guests onto the water, and itineraries that emphasize nature and culture rather than amusement-park features. If your idea of a great day is kayaking near a quiet cove or watching glaciers drift by from a veranda, Star Seeker is built for you.
Where Star Seeker sails
Windstar features Caribbean voyages in early 2026, using its small size to call on a mix of headline islands and less-visited ports that larger ships often skip.
For the summer season, Star Seeker is slated to shift to Alaska sailings from May through August. The ship's open decks and small-ship maneuverability are well matched to Alaska's scenic cruising and wildlife spotting, and Windstar also layers in expedition-style programming in select areas.
In early fall 2026, Star Seeker is planned to reposition across the Pacific to Japan, operating versions of Windstar's "Grand Japan" style itineraries through the autumn season. The result is a ship whose calendar naturally follows the weather - Caribbean in the winter months, Alaska in summer, and Japan as temperatures cool.
What's included in your fare
A Windstar cruise fare covers your suite accommodations, meals in the ship's included dining venues, and a wide range of onboard entertainment and enrichment. Star Seeker's dining concept is intentionally not about dozens of restaurants; instead, it focuses on a handful of well-executed venues, including Basil + Bamboo, with an emphasis on quality and service.
Windstar's signature watersports platform and Marina program is another differentiator. On select itineraries and ports, guests may have complimentary access to equipment such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other Marina toys when conditions permit, which can turn a sea day or afternoon at anchor into an unexpectedly memorable highlight.
Connectivity, alcohol, and gratuities depend on the fare you select. Windstar offers an optional All-In / all-inclusive pricing model that bundles Wi-Fi, unlimited select beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities; other fares may treat those items as add-ons. Shore excursions are typically extra, though Windstar offers a range of ship-sponsored tours as well as independent options in port.
Dining options
Star Seeker's dining lineup centers on a handful of included venues with distinct personalities. Amphora is the signature dining room, designed for multi-course dinners with ocean views, and on Star Seeker it also expands into breakfast and lunch service with a mix of buffet and made-to-order selections — a welcome enhancement for guests who prefer a more traditional restaurant rhythm throughout the day.
Basil + Bamboo is the headline addition: a complimentary specialty restaurant blending Mediterranean and Asian influences in an intimate setting. Think of it as Windstar's answer to the modern fusion bistro — small, reservation-managed, and ideal for diners who enjoy layered flavors and creative presentations without the "upcharge" model common on large ships.
The Yacht Club acts as a day-to-night social engine. In the morning it functions as a cafe for coffee and light bites; later it becomes an easy place to drop in between port and dinner, and in the evening it transitions into a relaxed lounge with cocktails and conversation.
For something more open-air, Star Bar and Grill on the pool deck serves casual fare during the day and can shift into a more intimate, reservation-oriented dinner experience on select evenings. For guests who want to stay in, Windstar's complimentary in-suite dining program adds flexibility, including access to Amphora's dinner menu during dining hours.
Activities on board
Star Seeker is not built around big-ship attractions; instead, it focuses on the kind of experiences that complement port-intensive itineraries. Expect open decks designed for scenic viewing, quiet nooks for reading, and enough public space to spread out without the ship feeling empty.
A defining feature is the ship's reimagined Marina. When itinerary and sea conditions allow, Windstar can lower the platform to sea level and turn the ocean into a playground, with equipment such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available on select sailings. On Alaska deployments, Windstar pairs this concept with expedition-style touches, including expert guides and small-craft exploration in certain areas.
Wellness is another pillar. World Spa by Windstar brings a full-service spa and fitness focus to the ship, with a design that encourages guests to build restorative time into days that might otherwise be packed with tours and long walks ashore.
Finally, the best activity on a Windstar ship is often simply being in the right place at the right time — sipping coffee on deck as the ship approaches a small harbor, or watching a dramatic coastline slide past from your suite's veranda or picture window.
Entertainment
Entertainment on Star Seeker is designed to be restrained and tasteful rather than loud or late-night. Live music in lounges and public areas tends to set an upscale, conversational tone, and evenings often revolve around cocktails, music, and the day's shared stories from ashore.
Windstar's enrichment program is typically a better draw than flashy productions. Depending on the itinerary, you may find destination talks, cultural presentations, and visiting experts who provide context for the places you're about to explore — particularly valuable on Alaska and Japan itineraries.
The overall vibe is relaxed and yacht-like. If you are looking for Broadway-style shows, waterslides, or a casino culture, this is not that ship. If you want a ship where you can unwind with good music, good conversation, and a sense of place, Star Seeker delivers.
Staterooms
Star Seeker is all-suite, with 112 ocean-view accommodations. Nearly all suites feature either a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling "infinity window" that brings natural light and expansive views into the room, making the sea feel like part of your living space rather than something you visit only on deck.
Suite design emphasizes comfort and practical luxury: quality bedding, thoughtful storage, and the kind of layout that works both for a quick change before dinner and a slow morning with coffee and room service. The ship also introduces premium, larger-category suites for travelers who want more space and a more residential feel.
At the top end, Windstar highlights new Horizon Owner's Suites that pair floor-to-ceiling windows with wrap-around balconies, adding a substantial amount of outdoor living space for private dinners or sunset cocktails. For many guests, however, the key stateroom feature will be the simple ability to step outside or look out and immediately be connected to the destination.
Dress code
Windstar's dress code is best described as resort casual during the day and smart casual in the evening. You will see guests in comfortable, destination-appropriate clothing after excursions, and a simple change into nicer attire for dinner — think collared shirts, dresses, and polished separates rather than tuxedos and gowns.
There are typically no formal nights that require special wardrobe planning. If you enjoy dressing up a bit for dinner you will not feel out of place, but the prevailing mood is relaxed. Pack layers for cooler regions such as Alaska, and consider a light rain shell and good walking shoes for port days.
Reality check
Star Seeker's biggest strengths are also its trade-offs. With a small-ship footprint, you get access to smaller ports and a quieter onboard experience, but you should not expect the round-the-clock variety of a large resort ship. Dining and entertainment are curated rather than abundant, and that is by design.
Weather and sea conditions matter, particularly for Marina operations. The watersports platform is a highlight when it can be deployed, but it is always dependent on safety conditions and the itinerary's anchorage logistics.
Finally, pay attention to what is included in your specific fare. Windstar offers both cruise-only pricing and bundled options; if you care about Wi-Fi, cocktails, and gratuities being covered up front, choose the pricing model that matches how you prefer to vacation.
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
Interested in a cruise on Star Seeker? Contact a Cruiseable travel consultant at 1-877-322-3773, or by email, to get additional information and to find the best rates and value for your vacation dollar.
