A brand new class of cruise ships, which will debut late next year, touched water for the first time this week when the first vessel was floated-out.
The float-out for Windstar Cruises’ new ship, Star Seeker, took place at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
A ship’s float-out marks a significant construction milestone as the exterior of the vessel is completed. The interior will now be completed on the 112 suite cruise ship.
Star Seeker is the first Star class ship and will enter service in December 2025. A second ship, Star Explorer, is expected to enter service a year later in late 2026.
Star Seeker will start off by sailing from Spain to Miami where the vessel will be christened. The ship will spend some time offering cruises to the Caribbean before heading to Alaska for the summer season.
Star Seeker and Star Explorer will both have ice-strengthened hulls allowing the ships to sail to more remote destinations.
The ships are 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 the cruise line’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions.
In addition, the ships will have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards.
Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects, John Gunne, gave the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
Windstar Cruises is a small ship cruise line with vessels that carry between 148 to 342 guests. They were recently voted the #1 boutique cruise line.
