Windstar to return to Alaska and Japan with new ship
Harry KembleWindstar Cruises will base its incoming new-build Star Seeker vessel in Alaska and Japan after it is delivered to the line in December 2025.
The small-ship line last sailed in Alaska and Japan in 2023 before it decided to redeploy Star Breeze in Tahiti throughout the year.
The 112-suite Star Seeker ship will sail Alaska from May through August 2026 on seven-, 10- and 11-day cruises between Juneau or Seward and Vancouver. Land tours to Denali will be available to passengers both pre- and post-cruise.
Expedition leaders will join Windstar’s Signature Expeditions as they did on previous Alaska deployments. They will give presentations on Star Seeker to bring “Alaska’s rich history, culture, flora and fauna to life”.
Customers can book hiking, kayaking and skiff expeditions which are led by expert guides to “provide context during the journey”.
In late August 2026, Star Seeker will sail to Japan to start the line’s 10-day Grand Japan cruises sailing between Tokyo and Osaka. It will remain in Japan through November.
Star Seeker’s departures in Alaska and Japan will go on sale in early August.
Windstar president Christopher Prelog said: “We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests.
“We know these popular destinations and we have many people asking us to return there.”
He added: “The immersive, small group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska programme and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska.
“Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.”
In April, Windstar announced the addition of Star Seeker and Star Explorer to its fleet of boutique yachts.
Each will have a guest capacity of 224 and will be similar to the line’s current Star Class motor yachts.
Star Seeker will be delivered to Windstar in December 2025 and Star Explorer in December 2026.
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Harry Kemble
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