Windstar Cruises will add two more ships to its fleet, growing capacity by 30%.
The two ships, to be acquired from Mystic Invest, will free up Windstar to move a second ship to French Polynesia in 2027, doubling its presence in a high-demand market.
The Star Seeker is under construction at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal. Originally named the World Seeker, the ship was initially ordered for Mystic Invest's Atlas Ocean Voyages. Delivery is expected in December 2025.
The Star Explorer, which is currently known as the World Explorer and is sailing a charter for Quark Expeditions, will join Windstar's fleet in December of 2026.
"It's the right amount of growth for Windstar. We're staying true to our core, which is between 150 and 340 guests. These will have 226," said Windstar president Chris Prelog. He said travel advisors will appreciate the size when looking for charter opportunities.
Both ships will be equipped with ice-strengthened hulls, giving the line flexibility to cruise to new destinations. The ships will be able to connect to shore power.
Each ship will have two new Owner's Suites with wraparound balconies on the aft of the ship. The ships will also have a watersports platform with staircase access, a two-story spa and fitness facility, and a forward whirlpool at the bow.
The interior design for the ships will take inspiration from Windstar's multimillion-dollar redesign of its three sailing ships, which is expected to be complete in 2026.
The French Polynesia expansion enables Windstar to bring back one of its Wind-class sailing ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti. The Wind Star will join the Star Breeze in 2027, giving travelers a choice of ship types in French Polynesia.
Itineraries and booking details for the Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024, Windstar said.