For over a year, many of us have been keenly following construction progress Windstar’s Starfinder. The 224-passenger ship is the first new-build ship in the Star-class fleet and is highly anticipated. Listen and watch Windstar’s while studying renderings and reading various blogs and social media posts wind of change A podcast about the evolution of the ship – a fun way to follow the progress of the Star Chaser, you can’t really know what it is like, or rather what she is like, until you climb aboard.
I headed to Malaga for a week-long trial cruise on Star Seeker in mid-December, and the last time I was so excited to experience Windstar’s new style of sailing was after a few sails on my beloved Wind Surf, I was introduced to Star Pride, the first of three yachts, at my christening. She is one of three nearly identical yachts purchased from Seabourn and will join the fleet in 2014-2015 (Star Breeze and Star Legend are sister ships). The experience of this yacht proves to be quite different from its wind class counterparts (Wind Star, Wind Spirit and the aforementioned Wind Surf). Yet, still wonderful, still a wind star. In fact, six of my cruises in recent years have been on Star Cruises, from Tahiti to Iceland to the Mediterranean in the winter.
Then I learned that nothing can change the heart and soul of the Windstar experience, No matter which type of vessel you choose. Its staff are warm and genuine, thoughtful and outgoing, efficient and empathetic.
I learned that lesson again during our first few days. Onboard the Starfinder. It may represent a sleeker, more modern Windstar, but the range’s inherent warmth and comfort aren’t limited to the ship’s hardware or even its fantastic design. The warm welcome from so many familiar faces, the wonderful exchanges between crew and guests, and yes, its officers, reminded me that in addition to the new grounds and lovely earth-toned suites, the new marina experience, and the irresistibly comforting and innovative cuisine, Starfinder feels like Windstar Cruises has always done.
On our trial cruise along Spain’s Costa del Sol, I was still finding my sea capabilities. However, the first and lasting impression of the new Star Seeker is that it is an evolution of the Windstar experience I loved. Yes, there are new touches. Most suites have private balconies. There is more space to relax, especially outside. I like the layout of this ship, which basically concentrates the public areas on decks 4 and 7. However, as soon as I took my first steps on board, the Star Seeker quickly felt at home on the Windstar.
I can’t wait to hear about your experience with Star Seeker (feel free to elaborate in the comments section below).
In the meantime, here’s what you can expect.
First, some background on the evolution of Star Seeker
When Windstar signed on to expand its fleet with the Star Seeker and Star Explorer, which will be built at its Portuguese shipyard in late April 2026 (the ship will debut in December 2026), the company took over an expedition ship that was on the blueprint specifically designed for expedition routes. As we document in our records Starfinder Update Series BlogSince then, the Wind Star has gone through a series of modifications, from literally adapting its hull to incorporate a ducktail for a dock, to removing walls and rebuilding to suit the company’s style, such as its premier yacht club.
Amphora has a new look and more to come
Amphora was originally an evening restaurant on Windstar’s other star-rated ships, but now includes breakfast and lunch. Like Veranda during the day, it offers a combination of buffet and off-menu dishes. In the evening, just like Amphora’s elegant evenings, guests can order off the menu. One of the highlights of this Amphora is its spacious alfresco dining area.
Star Bar and Grill is a great alfresco dining venue
The Star Bar and Grill, tucked away on the pool deck, still offers buffet and off-menu breakfast and lunch options (I had a delicious “Windstar Reuben” there on a warm and sunny day while docked in Cartagena, Spain). There is also a made-to-order menu for lunch, where you can order burgers (both vegetarian and chopped), salads, chicken, etc.
By night, this atmospheric restaurant transforms into a reservation-only steakhouse-style restaurant with a menu inspired by Candles restaurants on Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Breeze. We’ll give it a try in a few days; I’ll report back.
Speaking of restaurants, Windstar revamped its menu
Having just cruised aboard Star Seeker last April, I loved seeing new menus, both new and old, at every Star Seeker dining venue (these menus are also being expanded to other restaurants in the Star Class fleet). Amphora’s Asian duck paired with delicate sweet and savory spices, Amphora’s Star Grill restaurant and the in-suite dining menu offering delicious new smash burgers, and Amphora’s freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast are some of my favorite new tweaks.
Love basil + bamboo
Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s new restaurant concept that fuses Mediterranean and Asian cuisine (“Mediterrasian”), is being rolled out across the fleet. The space on Star Seeker is about twice as big as on Star Legend and Star Breeze (though still intimate and comfortable), and it’s a pleasant, sunny space. On our first visit, the standout dishes were the most incredible bread and avocado butter, sashimi, nigiri and rolls, and crispy Brussels sprouts with Korean honey glaze. What was most interesting about trying the entrees was the inventive fusion of two cuisines: miso black cod with Spanish Iberian ham, and perfectly cooked beef chop with polenta and asiago (a Japanese-influenced citrus sauce).
One visit isn’t enough; we’ll be returning again during this trial to try some of the menu items we missed on the first go-round.
The yacht club receives a new mission
The Premier Yacht Club on board Star Legend, Breeze and Pride is the daytime venue, still offering casual breakfast and lunch grab-and-go (or sit-down) dishes, and of course coffee and tea. In Star Seeker, it gets an evolutionary makeover; popular elements like the puzzle table and bookshelf, which houses everything from board games to coffee table books, remain part of its personality. From a design perspective, the venue feels very spacious and spread out, and of course there are sweeping 180-degree views – as well as new skylights, which add even more light to the room.
What’s new is that it now extends its opening hours into the evening, and from 6pm it transforms into a lovely, low-key cocktail bar (there’s a grand piano playing music, but it’s definitely more low-key than the lounge entertainment). The lighting is gorgeous.
smooth
Originally designed for travel into the wilds of Antarctica and the Arctic, the Star Seeker is a very stable boat; even in the somewhat buoyant waters of the Mediterranean, it sails very smoothly.
The most notable difference among its suites is that most of them have balconies
Starfinder has 112 suites with panoramic ocean views, most of which have private stepped balconies or French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down halfway. Notably, the 548-square-foot Horizon owner’s suite is located aft and features a 248-square-foot wraparound balcony, separate bedroom, and living and dining space.
The 380-square-foot Star Suite features dedicated sleeping and living space, bathroom with separate shower and tub, and 110-square-foot balcony.
We loved our Vista Veranda, a 268-square-foot suite with a living area, loveseat, and a deep balcony. These are located on Deck 7 and are unique in that the 55 square foot balcony is roofless and open to the sky; perfect for stargazing.
It is worth noting that the bathrooms in the standard category are absolutely gorgeous, with a teak-like color scheme and the most beautiful curved mosaic tiled shower with rain shower head and body spray.
Bottom line?
When Captain Tom Schofield came aboard on November 17, it was a busy shipyard filled with workers eager to complete the project. That night at Amphora’s dinner, I asked him: Was there a moment when the Starfinder transformed from a ship under construction into a true wind star ship? He didn’t even need to think about his reaction.
He told me that when he arrived it was a noisy construction project, filled with shipyard workers working intensely to complete parts of the new ship. It wasn’t until early December, when Starfinder crews arrived to train and prepare the spacecraft for guests, that he felt a major shift in mood. “Our crew has a new, more relaxed energy on board,” he said, noting the team came out with smiles, hugs and anticipation for their new Windstar home. “It was from that point on that the Starfinder became more than just a ship, but became a member of the Windstar family.”