New Windstar ship keeps it small but chic

If huge ships fill you with horror but you like the idea of more intimate cruises then small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has just unveiled a first look at its Star Seeker - a 224-guest ship that will debut in January of 2026.

Star Seeker will have just 112 suites, with all but 10 featuring either a private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window.

The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship.

“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquillity in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, vice-president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises.

“We used light wood and a soothing colour palette of light blues, greens, and natural browns - elements that reflect our Star Class style.

“Inspired by the sea, sky, and landscapes, these colours and textures create a serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. In the ship’s public spaces and restaurants, you’ll find more vibrant hues inspired by sunrises and sunsets, including warm yellows, golds, and oranges, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort throughout the ship.”

Star Seeker features two Horizon Owner’s Suites, a new suite category for the line. Each comes with a wrap-around balcony.

There will be 12 different accommodation types to choose from, many allowing for triple occupancy.

As on all Windstar ships, there are no interior cabins.

Star Seeker is under construction in Portugal. The maiden voyage will be a Transatlantic sailing from Malaga to Miami.

More at https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

The smaller the better when it comes to cruising?

I am not a big fan of those mega-sized cruise ships that are bigger than a shopping mall - particularly in the age of Covid.

I am much more tempted by small ship cruises, or my favourite, river cruises, with small numbers of passengers and no long lines to get on and off board at each port.

One such small craft, Windstar Cruises’ 312-passenger, all-suite Star Breeze yacht, is making its first-ever visit to Australia. It began in Sydney, embarking on a 13-day privately chartered cruise to Melbourne, arriving on December 4.

The charter cruise kicks off several weeks of Australia-based sailings for the small ship cruise line.

Itineraries include first-time ports in Mooloolaba and Phillip Island.

Windstar will leave Australia on February 7, 2023, returning in December, 2023.

I'll be jumping on board to take a look in a couple of weeks' time.

“In addition to expected Australian tourist highlights like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, Windstar strives to take its guests down the road less travelled to immerse them in the region’s history, traditional culture, and incredible wine country,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog.

“Windstar goes to rarely visited small ports like Thursday and Middle Percy islands, and offers a series of thoughtfully curated shore excursions ranging from meeting with researchers at the Lizard Island Research Station to sampling Tasmania’s finest produce.

"We are all about getting our guests away from the crowds, up close with wildlife, and tasting the best flavours of the region.”

Windstar’s next Australian itinerary Tasman Sea Treasures: New Zealand Fjords & Southern Australia departs Melbourne on December 4, sailing to Auckland over 14 days.

On December 18, the Wildlife & Wines of New Zealand itinerary operates from Auckland to Christchurch, followed by the reverse on December 30.

Another Tasman Sea Treasures cruise departs on January 10 from Auckland to Melbourne, followed by a Melbourne to Cairns journey on January 25 called Deep Dive Down Under: the Great Barrier Reef & Beyond. 

All sailings take place on Windstar’s newly renovated Star Breeze.

The yacht was cut in half/lengthened with 50 new suites and has two new restaurants, a spa/fitness centre, and more efficient engines, among other improvements.

More details on Windstar’s Australia and New Zealand itineraries can be found here: www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand/