WestSea Viana floats out Windstar Cruises' Star Seeker

WestSea Viana Shipyard floated out Star Seeker, the first Star-class newbuild for Windstar Cruises.

The ship, initially commissioned by Portugal's Mystic Invest for its Atlas Ocean Voyages, is scheduled to enter service for Windstar in December 2025.

Windstar's John Gunner, right, thanked Mystic Invest's Mário Ferreira, left, for his 'passion and vision' PHOTO: WINDSTAR CRUISES

Mário Ferreira is thanked

The float-out ceremony was attended by Mário Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and Windstar’s VP Expansion Projects John Gunner, who is directing the newbuilding for Windstar. Gunner thanked Ferreira for his support throughout the process and the Viana do Castelo shipyard team for their dedication and craftsmanship. 

On what he called a 'memorable milestone,' Gunner expressed his gratitude for 'this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar' and for Ferreira's 'passion and vision for ships which helped guide us to this momentous event today.'

Windstar plans to introduce a sister to Star Seeker, Star Explorer, in December 2026. Star Explorer currently operates as World Explorer. The 2019-built ship was the first in Mystic's expedition newbuilds series.