News & Articles
Remain informed of the latest news, developments and innovations. Access to some articles is based on your regional membership.
Filters
Clear Filters
Requires Login
-
Disney Believe Announced as Next Disney Cruise Line ShipDisney Believe Announced as Next Disney Cruise Line Ship
New details about the next Disney Cruise Line ship, including the vessel’s name and design theme, were announced today at the 2026 Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholders Meeting by Chief Executive Officer Josh D’Amaro during his historic first day at the helm of the company.Fittingly revealed during an exciting moment of optimism and transformation for the company, the next ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be named the Disney Believe, honoring the dreamers and doers who dare to pursue their own happily ever after.The Disney Believe is the fourth installment in Disney Cruise Line’s groundbreaking Wish class that has redefined family vacations at sea. A signature design feature of the Wish class is each ship’s distinctive motif — an imaginative theme that shapes every part of the guest experience, from live entertainment to venues and décor. Like its sister ships – the enchantment-themed Disney Wish, adventure-themed Disney Treasure and heroes and villains-themed Disney Destiny – the Disney Believe has its own unique story to tell: one of promise and possibilities.Filled with powerful stories of Disney characters who believe in themselves, in their dreams, and in the promise and possibility of a better tomorrow, the Disney Believe will bring to life the magical worlds of “Encanto” and “Frozen,” the wishing wells of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and the depths of the sea with “Moana” and “The Little Mermaid” like never before.There is more growth happening across Disney Experiences now than ever before in the company’s history. Joining the fleet during this unprecedented expansion, the Disney Believe builds on the Disney Cruise Line legacy of blending immersive storytelling with cutting-edge technology to create one-of-a-kind vacation experiences like only Disney can do. The ongoing expansion will grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031, including the Disney Adventure, which sailed its maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10; the Disney Believe, expected in late 2027; the introduction of a brand-new class of ships in 2029; and an agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to introduce Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029. 18 March, 2026 -
Scenic Group announces three new luxury river shipsScenic Group announces three new luxury river ships
Scenic Group has revealed it will launch three new luxury river ships in 2027 and early 2028. One Emerald Star-Ship will join the Emerald Cruises & Tours fleet, while Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will welcome two ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ships.The new vessels will operate across Europe and Asia, with bookings opening from today (March 9, 2026).Emerald Nova – launching June 2027 on the Douro RiverThe 112 guest Emerald Nova will be purpose-built for the Douro and join Emerald Radiance in Portugal. Nova will offer two itineraries: the 11-day ‘Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley’ and 8-day ‘Secrets of the Douro’, from March to November. The ship will call at destinations including Porto, Salamanca and offer active excursion options such as guided hikes and kayaking.Scenic Aria – launching September 2027 on the Douro RiverThe ultra-luxury 96-guest Scenic Aria will join Scenic Azure in Portugal, operating an 11-day ‘Unforgettable Douro’ and eight-day ‘Delightful Douro’ from March to November. The all-inclusive ship will call at destinations such as Regua and Pinhao and offer excursion options including tile painting and olive tasting at a Quinta.Scenic Spirit II - launching early 2028 on the Mekong RiverThe 68-guest Scenic Spirit II will cruise the Mekong River across Vietnam and Cambodia. The ship will call at the likes of Phnom Penh, Ankor Ban and Ho Chi Minh City, with excursion options including the infamous Killing Fields and a visit to a wet market.The announcements build on Scenic Group’s previously confirmed new ships, including Emerald Astra, launching in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and Emerald Lumi, debuting on the Seine in 2027.Combined with the launch of new luxury yachts Emerald Kaia from April 2026, Emerald Raiya in 2027 and Emerald Xara in 2028, as well as Scenic Ikon in 2028, means this commitment to build more new ships represents Scenic Group’s most significant fleet growth phase in nearly a decade.By early 2028, Scenic will have a river cruise fleet of 15 ships, while Emerald will have 11.Glen Moroney, Chairman & Founder, Scenic Group, said: “Our commitment to introducing three new river ships for the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands reflects our confidence in the strong demand for our unique approach to luxury cruising. With Scenic Ikon in build for delivery in 2028 and five Emerald Cruises yachts and river ships already confirmed, this announcement marks the next phase of our strategic fleet growth.“By bringing the design and construction of these new river ships under the expertise of our team at MKM Yachts, we can apply the same exact standards, innovation and design principles that have underpinned Scenic Group’s success for the past 40 years.” 09 March, 2026 -
February 2026 ReviewFebruary 2026 Review
A triple whammy new ship order buoyed the cruise industry’s strong start to 2026 while preparations to welcome this year’s new arrivals gathered momentum. As sales opened for bucket list voyages up to 2029, some lines boosted their destination credentials with an exciting line-up of add-on shore stays.Newcomers in the wings . . .It was the turn of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to hit the headlines with a three-ship order – one for each of its brands NCL, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises – taking its total to 17 new builds by 2037. This came as Oceania celebrated the keel-laying of new-generation Oceania Sonata which launches in August 2027. Lip-smacking novel dining is promised for Royal Caribbean International’s newest Icon-class ship Legend of the Seas launching in July, with 28 choices including the immersive train-themed Royal Railway – Legend Station and the Hollywoodland Supper Club promising showbiz-style glitz and glamour. Emerald Cruises is gearing up to debut 128-guest superyacht Emerald Kaia in the Mediterranean this April.River news flows inUniworld Boutique River Cruises has teamed up with sister brand Luxury Gold, which specialises in group tours, for a new programme of luxury Cruise & Tour packages in Europe next year, while Amadeus River Cruises revealed a second Rhine concert cruise with conductor and violinist André Rieu departing on January 4, 2027. Riverside Luxury Cruises hailed 2025 as a landmark year after doubling sales, scooping industry awards and expanding its trade presence, while Emerald Cruises was looking ahead to May as it revealed a first look at new arrival Emerald Astra, whose design has been inspired by the line’s luxury yachts.Epic voyages make their markHolland America Line released its 2027/28 Legendary Voyages series, with sailings spanning 26 to 47 days and including the first Caribbean-based Legendary Voyage that spends 28 days retracing historic Clipper routes through the region. Seabourn is promising the art of slow travel with a programme of ocean crossing between March 2026 and November 2027, while Explora Journeys opened reservations for its inaugural 128-day World Journey, called Endless Worlds and departing January 6, 2029. Windstar Cruises is offering 21 new itineraries across Tahiti, Asia, Latin America and more as part of its winter 2027/28 programme.Closer to homeSailings from UK shores have been buoyed by news that Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish will be coming to Southampton for the first time in summer 2027 with sailings of three to seven nights as part of its European debut. Ambassador Cruise Line confirmed the first season of ex-Portsmouth sailings from this April, while Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral is returning to Newcastle for a four-month stint this summer.Land ahoy!Cruise companies are turning their sights to shore stays with Azamara pushing destination immersion via an Alaska Cruisetours programme that accompanies its 2027 sailings in America’s frontier state. Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled a new collection of nearly 50 curated pre and post cruise land programmes starting this year, while Seabourn announced new UK shore excursions created with crime writer Ann Cleeves (of Vera and Shetland fame). Work on Silversea’s first 150-room hotel at the bottom of the world continues apace and the luxury line unveiled interiors of The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile. 03 March, 2026 -
Royal Caribbean Group expands vacation portfolio with new Discovery Class to be built at the Chantiers De L’Atlantique shipyard in FranceRoyal Caribbean Group expands vacation portfolio with new Discovery Class to be built at the Chantiers De L’Atlantique shipyard in France
Royal Caribbean Group has announced a series of agreements with the Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France to secure the construction of its highly anticipated Discovery Class ships that will redefine how Royal’s guests experience the world. The agreements include two firm ship orders with options for four additional ships. The first ship in the class is set to debut in 2029, while the second ship is scheduled to be delivered in 2032.“The Discovery Class represents our continued commitment to shaping the future of vacations. These ships will be a showcase of what’s possible when design meets purpose, ultimately bringing the world closer to our guests,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Through our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we are leveraging France’s world‑class shipbuilding ecosystem and new technology to, once again, reimagine the industry for decades to come.”This partnership builds on a legacy that began in 1985, when Chantiers de l’Atlantique constructed Royal Caribbean Group’s original Sovereign Class ships –Sovereign of the Seas,Monarch of the SeasandMajesty of the Seas– and continues today with groundbreaking ship classes, including Oasis Class, from game changingHarmony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ EdgeSeries, and now, Royal Caribbean’s new Discovery Class.“The Discovery Class introduces a bold new concept that puts our guests at the center of it all. It will deliver extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences — from cutting edge design to immersive moments — every detail crafted to surprise and delight guests in ways they’ve never imagined, all while visiting truly breathtaking destinations around the world,” added Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean.Chantiers de l’Atlantique, one of the world’s most renowned shipyards, has a long history of building industry leading ships. Over the past four decades, the shipyard has built a total of 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group, and the yard is currently building two more ships with Oasis 7 and Celebrity Xcite.“Royal Caribbean Group has been keenly focused on disrupting the vacation industry with their innovative and bold vacation offerings. Partnering with Jason and Michael to bring the Discovery Class to life is an opportunity to showcase the future of shipbuilding. Together, we are shaping a new generation of ocean vacations that will lead the industry toward a more innovative future,” said Laurent Castaing, Chief Executive Officer, Chantiers de l’Atlantique.With a differentiated ecosystem that includes a pipeline of multiple ocean and river ships over the next three years plus eight total land based destinations by 2028, unique vacation experiences, an innovative loyalty program, and a seamless digital ecosystem, Royal Caribbean Group is in the midst of revealing its multiyear portfolio of new vacation offerings that span ocean, river and land based vacations, solidifying its position as a vacation innovator.This collaboration strengthens Royal Caribbean Group’s global shipbuilding network and reinforces its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. The ship orders are contingent upon customary conditions. 05 February, 2026 -
Celebrity River Cruises Announces 10 More Ships, and Opens 2028 European Deployment With 80% More DestinationsCelebrity River Cruises Announces 10 More Ships, and Opens 2028 European Deployment With 80% More Destinations
Celebrity River Cruises has announced a commitment for 10 new ships that will expand its European river cruise fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. The announcement marks the start of construction, with the first steel cut forCelebrity Compass– the line's debut river ship. The expansion will make Celebrity River Cruises one of the largest European river cruise operators, offering more itineraries and destinations than ever before. The 2028 season is now open for booking, featuring an 80% increase in European destinations compared to the brand's inaugural 2027 deployment.To celebrate these milestones, Celebrity River Cruises opened its highly anticipated 2028 season for booking – offering more than 160 sailings to over 50 destinations across Europe. Guests can sail the Rhine to the vineyards of Alsace, follow the Danube to Budapest's centuries-old market halls, or wake up in Prague and end the day at a café in the heart of Vienna. Celebrity River Cruises launches in 2027 withCelebrity CompassandCelebrity Seeker, followed byCelebrity Wanderer,Celebrity Roamer, andCelebrity Boundlessjoining the fleet in 2028.“Guest demand for Celebrity River Cruises has exceeded our expectations, and expanding the fleet allows us to bring this highly anticipated experience to even more travelers,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, parent company of Celebrity Cruises. “Whether guests already love the Celebrity experience or are discovering it for the first time, they now have new ways to enjoy it along some of Europe’s most iconic rivers. With Celebrity’s expansion into river, we’re strengthening our connected vacation ecosystem, offering more choice, more access, and more reasons for guests to stay with us — turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”“Our inaugural 2027 Celebrity River Cruises season sold out in under six minutes – a testament to how much guests value the unmatched hospitality and service Celebrity delivers,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “To meet this extraordinary demand, we're thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80% more European destinations, five ships, and more than 160 itineraries. There are now more ways than ever to experience Europe's rivers The Celebrity Way.” 04 February, 2026 -
January 2026 ReviewJanuary 2026 Review
The powerful momentum of 2025 continued into the New Year with the latest financial updates exceeding expectations while Wave gathered pace, fuelling strong forward sales for 2026. Notable orders for ocean and river ships and ambitious new itineraries set a powerful pace for the year ahead.New ships, a new ship class . . .It was a big month for Royal Caribbean International with an order for two ships in the new Discovery Class for delivery in 2029 and 2032. The month saw construction start on the fifth Icon ship, debuting in 2028, and preparations for the next Icon class Legend of the Seas launching this summer. Norwegian Cruise Line opened sales for its largest vessel yet, Norwegian Aura, debuting in May 2027, while Explora Journeys revealed third ship, Explora III, will arrive ahead of schedule in July with a Mediterranean prelude voyage.. . . and a new approachIt’s adults-only from now on for Oceania Cruises which is only accepting over-18s on new reservations.Refresh and renewAzamara Cruises is promising a new era with the biggest fleet refresh in its history, dubbed Azamara Forward and debuting on Azamara Quest this December. Silversea’s Silver Muse emerged from its first major dry dock with a newly-installed SALT Kitchen and bar, while MSC Cruises is to upgrade private Bahamian island resort Ocean Cay with new guest experiences and an extended pier.Rivers are making wavesCelebrity River Cruises opened its 2028 season with another splash as it announced a further 10 river ships, doubling the fleet to 20 by 2031, and revealed that construction had started on first vessel Celebrity Compass. AmaWaterways unveiled a new brand identity, while Amadeus River Cruises launched its 2027 programme featuring new ship Amadeus Mira on the Rhine and Danube, plus 30 new excursions. Private experiences offering behind-the-scenes access are features of Scenic’s 2026/7 Asia sailings on the Mekong, while land tours in Laos and Japan are highlights of Emerald Cruises’ 2026/7 Asia programme.Looking ahead to 2027/28Princess Cruises is ramping up Europe sailings on Regal Princess with more combinable voyages and its most immersive European voyage ever with a 64-night Ultimate European Journey round-trip from Southampton. NCL’s winter 2027/8 deployment sees the return of its “Free at Sea Plus” amenities package, along with longer port stays and overnight calls particularly in Asia, Australia and New Zealand plus, for the first time ever, two of its newest ships homeporting in Puerto Rico. Carnival Cruise Line has Europe in its sights for 2027/28 with an expanded programme and its first North African ports in Tunisia and Morocco.Far flung fanciesPonant Explorations Group is stepping up its presence in French Polynesia this winter with two ships, Paul Gauguin and expedition vessel Le Jacques Cartier, plus new itineraries and ports of call, while Swan Hellenic has unveiled Indonesian diving expeditions on four of its winter 2026/7 Raja Ampat voyages on Minerva. Celestyal ships Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery are to sail from Athens to the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah this November as they reposition to the Arabian Gulf for winter, while MSC Cruises has revealed its first year-round South Caribbean sailings from new homeport La Romana in the Dominican Republic from November. 02 February, 2026 -
Trafalgar Expands River Cruise Portfolio with Trafalgar Harmonie and Best of the Seine with Paris & NormandyTrafalgar Expands River Cruise Portfolio with Trafalgar Harmonie and Best of the Seine with Paris & Normandy
Global guided holiday company, Trafalgar, continues to expand its river cruise portfolio with the introduction of Trafalgar Harmonie, sailing the Seine with a new itinerary, Best of the Seine with Paris & Normandy, debuting in April 2027.“As Trafalgar expands its river cruise fleet, debuting on one of Europe’s most iconic waterways is a natural next step,” said Damien O’Connor, Vice President, River Cruise, Trafalgar. “France remains a perennial favourite among our travellers, and this new Seine itinerary offers a fresh way to experience the destination through immersive river cruising, brought to life with Trafalgar’s signature experiences and storytelling.”Trafalgar Harmonie joins Trafalgar’s river cruise portfolio on the Seine, delivering warm, personalised service with a 3:1 guest-to-staff ratio and French culinary traditions showcased onboard. The intimate 126-passenger ship features an elegant design palette of soft blues, greens, and earth tones, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. With seven cabin categories and a river view from every stateroom, guests enjoy thoughtfully designed accommodations that support a relaxed, unhurried experience. Travellers can retreat to the privacy of their cabins or gather in the lounge or on the sundeck, taking in the ever-changing scenery as France reveals itself along the Seine.On shore, guests explore Paris and Normandy with Trafalgar’s experienced duo of Experience Director and Experience Manager, who bring each destination to life. Experiences include Be My Guest visits with local families at cider farms in Normandy and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Paris focused on preserving history and sustainable urban planning. Included highlights also feature Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the historic Normandy WWII beaches.The river itinerary structure allows travellers to seamlessly combine land and cruise itineraries, including Trafalgar’s Wonderful France and Villages of France, to truly experience the best of France from both the roads and the rivers. For those who prefer to explore independently, optional pre and post extensions in Paris are also available, with transfers included for a seamless start or finish to the journey. 22 January, 2026 -
AmaWaterways Unveils Rebrand, Inviting Travellers to “Follow Their Own Current”AmaWaterways Unveils Rebrand, Inviting Travellers to “Follow Their Own Current”
AmaWaterways has announced a refreshed brand identity that reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future. Now in its 23rd year and with 29 ships sailing across four continents, the company continues to lead the industry with its high-touch service and commitment to immersive travel experiences. Debuting publicly this month, the rebrand is designed to deepen AmaWaterways’ connection with guests and elevate the river cruising experience across its growing fleet and destinations.“Our rebrand reflects who we are today and where we are going”, said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “There is a warmth and elegance to the new colours, and a more authentic way in which we are expressing ourselves that feels true to the AmaWaterways spirit. We are bringing our personality, passion and sense of discovery to life more clearly than ever before. There is such an exciting momentum in river cruising right now and we want a brand that truly cuts through, that people feel connected to and know immediately what it stands for."A modernised visual identity anchors the rebrand, including a refined logo inspired by AmaWaterways’ musical heritage, a vibrant colour palette with destination-specific accents, and authentic imagery featuring real guests and crew. The refreshed look and feel reflects what travellers value most: premium comfort, authentic connection, and personal experiences onboard and ashore.Travelers and travel advisors can now explore AmaWaterways through a redesigned website, offering a more intuitive, engaging, and visually immersive way to explore AmaWaterways. The new site blends inspiring storytelling with streamlined functionality, helping users discover destinations, learn about on-board experiences, and plan their journeys with ease. From richer imagery and curated itinerary highlights to enhanced booking tools, the platform is designed to empower users to explore, dream, and connect with the world of AmaWaterways in a more meaningful way.This development comes at an exciting moment in AmaWaterways’ story, as the company accelerates its fleet expansion with over 40 ships planned by 2030. Highlights include two recently launched ships on the Magdalena River in Colombia, the imminent launch of AmaSofia on the Danube, the debut of a new ship on the Mekong River in 2027, the upcoming launches of AmaFiora and AmaRudi, the company’s second double-width ship also slated for 2027. Several major announcements are also expected in the coming months.AmaWaterways continues to craft experiences that leave a lasting impression, bringing fresh energy to the spirit of curiosity and connection that has guided the company for over two decades. At its core is a commitment to what moves each traveller, creating journeys that combine heartfelt service, human and cultural connections, and room for discovery. Every detail is designed to reflect the traveller, not just the destinations.“As one of the founders of AmaWaterways, it fills me with joy to see how beautifully our brand has grown while staying true to the spirit that inspired us from the very beginning,” said Kristin Karst, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Ambassador. “From our first sailings to the global community we cherish today, every step has been guided by a passion for heartfelt service, cultural connection, and creating spaces where travellers feel truly cared for. This refreshed brand identity celebrates how far we’ve come, and I am incredibly proud of the team that brought it to life. Looking ahead, I am more confident than ever in our future and excited for all the new journeys and meaningful moments we will share with our guests in this new era.” 21 January, 2026 -
Norwegian Cruise Line opens for sale its largest and most illuminating ship - the all-new Norwegian AuraNorwegian Cruise Line opens for sale its largest and most illuminating ship - the all-new Norwegian Aura
Norwegian Cruise Line(NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today unveiled and opened for saleNorwegian Aura™, the longest and largest vessel in its fleet, which will homeport in Miami beginning in June 2027 following her debut in Europe in late May 2027.Setting a new standard in size and scale forNCL'sfleet, Norwegian Aura will be almost 1,130 feetlong,169,000gross tons and will accommodate3,840guests at double occupancy. Norwegian Aura will be 10% larger than her predecessorsNorwegian Aqua®andNorwegian Luna™and has been thoughtfully designed to deliver curated, family-focused experiences, complemented with reimagined guest favorites. At the center of the action is the all-new Ocean Heights, an open-air activities complex that shifts from fun by day to a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere at night, creating a lively space for the whole family.Offering seven-day cruises to theCaribbean, each of Norwegian Aura's voyages in the region will visit eitherHarvest Caye, NCL's resort-style destination in Belize, orGreat Stirrup Cay, the Company's private island in the Bahamas, which recently received several enhancements. As of late 2025, all-new guest experiences opened on Great Stirrup Cay, including the Great Life Lagoon – a sprawling pool area with swim-up bars, premium loungers and a dedicated kids' splash area–as well as Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only area with a private bar and premium lounge seating. Later in 2026, ahead of Norwegian Aura's 2027 sailings, the island will debut the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides, industry-first cliffside jumps and a dynamic river, as well as new adventure excursions."We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world. With brilliance and connection at her core, the ship was created to give all guests the freedom to vacation their very own way – offering the chance to exhale, connect and effortlessly escape into the moment. We look forward to this next milestone and can't wait for guests to experience all that Norwegian Aura has to offer."Norwegian Aura is currently being built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri with interior designs across the ship created by world-class architects such as AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Studio Dado. 20 January, 2026 -
Windstar Welcomes Star Seeker with an Intimate Christening Celebration in MiamiWindstar Welcomes Star Seeker with an Intimate Christening Celebration in Miami
Yesterday, Windstar Cruises debuted its newest all-suite yacht, Star Seeker, with a splash at its Miami Christening Event on January 15th. Following the ceremony, Star Seeker departed on an 8-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. In 2026, Star Seeker will explore the Caribbean and Alaska before sailing to Japan and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on immersive travel in Thailand and Vietnam.The Christening EventLibby Anschutz—daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz—took center stage at Star Seeker’s christening ceremony to deliver a heartfelt message, offering well wishes for the yacht and all who will sail aboard. In a moment steeped in maritime tradition, she followed with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull, formally naming and welcoming Star Seeker to the fleet and underscoring the Anschutz family’s vision for warm, thoughtfully crafted journeys at sea. Libby’s role as Godmother continues a meaningful family connection to Windstar, echoing the christening of Star Pride by her mother Mrs. Nancy Anschutz. Libby’s sister Sarah Anschutz is set to christen Windstar’s second new ship, Star Explorer, June 2027 in London.Windstar's President Christopher Prelog kicked off the event with a reminder about what makes Windstar special and brings guests back. “It’s the way you feel when you are on board a Windstar ship. The smiles from the crew, the genuine conversation, the kindness and caring that flows through the ship every day. This is the Windstar culture that’s been part of the company since it began with two small sailing ships, and it continues today.”Star Seeker’s Captain Tom Schofield shared how meaningful it is to see a ship come alive once crew and guests come aboard and then introduced his senior officers and crew. Three current ship godmothers were notably present to welcome the new ship and godmother into the fold: Mrs. Louise Andren, godmother of Windstar’s first ship Wind Star and wife of founder Karl Andren; Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, godmother of Star Pride and wife of owner Phil Anschutz; Ms. Gloria Bohan, godmother of Star Legend, a travel industry leader. Pastor Bill White from Christ Journey Church provided a blessing for the ship before the evening concluded with a send-off firework show above the harbor.About Star Seeker in 2026Star Seeker is the first new build in the Star Class fleet, designed for just 224 guests and crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark style—intimate, immersive, and effortlessly elegant. It features 112 beautifully appointed accommodations—most featuring private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows, including two new aft-facing Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Designed for comfort and elegance, suites include walk-in mosaic glass showers, fully stocked mini-bars, and premium amenities in top-tier categories. Onboard, guests can enjoy five included dining venues, a full-service spa with a dramatic two-deck entrance, and a reimagined Marina with direct ocean access. In 2027, Star Seeker will revisit Alaska — with itineraries like 7-Day Scenic Alaska and 10-Day Alaskan Splendor— and Japan with its 10-Day Grand Japan itinerary, the introduction of a new Destination Discovery Event in Tomonoura, and the addition of a brand-new Mystery Cruise.Looking Ahead: Star ExplorerStar Explorer, the sister ship to Star Seeker, debuts in December 2026, bringing Windstar’s signature small-ship style to some of Europe’s most captivating, and hard-to-reach, destinations year-round. Carrying just 224 guests, Star Explorer is designed to sail where larger ships simply can’t, gliding into river ports and city centers like London on the Thames, Bordeaux, Rouen, and Caen, while also exploring the British Isles, Ireland, the Baltics, Norway’s fjords, France, Northern Spain, and Portugal. Her itineraries are deeply immersive and port-intensive, with longer stays and overnights in destinations such as Stockholm, Tallinn, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, and Biarritz, plus Windstar firsts like Puerto Banús, the marina gateway to Marbella. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed and refined—mirroring Star Seeker—with 112 spacious suites, many with either private verandas or infinity windows, including two new Horizon Owner’s Suites, World Spa by Windstar, and Windstar favorites like Yacht Club Café, Basil + Bamboo, Amphora, and the signature Marina with complimentary watersports, open dining, and a warm, attentive crew. 20 January, 2026