Last Updated on 06/10/26 by Rose Palmer
My first experience on a Windstar ship truly spoiled me. I’ve wanted to do a Windstar cruise for a long time, and what better start than a cruise to Alaska on the brand new Star Seeker.
The Windstar Star Seeker is considered a mega yacht due to its small size. The company motto is “180 degrees from ordinary”, and that is exactly what I experienced.
After staying at the lovely Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel overnight, I boarded the Star Seeker in Vancouver for the start of my Alaskan cruise. Embarkation was quick and uneventful. Once I was on board, I checked in at the reception desk and received my room key.
It wasn’t long before I found my cabin, dropped off my backpack, and went out to explore this beautiful new ship. First, though, I stopped by deck 4 to make dinner reservations for Basil and Bamboo and for the Star Grill. I also stopped by the excursions desk to book the excursions I had chosen.
My Windstar Star Seeker review
I wrote all about the Star Seeker Alaska experience in my post Sailing Off the Beaten Path on a Windstar Cruise to Alaska. This post is a review of my Stark Seeker shi experience.
The stats:
Year built: 2025
Number of staterooms: 112
Passenger capacity: 224
Number of crew: 130
My sailing was about three-fourths full with 173 passengers, but the ship never felt crowded. Though the majority of the guests were from the US, other countries were also represented. Along with Americans, there were also Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Spanish, British, and Dutch nationals.
My veranda cabin on the Star Seeker
Guest cabins were located on decks 3, 5,6, and 7. The 10 cabins on deck 3 were all Oceanview cabins, while all the other cabins were either Veranda Suites with traditional balconies or Infinity Suites with floor-to-ceiling infinity windows that open to the outside.
I had a Veranda Suite at the front of deck 5. At 280 square feet (26 square meters), it was plenty roomy for me. My room had a queen bed, which could be converted into two twins, and a large flat screen TV that offered a nice selection of on-demand movies and TV (if I wasn’t looking at the scenery outside my balcony).
On the balcony end of the room, I had a desk with two drawers where I could easily work on my laptop. Under the fridge was a well-stocked mini fridge with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I also had an easy chair and a small coffee table, which was perfect for enjoying room service meals.
My cabin had everything I needed to be comfortable, plus many extras. One side of the closet held robes, slippers, and an umbrella, and had room to hang longer items. The larger part of the closet had two drawers, a safe, a small hair dryer, and plenty of hangers and hanging space for all my clothes. My empty luggage fit easily under the bed.
On each nightstand, I had a refillable bottle of water and a glass. There was also a European-style outlet for charging my electronics. The wall next to the TV had European and American-style outlets, while the desk held USB ports and more electrical outlets.
details
; bathroom L’Ocitaine soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner and bath gel, lighted magnifying make up mirror,shower wand, rain shower head and three body sprays in the shower, decent size glass enclosed shower, marble lined bathroom, european outlets by each side of the bed and in bathroom, european and 2 universal outlets next to TV, USB A and USB C, european and universal outlet on the desk. crisp white duvet cover, two types of pillows, more firm foam and softer down/feather, large TV, tissues in the room and the bathroom; balcony had tow chairs with pads and pillow and outdoor towels
The thermostat had good temperature control and heated or cooled the room as needed.
The bathroom space was one of the largest I have had on a cruise, especially the shower. The shower and sink area were separate from the toilet stall. Along with high-end shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, there was also a wet clothes line in the shower.
I also had a makeup mirror along with storage drawers and shelves in the bathroom, which gave me plenty of storage space. The hot water always had good pressure, which I also appreciate.
The last space I enjoyed was the private, covered balcony with two chairs and a small table. It was a great spot to watch the enormous table-top icebergs as they passed by.
Public spaces on the Star Seeker
Balancing out the cabins, the Star Seeker also had a variety of public spaces for activities, lectures, eating, and lounging. Two elevators made it easy to access all the decks for those who didn’t want to climb the stairs.
Deck 3
Midship
Tender embarkation – we used a set of stable stairs and a platform on the side of the ship to board the tender boats and the Zodiacs.
Aft
Watersports platform – in warm weather locations, this platform is used for easy access to watersports. In Alaska, this platform was not used during my cruise.
Deck 4
This deck was the heart of the ship, providing the majority of the indoor public spaces.
Forward to aft:
World Spa– the spa was accessed from deck 5 forward, but the treatment rooms were on deck 4. There was a relaxation area, a beauty parlor, treatment rooms, and a sauna. I had a very relaxing facial one afternoon, which was lovely.
Lounge – this large space was the main gathering spot on the ship. I attended lectures here and various entertainment events, along with the Captain’s welcome cocktail reception. This was also where we gathered in groups before heading out on excursions.
The lounge had a very well-stocked bar, and the staff was always eager to bring drinks.
Medical facility – fortunately, I had no personal experience here.
Reception – I checked in at reception when I first boarded the ship and came here with my questions, which were promptly addressed.
The Landing – another small sitting area with a coffee and tea station. There were also spigots where I could fill my water bottle with plain or sparkling water.
Destination desk – future Windstar cruises could be booked here.
Fitness Center – small exercise room with treadmills and weight-lifting equipment.
Shop – a small space with a nice selection of clothes, high-end jewellery and watches, and Windstar-branded merchandise.
Basil + Bamboo -this specialty restaurant has a unique menu that blends Mediterranean and Asian flavors. I ate here on two different nights and enjoyed great meals each time.
Amphora Restaurant – the main dining room on the Star Seeker, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served every day. An outdoor dining space at the back of the ship offered al fresco dining during pleasant weather.
Aft deck space – al fresco meals could be enjoyed in this outdoor deck area at the back of the Amphora restaurant.
Deck 5
Forward :
Whirlpool – the front of the ship had another whirlpool for guests’ use. This open deck space was also another good spot for viewing wildlife and scenery.
Spa entrance – the entrance to the spa was at the very front of the ship.
Aft:
Outdoor deck space – another small deck with an outdoor sitting area offering great aft views.
Deck 6
Forward:
Bridge – the captain and crew had an open bridge policy. If the green sign was up, then anyone could go in to view the bridge and chat with the crew.
Aft:
Outdoor deck space – more outdoor lounging and viewing space at the back of the ship.
Deck 7
Forward to midship:
Yacht Club – a wonderful observation lounge and library with 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling windows. This was an ideal spot for taking in the views during scenic cruising.
The drinks/snack bar was a great source for hot and cold drinks and light meals all day. This space also held a nice library of games, puzzles, and books.
Doors from the Yacht Club lead to a large outdoor viewing space that was perfect for taking in the scenery and spotting wildlife.
Pool and outdoor terrace – in the middle of the ship, we had a nice-sized pool and hot tub with lots of sun loungers.
Star Grill and Star Bar – on warm and sunny days, this bar and grill offered drinks and light bite options. In the evening, the Star Grill became a specialty steak restaurant.
Deck 8
Wraparound deck space that could be used for walking laps. There were also additional loungers set up around the pool area.
The kayaks and zodiacs were also stored on racks in the back of deck 8.
Life on the Star Seeker
I really liked how laid back and quiet the ship was. The captain made it a point not to make too many announcements unless there was a whale or bear, or other wildlife sighting.
I was very impressed with our captain and how much he engaged with all the guests throughout the week. His daily briefings were very entertaining as he sprinkled some British humor in between the necessary updates. I think he could do stand-up comedy if his day job as a captain doesn’t work out, though I think that is highly unlikely.
All the staff I interacted with were also wonderful. They were friendly, engaging, and always delivered service with a smile. I was very pleased to see that the crew was also given opportunities to do the Zodiac excursions.
Food and drink on the Star Seeker
I definitely did not lack for good food options on my cruise.
Entertainment on the Star Seeker
The Windstar website has the most up-to-date offers and itineraries for all their cruises.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose