Windstar Cruises will return to Alaska and Japan for the first time since 2023 when the small-ship cruise line’s newest Star Class motor yacht, Star Seeker, joins the fleet in 2026. The new itineraries will be available for bookings from early August 2024.
Due for delivery in December 2025, Star Seeker will resume the all-suite and sailing yacht line’s popular Alaska and Japan routes, which stopped last year when Star Breeze was deployed to Tahiti year-round.
Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog said: “We are really happy to be able to bring back Alaska and Japan for our guests. We have many people asking us to return there. We can’t keep this secret any longer.”
Star Seeker will sail in Alaska from May through August 2026 on 7-, 10- and 11-day cruises between Juneau or Seward in Alaska and Vancouver in Canada.
In Alaska, Windstar will have expedition leaders on board to lead its Signature Expeditions with hiking, kayaking and skiff expeditions available to book through the ship. Pre- and post-cruise land tours to Denali will also be available.
“These immersive, small-group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” Prelog said.
“Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. You never know what wildlife you might see.”
After departing Alaska in late August, Star Seeker will sail to Japan to begin the line’s 10-day Grand Japan cruises, sailing between Tokyo and Osaka until November.
Windstar will also welcome the 224-passenger Star Explorer to its Star Class fleet in December 2026.
The line is undergoing a multi-year, multi-million-dollar revamp of its three classic sailing ships as well.
For more info, head to windstarcruises.com
