The new purpose-built Star Class yacht launches a new era of intimate, all-suite cruising, beginning with a christening celebration, a sold-out christening voyage and a personal family connection at the helm

Windstar Cruises is placing the final touches on Star Seeker, the first of two new all-suite yachts joining its boutique fleet. Marking a major milestone in her journey to the seas, Star Seeker began sea trials from the WestSEA shipyard in Portugal on October 23. Today, Windstar proudly announces another key moment in her story: the appointment of Libby Anschutz as Godmother.

What is a Godmother?

The role of a ship’s Godmother is rooted in maritime tradition, a symbolic gesture meant to bring good fortune, protection, and smooth sailing to the vessel and all who travel aboard. Windstar embraces this legacy with heartfelt intention, naming Libby Anschutz to this special role for Star Seeker.

Libby, daughter of Windstar’s owner Phil Anschutz, brings a deeply personal connection to the yacht. Her involvement reflects the family’s enduring vision for Windstar: creating warm, welcoming journeys where every detail feels thoughtfully considered. Continuing this family tradition, her sister Sarah Anschutz will be named Godmother of Star Explorer when she debuts in 2026.

Libby Anschutz and Windstar president Christopher Prelog toured the shipyard in November to see the striking vessel firsthand.

Anschutz shared, “Seeing Star Seeker for the first time was an unforgettable experience—the design, warmth, and attention to detail all felt distinctly Windstar,” says Anschutz. “I’m honored to serve as Godmother and look forward to celebrating this incredible new chapter with the team and our guests in January.”

As part of the official christening ceremony on January 15 in Miami, Libby Anschutz will take center stage to deliver the Godmother’s blessing offering heartfelt wishes for Star Seeker and all those who will sail aboard. In keeping with maritime tradition, Anschutz will also perform the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the yacht’s hull, formally naming and blessing Star Seeker before it sets sail.

“Having the Anschutz Family so deeply engrained in the debut of Star Seeker is an extraordinary honor and a deeply personal milestone for all of us at Windstar,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “Libby’s role as Godmother brings heart, creativity, and a genuine connection to what we do, and her blessing of our newest yacht makes this new chapter even more meaningful.”

The Christening Sailing Begins

Following the ceremony, Star Seeker will depart on a nearly sold-out, 7-night Star Seeker Christening Sailing from Miami to San Juan, with stops in the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands. This debut marks an exciting chapter for Windstar: Star Seeker is the first purpose-built yacht in the Star Class fleet, designed for just 224 guests and crafted to reflect Windstar’s hallmark style—intimate, immersive, and effortlessly elegant. Sister yacht Star Explorer will join the fleet in December 2026, with both new vessels introducing refined enhancements such as new dining concepts and signature gathering spaces. This expansion underscores Windstar’s continued focus on upscale small-ship cruising to both iconic and unexpected destinations.

Star Seeker Sea Trials

Before welcoming its first guests, Star Seeker completed a series of sea trials, a vital part of the journey to launch. During recent sea trials in Portugal, the yacht underwent rigorous assessments of speed, maneuverability, and onboard safety systems. Star Seeker has returned to the shipyard for final outfitting before crossing the Atlantic to begin its inaugural Caribbean season. From there, the yacht will offer a series of seven- to 14-night voyages sailing round trip San Juan, Puerto Rico followed by a Panama Canal passage in April and a summer season in Alaska.

Need to Know

• For travelers who couldn’t secure a spot on the christening sailing, there are multiple sailings in 2026 to explore:
  • Alaska Itineraries
  • Caribbean Itineraries
  • Asia Itineraries
  • Latin Itineraries
  • Ocean Crossings

How To Book: To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE