As the Star Seeker gets closer and closer to its launch, on December 28th in the Port of Málaga, it progresses step by step, this time, with sea trials led by experts from the WestSea Viana shipyard in Portugal.
John Gunner, Vice President of Expansion Projects for Windstar Cruises, who participated in the navigation maneuvers, stated that “we spent three days in the North Atlantic with three-meter swells, which is not ideal, and even so, the ship behaved wonderfully. The captain, Tom Schofield, was on board and had the opportunity to maneuver the ship, evaluate the turning radius, perform emergency braking tests, and measure acceleration. He was delighted.”
More specifically, the ship is tested in various ways to ensure it is fully ready to set sail, such as engine and propulsion tests and fuel consumption at different speeds; navigation and communication systems, such as radar, GPS, and communication systems; stability and handling, including its turning radius, stability, and performance in rough waters; emergency equipment; all onboard systems are reviewed, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and waste management; and even passenger comfort and services are monitored, such as water systems, heating, cooling, and noise and vibration levels.
Throughout November, the navigation, engineering, and shipbuilding teams from the shipyard, Mystic, and Windstar continued refining the operating systems to receive the first inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Even before Windstar welcomes its first guests aboard the Star Seeker, two test cruises will take place. The ship will move from Portugal to Málaga for the first one, from December 18th to 21st.
Windstar will receive the Star Seeker on December 15th, and at that point, ownership will transfer from the shipyard to the cruise line; the first commercial voyage, a 16-night Atlantic crossing from Spain to Miami, will depart on December 28th; the ship will be christened in Florida on January 15th, 2026. Its inaugural season itineraries will visit the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Latin America, the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Japan.
