Northward bound

The Star Seeker promises a bouquet of seafaring escapades, offering 7-, 10-, and 11-day jaunts between the Alaskan ports of Juneau or Seward and Vancouver, with optional terrestrial excursions to Denali, for those who wish to swap their sea legs for a spot of mountain trekking.

As summer wanes, the ship will chart a course for the Land of the Rising Sun, hosting the revered 10-day Grand Japan cruises that stitch the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka together through a sea-thread of culture and tradition.

For those who thirst for adventure beyond the usual portside tipples, Windstar is set to reprise its role as a conduit to the wild, employing a crew of expedition leaders to shepherd its guests through the mystical realms of Alaska’s Misty Fjords and beyond, in small, intimate groups.

“These immersive, small group expeditions are a key part of our Alaska program and bring our guests closer to the beauty of Alaska,” affirmed Prelog, his eyes alight with the vision of the untamed wilderness.

“Being on the water and seeing the topography from that viewpoint brings the grandeur of Alaska into perspective. It’s also quiet and meditative to be out in these wild places. You never know what wildlife you might see.”

This revival of routes coincides with Windstar’s ambitious expansion, as the Star Seeker and its sibling, the equally illustrious Star Explorer, prepare to join the ranks of boutique yachts, each boasting 112 suites for the discerning 224 guests who wish to partake in a bit more than your average cruise.

With the Star Seeker scheduled for a grand entrance in December 2025, and its sister ship a year later, the future of boutique cruising looks not only bright but decidedly adventurous.

firstclassmagazine.co