Star Explorer, Windstar Cruises’ latest Star Plus Class ship, offers a refined and intimate cruise experience. Launched in 2025, this all-suite vessel accommodates up to 224 guests, offering a yacht-like atmosphere with modern amenities and attentive service. Visitors can expect a seamless blend of luxury and relaxation, with carefully curated features.
Visitors can anticipate a journey that feels intimate and luxurious. Social spaces like the Yacht Club Café encourage mingling, while quiet areas like the library offer solitude. The ship’s smaller size ensures a personalised experience, with attentive service enhancing every moment. Star Explorer delivers a refined and approachable cruise, blending yacht-style elegance with modern innovation.
Reception Areas: A Warm Introduction
Guests are welcomed on Deck 4 into a sleek reception area, featuring a concierge desk and a boutique offering jewellery, clothing, and keepsakes. The space, with its warm wood tones and plush seating, creates an inviting atmosphere. Staff provide prompt assistance with check-in and excursion bookings, ensuring a smooth boarding process. Accessible facilities cater to all passengers, fostering comfort and ease from the moment guests step aboard.
Dining: Refined and Relaxed Options
Star Explorer’s dining venues offer a balance of gourmet and casual fare. AmphorA, the main restaurant on Deck 4, serves French-inspired dishes alongside international cuisine, with open seating and flexible dining times. The Star Grill on Deck 8 provides al fresco meals, including grilled seafood and burgers, with panoramic ocean views. Complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks accompany lunch and dinner, while Candles, the speciality steakhouse, offers an intimate dining experience at no extra cost.
Entertainment: Engaging and Laid-Back
Entertainment onboard Star Explorer focuses on creating a convivial atmosphere. The Compass Rose lounge on Deck 6 hosts live music, from acoustic guitarists to jazz ensembles, encouraging socialising. The Star Theatre on Deck 4 offers film screenings and guest lectures, with comfortable seating for relaxed viewing. Deck parties under the stars, featuring music and cocktails, provide a lively yet low-key vibe. The library, stocked with books and board games, offers a quiet retreat for leisurely moments.
Accommodation: Spacious and Elegant
Star Explorer’s 112 suites, ranging from 277 to 1,442 square feet, are designed for comfort and style. Each features an ocean view or private balcony, queen-size beds (convertible to twins), and en-suite bathrooms with L’Occitane toiletries. Suites include walk-in closets, flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Owner’s Suite offers a separate lounge and dining area, while spa suites provide wellness-focused amenities like yoga mats and healthy snacks, ensuring a restful retreat.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, Star Explorer’s crew delivers warm, tailored service. Guests enjoy 24-hour room service, a concierge for spa and excursion bookings, and daily housekeeping. The Windstar app provides access to daily schedules and dining reservations. Complimentary beverages, including soft drinks and coffee, enhance the welcoming atmosphere, with staff anticipating needs to ensure a seamless experience.
Standout Features
Star Explorer’s compact design allows access to smaller ports, offering unique destinations. The open-bridge policy invites guests to visit the captain’s bridge for insights into navigation. The Deck 8 watersports platform enables activities like kayaking and paddleboarding in select locations. The WindSpa, with its sauna, massage treatments, and hair salon, provides a serene escape, while the infinity pool and hot tubs offer relaxation with stunning views.
