Windstar Culinary Cruises Expand as Star Seeker Prepares Maiden Season

Windstar Cruises continues to solidify its position as a leader in luxury small-ship travel with two major announcements: an expanded James Beard Foundation culinary lineup for 2026 and updates on its newest ship, Star Seeker, as it progresses through sea trials.

Culinary Excellence: The 2026 James Beard Foundation Sailings

Windstar Cruises has unveiled an exciting slate of themed voyages for the 2026 season, showcasing five acclaimed chefs affiliated with the James Beard Foundation. Each sailing is designed to merge regional storytelling, gourmet experiences, and premium wine pairings from the GALLO Luxury Wine portfolio. Featured wines include renowned labels such as Orin Swift, J Vineyards & Winery, Louis M. Martini, and Denner Vineyards.

Speaking on the collaboration, Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer at Windstar Cruises, emphasized the significance of culinary and cultural experiences: “Food and wine are universal languages; when you share a meal and a glass, you share traditions and personal stories.”

Notable Chefs and Featured Itineraries

The James Beard Foundation programming spans diverse destinations across the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and the Mediterranean:

• Mayan Legacies: Chef Jos Garzón leads an eight-day journey from Colón to Cozumel aboard Wind Surf (Feb. 9–17).
• Beach Fun & Sun: Chef Belinda Bishop hosts a seven-day Caribbean getaway sailing roundtrip from Philipsburg aboard Wind Surf (Mar. 14–21).
• Scenic Alaska: Kirsten and Mandy Dixon guide guests on an eight-day voyage from Juneau to Vancouver aboard Star Seeker (May 15–23).
• French Feast: Chef Gabriel Kreuther’s culinary expertise accompanies Louis M. Martini wines on a seven-day adventure from Rouen to Bordeaux aboard Star Legend (Aug. 19–26).
• Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast: Chef David Uygur collaborates with Denner Vineyards on an eight-night sailing from Venice to Rome aboard Wind Surf (Oct. 7–15).

Expanding the LUX Wine Program

Alongside the James Beard-themed itineraries, Windstar Cruises introduces dedicated LUX wine sailings, featuring winery partnerships with leading producers both from California and Europe. These cruises highlight guided tastings and regionally inspired wine selections.

• Treasures of the Greek Isles: Orin Swift Winery pairs its expertise with Greek flavors during a seven-day voyage sailing roundtrip from Athens aboard Wind Spirit (May 14–21).
• Scenic Alaska: J Vineyards & Winery showcases its vintages during an eight-day sailing from Vancouver to Juneau aboard Star Seeker (May 7–15).
• French Feast: Louis M. Martini wines complement Normandy and Brittany-inspired cuisine aboard the seven-day Star Legend sailing from Rouen to Bordeaux (June 3–10).
• Connoisseurs Delight: Maze Row Wine Merchant leads an eight-day exploration from Bordeaux to Lisbon in Northern Spain and Portugal aboard Star Legend (Aug. 26–Sep. 3).
• JBF + LUX Wines: Chef David Uygur and Denner Vineyards team up for an eight-night culinary and wine adventure aboard Wind Surf (Oct. 7–15).

Star Seeker: Charting Its Maiden Voyage

The highly anticipated Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest vessel, recently departed from the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, on October 23, 2023, to begin a series of sea trials, marking its final preparations ahead of delivery later this year. The 10,000-ton, 224-guest luxury ship, originally ordered for Mystic Cruises, has been retrofitted to reflect Windstar’s commitment to premium guest experiences, including enhanced dining options and signature spaces.

The Star Seeker will debut with a trans-Atlantic crossing in December before launching its maiden Caribbean season with seven- to 14-night itineraries sailing from Miami and Puerto Rico. These cruises will highlight the Windward and Leeward Islands, followed by Panama Canal transits and an Alaskan summer season in 2024.

Following completion of the sea trials, the ship will return to the shipyard to prepare before welcoming its first guests in late December.

A Growing Fleet

Windstar’s fleet has continuously expanded, benefiting from strategic acquisitions of vessels initially intended for Mystic Cruises. The Star Seeker represents the fifth ship in a series that began with the World Explorer in 2019, a 224-guest vessel scheduled to be renamed Star Explorer in late 2026. Other sister ships include the 2020-built World Voyager, the 2021-built World Navigator, and the 2022-built World Traveller, all undergoing modifications to deliver enhanced luxury experiences.

Discussing the company’s approach to fleet development, Windstar President Christopher Prelog asserted, “Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this.” Enhancements to the fleet underscore the line’s focus on bespoke cruising experiences tailored to luxury travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which chefs are featured on Windstar’s 2026 James Beard Foundation sailings?

The featured chefs include Jos Garzón, Belinda Bishop, Kirsten and Mandy Dixon, Gabriel Kreuther, and David Uygur. Each culinary leader will host themed voyages across different regions.

What are the flagship wine partners for Windstar’s 2026 LUX wine cruises?

Confirmed wine partners for the season include Orin Swift, J Vineyards & Winery, Louis M. Martini, Denner Vineyards, and Maze Row Wine Merchant, with guided tastings featured on select sailings.

What destinations will the Star Seeker explore during its maiden season?

The Star Seeker will visit the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Alaska, beginning with seven- to 14-night itineraries out of Miami and Puerto Rico, followed by summer sailings in Alaska.

What modifications are being made to Windstar’s fleet acquisitions?

Acquired ships like the Star Seeker have undergone retrofitting to meet Windstar’s luxury standards, including expanded dining venues and redesigned spaces tailored for premium travelers.

How can travelers learn more or book these 2026 sailings?

For detailed pricing, itineraries, and availability, guests can visit Windstar’s official website or consult a travel advisor. Changes to itineraries may occur based on operational updates.