After an surprising surge in bookings for its 2026 sailings to Japan, Windstar Cruises has determined to open its bookings for spring 2027 sooner than anticipated.
The transfer comes after the cruise line’s announcement of its 2026 Grand Japan itineraries aboard the brand new Star Seeker in June 2024 generated close to sell-out ranges of curiosity inside months.
“The mixture of our return to Asia for the primary time since 2023, together with the anticipation of a brand new ship and the truth that Japan is now one of many world’s most visited nations, has created an pleasure for this area that we’ve got not seen earlier than,” mentioned Janet Bava, chief industrial officer of Windstar Cruises.
“Simply months after asserting our 2026 plans in Japan, we’re almost bought out,” she continued.
Star Seeker, which is beneath building at WestSEA Shipyard in Portugal and simply accomplished its float-out, is ready to hitch the fleet in December 2025.
Though the 9,315-gross-ton vessel will spend 2025 having fun with the Caribbean and Alaska in summer season 2026, it was the Japan voyages that spurred probably the most curiosity.
After a 14-night transpacific crossing in September 2026, Star Seeker will present 10-night Grand Japan itinerary sails from Tokyo to Kyoto, providing visitors a close-up take a look at a few of Japan’s most celebrated locations, together with Nagasaki and Hiroshima, in addition to smaller ports like Takamatsu and Karatsu.
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Windstar can also be providing an prolonged Kyoto & the Zen of Japan Cruise Tour to discover extra inland places. This non-compulsory tour contains scorching springs baths, conventional tea ceremonies, and visits to iconic websites like Kyoto’s Gold Pavilion.
5 Grand Japan itineraries are scheduled between September and October 2026. The brand new spring 2027 season will proceed these voyages into Japan’s cherry blossom season, with cruises accessible from March by Could.
Moreover, Windstar Cruises added an additional fall crusing for 2027.
The cruise line has additionally launched an early reserving supply by February 28, 2025, for the voyages that features a complimentary improve to all-inclusive fares with Wi-Fi, gratuities, choose drinks, and onboard credit per stateroom.
Enlargement Permits for Asian Choices
The Miami-based Windstar Cruises, which gives luxurious small-ship cruises, is ready to broaden its fleet in 2026, as properly, welcoming the brand new Star Explorer into its lineup for the 2027 season.
Additionally beneath building at WestSEA Shipyard, the second new vessel producing buzz for the cruise line will debut in December 2026.
Each new yachts, which be a part of the Star Plus Class alongside Star Delight, Star Breeze, and Star Legend, will every accommodate as much as 224 passengers throughout 112 suites, most that includes personal verandas or floor-to-ceiling home windows.
The all-inclusive yachts may even function a spa and health middle, café and lounge, spacious open decks, al fresco eating, and a eating room together with alternatives from James Beard Basis-affiliated cooks.
Though itineraries haven’t been introduced for Star Explorer, the rising recognition of Japan could also be sufficient to entice the cruise line to introduce the vessel to the realm, as properly.
Whereas new Japan itineraries can be accessible for Star Seeker, the cruise line has not revealed a lot element about 2027 lineups for its current ships, which additionally contains Wind Class crusing vessels Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf.
The corporate did say the addition of its yachts will enable Wind Star to hitch Star Breeze in Tahiti in 2027, the place there may be additionally robust demand.
