Windstar Announces New 2026 Land & Sea Experiences In Southeast Asia On Its New Ship, Star Seeker

 

Windstar has unveiled its 2026 Southeast Asia programme for its newest yacht, Star Seeker, which debuts December 2025.  The line is offering two core itineraries combinable in 17 different variations including inland pre- and post-cruise tour programmes.

 

Star Seeker’s Southeast Asia programme offers an in-depth exploration of the cultures, cuisine and history of Thailand and Vietnam, improving on the typical cruise experience in the region. Unlike most cruises that start and end in Singapore or Hong Kong, make stops at industrial ports far from key attractions and spend just two or three days in each country, Windstar will take advantage of Star Seeker’s small size to offer a more immersive experience.

 

Itineraries begin in-country – in Hanoi, Bangkok and Phuket – allowing guests to maximize their time on land before and after sailing, with options for pre- and post-cruise tours to inland destinations such as Angkor Wat. The small size of Star Seeker enables exclusive access to ports and docking locations that larger ships cannot reach, including sailing up rivers to dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, stopping at Ko Kood for the Windstar Signature Beach Party – a port visited by only select small ships- and traveling to Krabi and Ko Yao Noi.

 

The Southeast Asia programme features two core cruise-only voyages:

 

• 10-day Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand – Vietnam country intensive cruise stopping at three to four Vietnam ports including overnights in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi (Halong Bay), with an additional visit to Cambodia where guests can book a three-day/two-night shore excursion to Angkor Wat. Prices from £3,748 per person.

 

• 11-day Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia – Thailand country intensive cruise stopping at six Thai ports including small destinations such as Krabi and Ko Yao Noi, plus an overnight in Singapore, a highlight of the sailing. Prices from £4,072 per person.

 

The Southeast Asia itineraries can be enhanced by adding culturally rich Cruise Tours which extend the journey before or after the cruise:

 

• Hanoi – three-night trip for cruises embarking and disembarking in Ha Long Bay, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local life of Hanoi with street food tours in the old quarter featuring traditional Vietnamese phin drip and Vietnamese coffee; morning tai chi lessons like the locals do; history tours of the Hanoi Hilton Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; culture attractions like a traditional puppet show, cyclo tour and a visit to a local pottery village.

 

• Angkor Wat – three-night extension on cruises that start and end in Bangkok with a bucket-list visit to Angkor Wat; exploring Siem Reap to learn about the Khmer people who were responsible for constructing the temples and seeing their modern-day craftsmanship; visits to the Tonel Lake Stilt village and floating markets.

 

• Chiang Mai – three-night exploration of Northern Thailand’s cultural capital, available on cruises that start and end in Phuket. Visit the cultural capital of Thailand and explore  the famous mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and new and old temples with monk ceremonies; enjoy the opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary where guests can interact with and help feed and care for the elephants, an animal that carries great significance to the people and country of Thailand; and explore lively night markets tasting local specialties like Khao soi.

 

Guests also have the option of combining cruises into back-to-back Star Collector sailings. Itineraries ranging from 20 to 41 days are available with the longest cruising between Tokyo and Phuket. As a bonus, free daily laundry is provided so guests can still pack light.

 

“We are thrilled to release these itineraries after many months of working with our local partners and visiting these destinations for research,” said Melissa Witsoe, Windstar’s senior product manager.  “Windstar’s investment in destination development translates into unique, local and exciting experiences for our guests.”

 

Windstar’s new build, Star Seeker, features 112 spacious suites – nearly all with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window that opens to let the breeze in and affords guests the perfect view of the awe-inspiring sights outside.

 

Guests are advised to book as soon as possible for the best value and desired suite and to receive Windstar’s early booking offer of free all-inclusive experience (Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails) plus up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom. The early booking offer is valid until 31^st May 2025.

Learn more about Windstar Cruises