• Small-Ship Accessibility: Small luxury yachts can navigate deep fjords and shallow coastal inlets that traditional large cruise ships cannot reach.
• Onboard Expedition Specialists: Professional guides accompany travelers to provide scientific and historical context while leading active coastal excursions.
• Extended Inland Tours: Dedicated itineraries offer prolonged land travel into Denali National Park to explore the Alaskan interior.
• Intimate Vessel Design: The specialized layout accommodates fewer passengers and prioritizes outward-facing views via private verandas and large infinity windows.

Windstar Cruises has announced the opening of bookings for its 2028 Alaska cruise season, coinciding with the inaugural deployment of its new 112-suite yacht, Star Seeker, to the region. The scheduled itineraries focus on delivering an intimate, small-ship experience designed to safely navigate narrow waterways, deep fjords, and remote coastlines that are completely inaccessible to larger ocean liners.

The cruise line emphasizes localized exploration through its specialized programs, which allow guests to observe glaciers at eye level in areas such as Endicott Arm. Additionally, voyages feature stops at less-frequented ports, including Wrangell, to provide a more authentic perspective on local communities. To enhance the educational aspect of the journey, onboard expedition guides lead direct-access excursions via kayaks and Zodiac motorized boats. These guided outings enable travelers to explore quiet inlets and wildlife-dense waters safely and closely. Windstar also offers extended cruise tours into the interior of Denali National Park, providing guests with more time to experience the wilderness and iconic landscapes compared to typical cruise itineraries.

Star Seeker accommodates 224 guests and features ocean views from nearly every room, utilizing private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows. This design ensures continuous viewing of the Alaskan scenery throughout the voyage. While bookings are open for the 2028 season with early booking incentives available through June 2026, the cruise line is also operating scheduled sailings for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 seasons.