Windstar launches brand-new Star Seeker
Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises unveiled a first look at its Star Seeker – a 224-guest, brand-new ship that will debut in January of 2026.
Star Seeker will have 112 spacious suites, all but ten featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window. The ship also boasts five dining options (all are included in Windstar’s cruise fare), a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by letting guests access the sea directly from the ship.
“Guests aboard Star Seeker will experience a sense of tranquility in their suites; they are designed to be an oasis for relaxation,” says Stijn Creupelandt, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Windstar Cruises.
Ilma joins Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection adds Ilma, its second newbuild luxury superyacht, to its distinguished fleet. The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a seven-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome last month. As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.
Cruise Saudi partners with UN
Cruise Saudi, a fully owned Public Investment Fund company, has announced its participation in the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable and socially responsible business policies.
By joining the United Nations Global Compact, Cruise Saudi commits to incorporate its Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption into its overarching strategy, culture and day-to-day operations.
Cruise Saudi will also engage in collaborative projects that advance the broader development goals of the United Nations, particularly its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which were created with the aim of tackling climate change and ending poverty.
American Liberty passes sea trials
American Cruise Lines’ American Liberty, the company’s 3rd new Coastal Cat passed sea trials with flying colours. American Cruise Lines accepted the delivery of the 100-passenger small ship from Chesapeake Shipbuilding early. American Liberty is the newest ship in American’s ongoing Project Blue series of 12 new small ships for river and coastal cruising in the U.S. Several more ships in the series are already under construction, including the 4th Coastal Cat, American Legend, which is set to begin cruising in November 2024, plus four more Patriot Class ships.
American Liberty’s inaugural cruise took place from August 15, this year. It sailed roundtrip from Providence, Rhode Island, along the company’s popular New England Islands itinerary. The cruise also visits: New Bedford, Nantucket, & Martha’s Vineyard, MA; and Block Island, Newport, & Bristol, RI.
Aman At Sea’s keel laying ceremony takes place
Heralding a significant milestone in the development of a new category of ultra-luxury motor yachts, Aman – the world’s preeminent lifestyle and hospitality brand – commenced construction for Aman at Sea with a ceremonial keel laying at the T.Mariotti shipyard in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy.
A joint venture with Cruise Saudi, the 183 metre (600ft) vessel will feature just 50 spacious luxury suites, each with private balcony, and is anticipated to welcome guests from 2027, setting a new standard in waterborne voyages.
At the ceremony, Jonathan Wilson, CEO of Aman at Sea, Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi and Marco Ghiglione, CEO of T.Mariotti, lowered the first 200-ton steel block for the new motor yacht.