World Explorer Undergoing Windstar Conversion at West Sea

The World Explorer is at the West Sea shipyard in Portugal to be prepared for its debut with Windstar Cruises this December.

After completing a final season for Quark Expeditions, the 2019-built vessel arrived at the facility in Viana do Castelo in early April.

Built for Mystic Cruises, the ship is now undergoing a significant transformation before kicking off its maiden voyage for Windstar on Dec. 28, 2026.

Originally designed for expedition cruising, the 8,000-ton ship will be converted into a luxury vessel, with the removal of exploration-focused features and the addition of new public areas and venues.

Among the new spaces being added to the vessel, which will be renamed Star Explorer, is Windstar’s Basil + Bamboo Restaurant.

Other changes include the addition of new staterooms, including two 74-square-meter Horizon Owner’s Suites.

With separate living and dining spaces, as well as a large private balcony, the corner rooms will be the largest onboard.

The ship is then set to enter service for the company, kicking off a year-round program in the Mediterranean.

The vessel’s inaugural season is highlighted by a series of seven- to nine-night cruises sailing from homeports in Spain and Italy, such as Venice, Civitavecchia and Barcelona.

After entering service in 2019, the World Explorer sailed for three different brands before being acquired by Windstar as part of a deal announced in early 2024.

Serving the German market, Nicko Cruises was the first company to operate the ship, offering itineraries in Northern Europe and the Atlantic.

The 200-passenger ship also offered expedition cruises in Antarctica for Quark Expeditions, in addition to a wide range of itineraries for Rivages du Monde.

Before adding the Star Explorer to its fleet, Windstar also welcomed the Star Seeker, which was built at the West Sea shipyard.

Acquired by the company while in construction for Mystic, the newbuild was adapted to offer Windstar’s product while still at Viana do Castelo.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the 8,000-ton ship spent its inaugural season in the Caribbean after debuting in December 2025.