Windstar Opens Asia 2028/2029 Season as Demand Surges, Bringing Small-Ship Access to the Heart of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City

 

 

MIAMI, Fla. (June 22, 2026) — Driven by strong demand for Asia voyages, Windstar Cruises is expanding its presence in the region with the launch of its 2028/2029 Asia season aboard the 112-suite Star Seeker. As of June 2026, bookings for Star Seeker’s 2027 Asia voyages have nearly doubled ahead of the same time last year, reflecting growing interest in Windstar’s style of small-ship exploration and immersive cultural discovery.

 

The new season will sail through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, combining overnight stays, extended Cruise Tours and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach. Star Seeker’s size allows it to access city-center docks and smaller regional ports, creating a more seamless and destination-focused experience throughout Asia.

 

For a limited time, guests will also have access to a new Early Booking Offer, rewarding those who plan ahead and book early amid strong demand for Asia voyages. Guests who book by July 31, 2026 can take advantage, which includes the best stateroom selection along with a Complimentary All-Inclusive Package, $100 onboard credit per guest and 5% savings on cruise fares when paid in full at the time of booking.

 

 

“We’re seeing extraordinary enthusiasm for Asia, with bookings significantly outpacing previous years,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “Travelers are looking for experiences that feel more immersive and personal. With Star Seeker, we’re able to dock closer to the cultural centers of cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, visit smaller ports throughout the region, and create connections to local culture that simply aren’t possible on larger ships.”

 

 

What Makes Windstar Different in Asia?

 

Windstar offers a more personal way to explore Asia. Designed for destination discovery, Star Seeker features 112 spacious suites, nearly all with a private veranda or infinity window that opens to let the ocean breeze in, along with Windstar’s signature yacht-style atmosphere and personalized service.

 

The yacht’s smaller size allows rare access. Star Seeker sails directly into the heart of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, unlike larger ships that dock hours away in ports such as Phu My and Laem Chabang. Star Seeker can also reach smaller destinations throughout the region, from the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the quiet beaches and local villages of Ko Yao Noi. On Ko Kood, Windstar’s signature beach party features a barbecue on the sand and watersports directly from the beach.

 

Windstar is also known for its exclusive Destination Discovery Events—curated shoreside experiences created specifically for Windstar guests. In Japan, Traditions of Tomonoura & the Inland Sea brings guests into one of the country’s historic port towns through tea ceremonies, live koto music, Edo-period streets and exclusive access to the historic Ota Family Residence.

 

As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings a strong culinary focus to its Asia sailings. Guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine and destination-driven dining onboard, then dive deeper into the region’s flavors through guided food tours and market visits, from Singapore’s famous hawker centers to Thailand’s floating markets.

 

 

Where Does Star Seeker Sail in Asia?

 

Windstar’s Asia season aboard Star Seeker features 25 departures sailing between September 2028 and May 2029. Guests can choose from four core cruise-only voyages and customize their experience with longer Star Collector sailings ranging from 20 to 42 days, as well as pre- and post-cruise Cruise Tours to Hanoi, Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai and Kyoto—creating up to 87 itinerary combinations throughout the season.

 

 

Featured itineraries include:

 

Grand Japan (10 nights): From Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, this cruise-only sailing pairs Japan’s iconic cities with smaller ports including Karatsu and scenic cruising through the Inland Sea.

 

Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed (10 nights): Overnights in Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay/Hanoi on this cruise-only voyage allow for deeper exploration of Vietnam’s history and coastal landscapes, with optional overland experiences like Angkor Wat.

 

East Asian Legends (10 nights): Spanning Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, this cruise-only itinerary showcases the diversity of East Asia through stops in Taipei, Okinawa, Amami and Ishigaki.

 

Tantalizing Thailand & Sparkling Singapore (11 nights): Floating markets, hidden islands and world-famous street food define this Southeast Asia cruise-only journey between Bangkok and Phuket, including an overnight stay in Singapore.

 

Legendary Temples: Chiang Mai & Angkor Wat Cruise Tour (18 nights): Pairing Southeast Asia sailings with inland exploration, this cruise includes three nights in Chiang Mai and a guided journey to Angkor Wat.

 

Grand Asia Explorer (41 nights): This extended Star Collector journey combines multiple Asia itineraries into one sweeping voyage between Phuket and Tokyo. Highlights include overnight stays in four major cities, plus cruising along the Saigon and Chao Phraya rivers.

 

 

Which Cruise Tours Are Available in Asia?

 

Windstar’s Cruise Tours extend the journey beyond the ship with multi-day inland programs designed to bring guests deeper into Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

 

Hanoi: Wander the Old Quarter on guided street food tours, watch traditional water puppet performances, practice morning tai chi alongside locals and tour landmarks including Hoa Lo Prison and Bat Trang Pottery Village.

 

Chiang Mai: Spend three nights immersed in Thailand’s cultural capital, from mountaintop temples and bustling night markets to regional cuisine and visits to an elephant sanctuary.

 

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap: Witness Angkor Wat before the crowds, tour Siem Reap by tuk-tuk and journey to floating villages along Tonlé Sap Lake.

 

Kyoto: Discover Japan’s ancient capital through tea ceremonies, kimono experiences and guided visits to landmarks including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and the Great Buddha of Nara.

 

 

Why Book Early?

 

With just 112 suites aboard Star Seeker and strong demand expected for Asia travel, Windstar’s Early Booking Offer rewards guests who plan ahead with the best fares, preferred sailing dates and top stateroom selection across the 2028/2029 season.

 

 

The offer includes several benefits for guests who reserve early:

 

Best Selection: Guests who book early can secure preferred itineraries, sailing dates and suite categories before the season’s most sought-after voyages begin to fill.

 

More Savings: Guests who pay in full at the time of booking will receive an additional 5% savings through Windstar’s “Pay Now, Save More” promotion, along with a Complimentary All-Inclusive Package and $100 onboard credit per guest.

 

Expanded Journey Options: Guests can also enhance their trip with extended Cruise Tours in destinations including Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Kyoto and Angkor Wat, which are expected to have limited availability.

 

Limited-Time Offer: Windstar’s Early Booking Offer is available through July 31, 2026. Fares are expected to increase as sailings begin to sell out.

 

How to Book

To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, book online here, contact a travel advisor, reach out to Windstar Cruises by phone at 866-258-7245, or request a call by a Windstar vacation planner.