A team from Windstar Cruises recently visited the West Sea shipyard to check the progress on the conversion project of the Star Explorer.

Set to enter service for the company in December, the 2019-built ship is currently being prepared for its maiden voyage.

Windstar said that Captain Matthew Holloway and Staff Captain Matthew Mullins were among the team members during the visit.

The company added that the inspection was special for the two who will be part of the vessel’s inaugural team and had their first look at it.

Windstar said that its social media channels will share updates on the progress of the project, which is taking place in West Sea’s Viana do Castelo drydock in Northern Portugal.

The company also highlighted the features of the 224-passenger vessel, noting that it will offer all-suite accommodations.

After entering service later this year, the Star Explorer will offer cruises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe on a year-round basis.

The company said that the itineraries will feature “smaller ports, winding rivers and plenty of unexpected discoveries along the way.”

For its inaugural cruise, the 9,300-ton ship will offer a nine-night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.

Sailing to Spain and the United Kingdom, the itinerary will feature visits to Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Valencia, Málaga and Gibraltar.

A sister to the 2025-built Star Seeker, the Star Explorer was acquired from Mystic Cruises as part of a deal announced in early 2024.

The vessel was originally built to operate expedition cruises and has sailed for a series of brands during its career, including Nicko Cruises, Quark Expeditions and Rivages du Monde.

Earlier this year, Mystic Cruises’ CEO Mário Ferreira said that the Windstar conversion project includes the addition of new staterooms, in addition to changes to public areas and technical features.