From Otaru to Osaka · Asia · 11 nights
Windstar’s new sister ships, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, will each have 112 suites and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:2, offering Windstar’s brand of laid-back luxury with some enhancements.
Each yacht will maintain the intimate atmosphere of Windstar’s
other ships, and will feature Windstar’s classic watersports
platform with new staircase access, as well an intimate forward
whirlpool and spacious open deck perfect for Windstar’s famous deck
barbecues, alongside a two-level spa and fitness centre. Dining
options include dishes from James Beard Foundation-affiliated
chefs, as well a Yacht Club café and lounge. Star Seeker joined the
fleet in December 2025, and Star Explorer will join in December
2026.
The charming port town of Otaru, on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, is a common start and end point for cruises visiting both Japan and the Russian Far East. The town has a notable history, playing an important role in the herring trade during the 19th century, and this is reflected in the stone warehouses alongside the picturesque canal. It's only a small place, so if you run out of things to do then the city of Sapporo is just a half-hour train ride away, or you can explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of rural Hokkaido.
Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, is a pulsating commercial hub, famous for its food, and the cityscape rivals Tokyo for neon-lit futurism. If you need respite from the urban sprawl seek out Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden, a particularly pretty spot during the cherry blossom season.
