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Home > International > Cruise > Windstar Cruises Expands Southeast Asia Tourism with Star Seeker’s New Luxury Voyages Across Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia in 2026 – Travel And Tour World

Windstar Cruises Expands Southeast Asia Tourism with Star Seeker’s New Luxury Voyages Across Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia in 2026 – Travel And Tour World

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Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Mrunal & Jiten

Wednesday, February 19, 2025
The global cruise industry is set to witness a significant expansion in 2026 as Windstar Cruises announces new luxury land and sea itineraries in Southeast Asia. With the introduction of its newest yacht, Star Seeker, the cruise line aims to redefine travel in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore by offering exclusive, immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional cruise model.
This development represents a shift in the tourism industry toward smaller, more personalized cruising experiences that allow travelers to access destinations in a way that larger cruise ships cannot. By combining inland cultural tours with luxury sailing, Windstar is positioning itself as a leader in experiential travel—a growing trend in the industry.

A New Era of Luxury Cruising in Southeast Asia

Windstar Cruises has revealed that Star Seeker will begin its voyages in December 2025, with itineraries designed to offer a deeper exploration of Southeast Asia’s culture, cuisine, and history. Unlike most large cruise lines that operate from Singapore or Hong Kong, Windstar’s approach involves starting journeys within the region itself—from cities like Hanoi, Bangkok, and Phuket.
This means that travelers will have more time to explore land-based experiences before or after their cruise, reducing the need for rushed sightseeing and allowing for a more immersive visit. By docking at lesser-known ports, such as Ko Kood, Krabi, and Ko Yao Noi, passengers will gain access to locations that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Star Seeker’s Unique Itineraries: A Fresh Take on Cruise Tourism

Windstar Cruises has structured its Southeast Asia program around two primary itineraries, which can be customized into 17 different variations.

  1. Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand (10 Days)
    • Focuses on Vietnam’s cultural and historical sites with multiple port stops, including overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (Halong Bay).
    • Includes a stop in Cambodia with an optional three-day extension to Angkor Wat—one of the most sought-after UNESCO heritage sites in the region.
  2. Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia (11 Days)
    • Features a Thailand-centric itinerary with stops at six Thai ports, including Krabi and Ko Yao Noi—two hidden gems often overlooked by larger cruise operators.
    • Passengers can enjoy an overnight stay in Singapore, offering ample time to experience the city’s renowned nightlife, culinary scene, and cultural landmarks.

Additionally, travelers have the option to combine multiple itineraries into extended journeys, known as Star Collector Sailings, with trips lasting between 20 and 41 days. The longest voyage spans from Tokyo, Japan, to Phuket, Thailand, offering a comprehensive exploration of Asia’s coastal landscapes.

A Shift Toward Experiential Travel in Southeast Asia

Windstar’s small-ship approach is a strategic move in the evolving cruise industry, where travelers are increasingly seeking destination-driven, in-depth experiences rather than traditional one-day port stops.

  • Access to exclusive destinations: Unlike large cruise ships that are restricted to industrial ports far from major attractions, Star Seeker can navigate smaller waterways, allowing direct access to cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Extended land-based experiences: Windstar’s pre- and post-cruise tours let travelers immerse themselves in local culture, history, and traditions in a way that standard cruise excursions do not.
  • Sustainability and authenticity: By avoiding over-touristed areas, Windstar is promoting sustainable tourism while offering guests a more authentic experience.

Pre- and Post-Cruise Tour Options: Cultural Enrichment Beyond the Sea

To further enhance the in-depth travel experience, Windstar Cruises is offering three-night pre- or post-cruise extensions in select destinations. These tours provide insider access to some of the region’s most fascinating cultural and historical sites.

  1. Hanoi Exploration (Vietnam)
    • A deep dive into Vietnamese culture, including street food tours featuring traditional Vietnamese phin coffee, morning tai chi lessons, and visits to Hanoi Hilton Prison and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
    • A cultural performance showcasing a traditional puppet show and a trip to a local pottery village.
  2. Angkor Wat Adventure (Cambodia)
    • A chance to explore Siem Reap and visit Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most iconic heritage sites.
    • Guests can also witness Khmer craftsmanship and discover Cambodia’s floating markets and stilt villages on Tonle Sap Lake.
  3. Chiang Mai Discovery (Thailand)
    • A journey through Northern Thailand’s cultural capital, including a visit to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.
    • An ethical elephant sanctuary experience, where travelers can feed and care for elephants while learning about their significance in Thai culture.

These pre- and post-cruise experiences align with the increasing demand for slow travel, where tourists immerse themselves in local traditions rather than rushing through multiple destinations.

A Game-Changer for Southeast Asia’s Tourism Industry

The launch of Star Seeker in Southeast Asia marks a significant shift for the region’s luxury tourism sector. With travelers increasingly seeking personalized experiences, small-ship cruising is emerging as a preferred alternative to the traditional large-scale cruise model.
For Southeast Asian tourism boards, this development presents opportunities to:

  • Attract high-value travelers who prioritize culture-rich experiences over mass-market tourism.
  • Showcase lesser-known destinations, such as Ko Kood and Ko Yao Noi, as premier travel spots.
  • Encourage longer stays with land extensions, generating additional revenue for local businesses.

By focusing on immersive experiences, Windstar Cruises is reinventing the cruise landscape in Asia, creating a model that could influence other luxury cruise lines to adopt similar approaches in the future.

Final Thoughts: A Transformative Approach to Travel

With its 2026 Southeast Asia itineraries, Windstar Cruises is tapping into the growing experiential travel movement, bringing a fresh, personalized perspective to cruising.
By prioritizing access to cultural sites, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and extended land-based experiences, Windstar’s Star Seeker represents a new era of travel in Southeast Asia. This model not only enhances the traveler experience but also supports sustainable tourism efforts by reducing overcrowding in major ports.
For global travelers, this means a more meaningful journey—one where they can fully immerse themselves in the destinations they visit, rather than merely passing through.
As the luxury travel industry evolves, it is clear that customized, immersive experiences will be at the heart of future travel trends, with Windstar Cruises setting the benchmark for what comes next.

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Welcome to Konkan.me! We are Mrunal & Jiten, an Indian with a passion for travel. Our story started when we got married in 2011. Konkan is our hometown and we spend our holidays near scenic beaches and places in Konkan.

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