There’s a certain buzz when sailing on a brand-new cruise ship. It’s the big things: the staff seem that little bit more eager to impress, the air is crisper, fresher; the food is tastier, cooked on brand-new, top-of-the-range kitchen equipment and served on uncracked fine china. It’s little things: the springs in your mattress, the crispness of your sheets, the satisfying slide of your veranda door opening to expansive ocean views.

Windstar Cruises have announced the expansion of its fleet with the introduction of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer.

The momentous news regarding a slew of orders for new deluxe ships took the most astute cruise industry pundits by surprise in April.

Last week, Explora Journeys celebrated not one but TWO incredible milestones.