Windstar Cruises ushers in a new era as the leader in small ship cruising by making the final cut to the hull of Star Breeze to “stretch” the first of its three ships and begin the process of inserting a new 84-foot mid-section (25.6 meters) that will help evolve and transform the Windstar experience.
Windstar Cruises has completed the first part of its $250 Million Star Plus Initiative. The program includes the expansion and transformation of the cruise line’s three Star-class vessels.
“The $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement and renovation project undertaken in cruising” stated Windstar Cruises President John Delaney.
While many a ship has been “stretched,” as it is referred to in the cruise industry, the complexity and significant undertaking with Star Breeze (and sister ships Star Legend and Star Pride in 2020) is not just cosmetic or experience-based. It also involves removing and replacing the engines to ensure a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly operation as the ships sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters and call at small, enchanting ports for decades to come.
The slightly larger ships and new enhancements will significantly build upon the signature onboard environment Windstar is famous for. The new social and friendly public spaces on the ships will create a welcome chemistry with guests and the crew.
In addition to the all-important propulsion system and “back-of-house” investment, guests will welcome two new restaurants including the eclectic, Spanish styled Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso and a modern, alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. Capitalizing on the ships’ increase in deck space guests will also enjoy a new pool and whirlpool on the upper deck, a re-imagined, world-class spa and fitness center, a new retail shop, and more.
In addition, every bathroom on the ship will be re-built and fitted to modern luxury standards. The new 84-foot (25.6 meters) mid-section will also welcome most of the 50 new suites.
With the new section, Star Breeze will now be able to accommodate 312 passengers (previously the ship accommodated 212 guests). The expanded ship will also allow for more crew and maintain the enviable 1.5-to-1 guest-to-service staff ratio.
Windstar is transforming three of its Star-class ships – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – and renovating each ship in succession at Fincantieri’s Shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Work will be complete in late 2020.
The first Windstar ship to emerge from this transformation, Star Breeze, will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on February 20, 2020, and celebrate re-inaugural activities in North America at the Port of Miami on March 19, 2020. The second ship to undergo the transformation, Star Legend, will debut in Barcelona on July 2, 2020. The third and final ship, Star Pride, will be complete with the departure of Star Pride from the shipyard in fall of 2020, with her first cruise sailing from Barcelona on November 20, 2020.
Reservations are open for 2020 and 2021 cruises aboard the post-Star Plus Initiative Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride, including a Colors of Key West & Central America 10-day voyage from Miami to Colón, Panama on March 20, 2020. For bookings and more information visit windstarcruises.com.