Refurb puts wind in the sails

WINDSTAR Cruises has announced a major $250 million refurbishment program across all three of its Star Class vessels.

The Star Plus Initiative will aim to enhance facilities on board its Star Class ships and also increase guest capacity from 212 to 312 guests per vessel via a ship lengthening project.

The renovation work will be carried out on Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride between Oct 2019 and Nov 2020, taking place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Italy.

Each vessel will be cut to allow the installation of a new section that will add a further 25.6 metres in length - representing an overall capacity increase of 24% for the small ship cruise line.

Select improvements on each ship will include 50 new suites featuring open floor plan configurations, new Owner’s Suites categories, two new dining experiences, and a larger spa and fitness centre.

“The initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we will also take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient... propulsion system,” said Windstar President John Delaney.

A dedicated microsite will launch in 2019 to keep agents updated on the progress of the new refurbishment program.

Pictured: Windstar crew farewell a recent European sailing.