Shortly after, she will be joined by Star Legend, which will also have a similar refit. She will enter service with Windstar on May 25th at a ceremony, near Rome, in the port of Civitavecchia, Italy.
Star Breeze and Star Legend, which carries 212 guests each, will join sister ship, Star Pride, which joined the Windstar fleet in May 2014. All three ship were originally operated by Seabourn. The expansion doubles the size of Windstar’s origianal fleet of three luxury sailing yachts, making the company a market leader in small ship cruising with 300 or fewer passengers, with a total of 1,242 berths and six ships.
Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer, explains:
“Star Breeze and Star Legend will receive a full stem-to-stern transformation, more than doubling the investment that was spent on Star Pride’s original enhancements.
We learned a lot about our guests’ preferences with the debut of Star Pride last year. We are taking their feedback and giving them what they want with the launch of these two all suite yachts.
With the addition of these two newly renovated yachts, we can meet our consumer demand, enhance the feel of luxury, and continue to rank at the top of the small cruise line industry.”
- Lounge: The entertainment lounge will be completely transformed, with new flooring, and furniture. The added elegance creates an ambiance that makes the show lounge an amenable space for entertainment, meetings or small gatherings.
- Veranda: the restaurant in the aft of the yacht will have expanded outdoor seating, complete with a garden wall.
- Star Deck: the outdoor deck will expand by four feet on each side, giving additional space for guests to relax on lounge chairs
- Star Screening Room: The space completely transforms from a card room to an intimate screening room where guests can watch current movies and play video games.
- Yacht Club: The observation lounge on the top deck was one of the most well- received spaces on Star Pride. The space becomes a chic coffee bar and lounge where guests can enjoy espresso and light bites. The lounge receives a complete overhaul, including new flooring, lounge furniture, and an open layout that embraces the view of the shoreline.
- Reception: The carpeting receives an upgrade to Windstar’s signature blue, while new accent lighting and art give the reception area the quintessential Windstar welcoming look.
- Compass Rose: The club space will turn into Windstar’s popular Compass Rose, redesigned with all new contemporary furnishings, including rich new flooring finishes, plantation shutters, and comfortable chairs and bar stools designed for socializing. Live music can be found here nightly.
- Star Bar: The Star Bar will offer casual drinks during the day and a venue for star-gazing by night. The bar area will be expanded with teak decking, new stools, new awning, and lighting.
- AmphorA: Windstar’s formal dining experience will be introduced as AmphorA Restaurant. The main dining room will be redesigned, featuring mirror panels with Murano glass, new soft lighting, wall coverings, and art work. The room will feature a new seating layout; setting the stage for Windstar’s signature dining experience featuring contemporary, international menus and fresh, local dishes.
- Candles: At night Veranda will transform to Candles, a favorite Windstar romantic experience where guests can dine with table service under the stars. The added elegance enhances the guest experience with culinary offerings to match.
- Destination Suites: the Owner’s Suites will now showcase different, unique Windstar destinations, such as the Bora Bora Suite. Guests can get a taste of one of the hidden harbors that Windstar sails to, all in the comfort of their suite.
All pubic spaces, restaurants and suites, will receive a completely refreshed look, featuring new carpets, lighting, upholstery, and floors, creating a traditional nautical feel, signature to Windstar Cruises.
Following the addition of the new ships, Star Pride will receive a $3 million renovation in April 2016, she will gain some of the new features that will be found on Star Breeze and Star Legend.