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Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet from
four ships to six in May 2015 with the addition of two small luxury ships from
Seabourn.
Windstar takes possession of the first Seabourn ship on April 15, 2015, when it
undergoes an $8.5 million, three-week renovation in Genoa, Italy. It will debut
as Star Breeze during a christening ceremony on May 6, 2015 in Nice, France.
The second ship follows suit, joining the fleet on May 4, 2015, and completing a
similar $8.5 million renovation. The yacht will be christened Star Legend on May
25, 2015 in Rome, Italy.
Star Breeze and Star Legend join sister-ship, Star Pride, marking the completion
of the acquisition announced in February of 2013.
The expansion doubles the size of Windstar’s 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.
“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,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer.
“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.”
Key changes on Star Breeze and Star Legend that differ from Star Pride include:
Lounge: The entertainment lounge completely transforms 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.
Both yachts, each holding 212 passengers at double occupancy, will also receive
upgrades to the suites, public areas, and dining venues. The transformation will
include the following overhauls and upgrades:
Public Spaces: Public areas receive updated décor, complete with new, more
modern upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window
treatments, and floors. The contemporary color palette combines sand and marine
shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, thereby creating an
upscale, nautical feel, signature to Windstar. Some public space renovation
highlights include:
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.
Dining Venues: All restaurants will be transformed to embrace Windstar’s casual
elegance, where guests are free to eat when, where, and with whom they please
(no jackets or ties required). All dining experiences are complimentary.
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.
Suites: Every guest suite (a total of 106 suites) undergoes upgrades to reflect
a more luxurious and stylish experience. Changes include new carpets, linens,
couches, chairs, mattresses, curtains, and headboards, as well as a modern color
palette including vibrant blue hues, rich brown tones, and opulent greys.
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.
Coming in 2016: Star Pride Renovation
Windstar is planning a $3 million additional renovation of Star Pride in April
2016. The Star Pride joined Windstar’s fleet from Seabourn in May of 2014, after
a moderate facelift and updated furnishings with some remodeling. The
continuation of the transformation includes the completion of the AmphorA dining
room remodel and a total renovation of the Lounge, Veranda, Screening Room, and
more.
“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,” added Birkholz. |
