Windstar unveils Star Breeze and Star Legend

A rendering of the Star Bar

Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises will expand its fleet from four to six ships in May 2015 with the addition of two vessels from Seabourn. Recently Windstar Cruises announced the list of changes it plans to make to the two vessels to align them with their brand.

Windstar will take possession of the first Seabourn ship on 15 April 2015. It will undergo an $8.5 million (£5.6 million) renovation over the course of three weeks in Genoa, Italy before débuting as Star Breeze during a christening ceremony on 6 May in Nice, France.

The second vessel will join the fleet on 4 May 2015, and undergo a similar $8.5 million (£5.6 million) renovation before being christened Star Legend on 25 May in Rome, Italy.

Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises’ chief executive officer said “We learned a lot about our guests’ preferences with the début 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.”

Both yachts will have a capacity of 212 passengers at double occupancy. Upgrades to the suites, public areas, and dining venues will be made as part of the renovation works.

The public areas will receive updated décor, complete with new and more modern upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floorings. A contemporary colour palette will be used that will combine sand and marine shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, thereby creating an up-scale, nautical feel.

All restaurants will be transformed as will every one of the 106 suites which will receive a modern colour palette of vibrant blue hues, rich brown tones, and opulent greys.

Windstar is also planning a $3 million (£1.9 million) additional renovation of Star Pride in April 2016. Star Pride joined Windstar’s fleet from Seabourn in May 2014 following renovation works.

(Photo credit to Windstar Cruises)

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Windstar Reveal Pride Transformation

Windstar Cruises have announced the first new design changes to their Star Pride, which joins the fleet in May after sailing as the Seabourn Pride of Seabourn Cruises for 25 years

 

The arrival will be the first of three 10,000-ton vessels being added to the tall-ship style of Windstar, who are re-making the ultra-luxury ships in a more casual style, starting with the Pride.

The renovations for the ship's public spaces, suites and dining venues will take place in Barcelona from April 17, immediately following handover, ready for the inaugural voyage on May 5. The other two 208-passenger vessels will join Windstar in 2015.

The company's chief executive officer Hans Birkholz explained: “The planning for Star Pride’s transformation to Windstar’s unique private yacht style is nearly complete. Our enhancements include significant style changes and stem-to-stern upgrades. The main theme is a casual elegant ambiance, with a warm contemporary style. The look and feel of the renovations will align with our sailing fleet.”

Here's how the renovation will shape up:

Public Spaces: the majority of areas will receive updated décor, complete with new furnishings, upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments and floor coverings. The enhanced colour palette combines sand and marine shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to casual elegance.

Yacht Club (above): the indoor observation area on the top deck will become a chic coffee bar and lounge where guests enjoy espresso, sandwiches and pastries while relaxing with a good book, exploring their iPads with wifi or just watching the coastline as they sail to the next destination. The area will receive a complete overhaul, with new Amtico® flooring, furniture, and an open layout that embraces the view.

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.

Reception: this area will be refreshed with new panelling, light fixtures and wall coverings. An additional desk for guests to consult with the destination manager and guest service manager will also be added.

 

Star Bar: the outdoor deck 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, 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 artwork. 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.

Veranda/Candles: the restaurant in the aft of the yacht will be an inviting buffet during the day, with plentiful outdoor seating highlighting Veranda’s new look – the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch alfresco. At night, the venue will transform to Candles Grill, a favourite Windstar romantic experience where guests can dine with table service under the stars.

Suites: all 106 will be renovated to showcase new furnishings, leather headboards, plush sofas and chairs, curtains, new lighting features, plush carpeting, new artwork, stylish bed cushions and luxurious bed throws. The suites will feature a warm colour palette that embraces comfort and relaxation.

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 harbours that Windstar sails to, all in the comfort of their suite.

 

More info: call 020 7399 7669 (Cruise Portfolio, London) or visit www.windstarcruises.com.

 

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Windstar's New Pride For Europe

Windstar Cruises has announced the name for the first of its three new, all-suite, power yachts as Star Pride (above), launching in May of 2014.

Windstar, who acquired the three 10,000-ton vessels from Seabourn Cruise Line, will place newcomer Star Pride in Europe for its first season, offering exciting new voyages which open for bookings on May 14. The names of the additional two yachts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

“Star Pride and the additional two yachts will fit perfectly into Windstar’s intimate, yacht-style cruising by offering a small-ship luxury cruise with 300 passengers or less in a casually elegant style going to places bigger ships cannot go,” said Hans Birkholz, Windstar’s chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to now be able to offer even more intriguing choices in Europe for the 2014 season.”

The addition of the new yachts is part of Global Windstar, the line’s fleet expansion and new product development initiative. Increasing the size of the fleet enables the line to cruise a global set of itineraries to new destinations, such as Wind Spirit’s much anticipated return to Tahiti and Star Pride’s European voyage collection, which will include new destinations, such as a voyage in the Black Sea. Future options will include opportunities to visit Asia and South America.

The new 'power yachts' are identical, with a guest capacity of 212 each in 106 suites. As the trio enter the fleet, they will all undergo a Windstar branded renovation to add signature experiences, including the line’s famous deck barbecue, the open Bridge policy, and the celebrated sail-away party.

Following the May 2014 introduction of Star Pride, Windstar will take possession of the additional two yachts in April and May 2015, to start sailing in May following their dry-dock period. 

 

For bookings, click on this link for The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

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