Windstar Cruises has revealed details of its $250 million Star Plus Initiative, which will renovate and extend three of the cruise line’s vessels, Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride.
The initiative will be the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement and renovation project in cruising. Work on the ships will begin in October 2019 and be completed in November 2020, and the total capacity of the expanded ships will be 312 guests.
The expanded capacity will make the vessels ideal for larger MICE groups seeking to charter the whole ship, while still keeping them small enough to access smaller ports and exclusive destinations that larger cruise ships can’t reach. Additional staff will also be hired to maintain the line’s 1.5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio.
“This is the biggest investment and expansion in Windstar Cruises’ history,” said Windstar’s President John Delaney at a press conference. “The investment of a quarter of a billion dollars ensures to our loyal and future guests, and industry partners, that these ships will continue to sail for generations and deliver on their promise of visiting the smaller ports and waters of the world that our brand is known for. We are all proud to be part of this historic event in the small ship cruise industry.”
360-degree views
Delaney revealed details of the renovation, along with new renderings and 360-degree views, at the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami. The vision for the new spaces includes 50 new suites configured with the bed by the window or balcony, as well as a 1,374-sf three-bedroom Grand Owner’s Suite. An infinity pool was also revealed, along with a reimagined Veranda restaurant. Two new dining concepts will be announced soon, along with a world-class spa and fitness center.
The renovated and extended ships will be available for charter in Summer 2020, and destinations will include Iceland, Northern Europe, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Malta, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico and the Caribbean.
