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Wind Star first in fleet to complete full renovation, even gets new sails

Wind Star completed a stem to stern renovation aimed at bringing a modern, casually elegant look. The ship even got new sails.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

August 10, 2012

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

The 1986-built Wind Star was the first in Windstar Cruises’ $18m fleetwide renovation to receive redesigned staterooms and owner’s suites and enhanced public areas.

‘We have a company-wide commitment to ensuring our yachts are in excellent condition,’ said Windstar president and ceo Hans Birkholz. ‘The vision for the renovation is a classic, stylish luxury that dramatizes the unique thrill of sailing and a private yacht experience.’

Wind Star’s décor was updated with new furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments and floor coverings. The design palette combines sand and marine colors contrasting with warm wood finishes.

The Restaurant was transformed into a whole new dining experience as AmphorA Restaurant including a redesigned seating layout, and modern wine display and storage. A new menu was introduced featuring savory dishes such as Dover sole, duck a l’orange and lobster ravioli.

The Veranda’s outdoor seating was significantly expanded, creating a midship area for passengers to have breakfast and lunch al fresco. The interior includes a new buffet, new lighting and epicurean-style display counters. The Compass Rose was also reconfigured to open expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck.

Other enhanced public areas include The Lounge, which gained new hardwood flooring accented with inset rugs, a new mix of contemporary furniture and a lighter color palette. A new audio-visual system was installed.  

The Casino received new sound insulation, while the Reception Area got a make-over with new artwork fresh colors. The Library received changes to make a more relaxing atmosphere. Soft goods in the Wind Spa were updated.

The Pool Bar was redesigned to offer a more engaging and upscale social experience by creating additional al fresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill with new awning and deck furniture.

As part of the renovation project, Windstar already redesigned the staterooms and suites fleetwide with new leather headboards, linen wall coverings, lighting features and other elements. Each owner’s suite received new furniture.

The company is also replacing sails on the ships. More than 69,000 square feet of hand-crafted sails, equivalent to 1.5 acres, were ordered. Wind Spirit, the last of the fleet to receive the order, hoisted the sails last week.

The next phase in the renovation project will include the complete enhancement of Wind Surf, previewing on Dec. 1, and Wind Spirit, on Dec. 22.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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