Windstar embarks on $18m fleet refurbishment

‘Our new owners, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are committed to Windstar’s growth for the long term,’ said Windstar president and ceo Hans Birkholz. ‘Previously, there have been enhancements and refurbishment projects throughout the years to keep our yachts beautiful; however this is the most extensive fleetwide refurbishment project in Windstar’s history.’

Work begins in November on the first phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, with the ship to emerge Dec. 10 for the start of the Caribbean season with renovated and luxurious staterooms, suites, bridge suites, corridors and a ‘timber boardwalk’ throughout the main deck in keeping with the yacht style.

The second phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment is set for fall 2012 and focuses on public spaces including the Lounge, The Restaurant, Degrees, Veranda, Compass Rose, WindSpa, Yacht Club and Pool Bar.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit will undergo complete refurbishments of staterooms, owner’s suite and corridors along with public spaces including The Restaurant, Veranda, Lounge, WindSpa, Library, Reception and Pool Bar following their respective Costa Rica and Caribbean seasons.

After the completion of work, both vessels begin their Mediterranean seasons with Wind Spirit’s starting April 15 and Wind Star’s on April 29.

Windstar described its vision for the refurbishments as classic, stylish yacht luxury that underscores the ‘180 Degrees from Ordinary’ branding.

The yachts will receive new furniture, 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.

Windstar’s design and build partner for the project is UK-based Trimline Interiors incorporating MCVITTY Interior Consultants.

Trimline specializes in cruise ship and super-yacht ‘turn-key’ interiors and has completed projects all over the world. The company has its own in-house services including joinery, soft furnishings, upholstery, decoration and flooring.

Alan McVitty, lead designer and director of MCVITTY Interior Consultants, brings 24 years of expertise in interiors, including leisure and residential assignments along with projects for luxury cruise lines and private yachts.

Staterooms on all three yachts will be transformed with new leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, artwork, stylish bed cushions and luxurious bed throws.

Suites will additionally be outfitted with new furniture that is easily convertible to lounging, dining or accommodating a third occupant.

Wind Surf’s The Restaurant will be completed with a new seating layout, all new soft goods and contemporary wine display and storage. Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, anchored by a central wine bar for counter dining and relaxing before and after dinner. Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations will also be conducted here.

The Compass Rose will be reconfigured to open expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck, and its interior completely renovated to reflect the sophisticated elegance of a private club. The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be significantly expanded, creating a midship area for breakfast and lunch al fresco. The interior will include a new buffet, new lighting and epicurean-style display counters.

In the Lounge, wall-to-wall carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring accented with inset rugs, a contemporary mix of furniture, lighter color palette and improved sound insulation around the casino.

Corridors will be completely renovated with new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and artwork. The Pool Bar will sport new awnings for additional shade, new deck furniture and an improved outdoor dining layout for Candles Grill.

Wind Spirit and Wind Star’s The Restaurant will receive a complete make-over to create an exclusive destination restaurant with neutral tones and curved design elements. The Veranda will be renewed with new lighting, fresh ‘market-style’ buffet arrangements and reconfigured indoor/outdoor seating.

The Lounge will be contemporized with new furniture, soft goods, seating arrangements, window treatments and audio-visual system, creating a more welcoming space for evening entertainment.

The Pool Bar will be redesigned to offer a more engaging and upscale social experience and to create additional al fresco seating for sunset dining at Candles Grill. The renovations to the Library will create an intimate, luxurious cocoon for more contemplative pursuits, while WindSpa will receive an interior soft goods update.

Refurbishment updates and behind-the-scenes coverage will be provided at http://blog.windstarcruises.com/.