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Windstar's sailing ships are getting a multimillion-dollar update

Windstar Cruises’ three classic sailing yachts will be getting a multimillion-dollar redesign and update.

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

December 6, 2023

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

They are the 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit and the 342-passenger Wind Surf.

Full redesign of all public spaces, refurbished staterooms

The project encompasses a full redesign of all public spaces with new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting and custom art. Staterooms, premium suites and owner’s suites will be fully refurbished with new furniture, interactive televisions and décor.

Wind Star is the first to start the update process and is currently in Lisbon, readying to welcome passengers following the completion of the first phase of work. A second phase will include remaining staterooms and dining venues in 2025.

Wind Spirit will be fully remodeled with its renovations completed in 2025, while Wind Surf's work will span two phases, in 2024 and 2026.

'This multi-year, multimillion-dollar initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection and offer multifunctional needs of an intimate sized sailing yacht,' said Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s VP hotel operations and product development.

Wind Star phase one highlights

Projects completed on Wind Star include opening the lobby to create a more expansive reception area with added seating and expanded retail space. The lounge gained a living room-like ambiance and has new furniture, lighting and finishes.

CRUISE Windstar lobby update

The updated lobby

The World Spa by Windstar and gym gained all new finishes, color palettes and the latest equipment.

The pool deck was expanded by removing the skylight, adding a new pool and Jacuzzi, and extending the pool bar. New poolside furniture includes sofas and colorful poufs, ottomans and chairs. New speakers, lighting and finishes add to the fun for pool deck parties. New greenery adds a pop of color.

Curated art collection

Through its partnership with Fountainhead Arts in Miami, Windstar Cruises is sourcing a curated collection of artwork for all three yachts themed on nature, organic materials and yachting.

New, larger televisions in every cabin will be fully loaded with curated content and movies and the line’s Wayfinder application. Additional Wi-Fi access points will provide a better connection to Starlink internet service.

CRUISE Windstar stateroom update render

This rendering shows an updated stateroom, part of Wind Star's phase two work

Wind Star's phase two updates will address the staterooms, main dining room Amphora and lunch/breakfast restaurant Veranda.

Design inspiration

The design inspiration sprang from the yachts themselves, according to Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design. She studied classic and modern yacht architecture to develop the sophisticated design foundation then added pops of fun and elements inspired by the sails, the sea, the cities Windstar visits and the passengers.

'Stepping into the lobby as you embark is about feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel,' Payne added.

Read more about:

Windstar Cruises

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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