Fincantieri's Palermo delivers Windstar's transformed Star Legend

Its first cruise is scheduled for Sept. 4 in Northern Europe.

Star Legend is the second vessel in Windstar's $250m Star Plus Initiative begun in 2019. It follows Star Breeze, completed last year. 

Complicated and innovative project

'We’re proud to see Star Legend emerge from this major project with all initial plans completed,' Windstar President Chris Prelog said. 'I am so thankful to Fincantieri for their great partnership on this complicated and innovative project. This is the ship I began my seagoing career on 20-plus years ago and to see it today like a new ship is more than exciting for me. I am blown away.'

Windstar's John Gunner, VP expansion projects, added his thanks to the Palermo team for their hard work and diligence on a long, complicated project, adding: 'We have one more to go.'

Next up is Star Pride.

50 new suites, two new restaurants and more

The Star Plus Initiative is inserting a new section into each ship with 50 new suites, new and reimagined public spaces and additional amenities. Passenger capacity is increased from 212 to 312.

Highlights include two new restaurants: Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, an outdoor barbecue concept, and Cuadro 44 by Michelin-starred chef Anthony Sasso, a Spanish small plates restaurant.

A larger pool and hot tub on an elevated top deck and expanded outdoor deck areas for relaxing and sun-bathing are other features, along with an enlarged spa and fitness center with Technogym equipment.

Fifty new 277-square-foot suites come in new categories and open floor plan configurations, along with two new, larger owner’s suites that can be combined with another suite to create up to a three-bedroom, two-balcony suite with more than 1,300 square feet. All accommodations have new bathrooms.

New engines

The latest efficient engines and diesel generators plus a new advanced wastewater treatment system are also key to the project.

A tender loading area located mid-ship and new elevator mid-ship, along with two new 90-passenger tenders are further changes.

Health safety

As for health safety, additions include HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht.

Windstar will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all travelers.