Windstar Cruises Updating Three Sailing Ships
By Anne Kalosh
Windstar Cruises’ three classic sailing yachts are getting a multimillion-dollar redesign and update.
They are the 148-passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit and the 342-passengerWind Surf.
The 148-passenger Wind Star was the first to undergo work, with a first phase of updates just completed. * Photo: Windstar Cruises
The multi-year initiative will provide updated spaces that inspire relaxation and foster connection, according to Windstar’s Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations and product development.
“Spending time on our yachts is all about moments of connection, whether that be guest to guest or guest to crew, and we want to make sure our spaces reflect that desire,” he said.
Redesigned Public Spaces & Accommodations
The project encompasses a full redesign of all public spaces with new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting and custom art. Miami’s Fountainhead Arts is curating artwork for the three yachts themed on nature, organic materials and yachting.
Staterooms, premium suites and owner’s suites will be fully refurbished with new décor, furniture and interactive televisions.
Staterooms are gaining new decor, furniture and interactive televisions. * Image: Windstar Cruises
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Design Inspiration
The design inspiration sprang from the yachts themselves, explained 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 said.
The updated lobby. * Image: Windstar Cruises
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Wind Star First Up
Wind Star, the first to begin the update process, has just arrived in the Caribbean for its winter season following the completion of initial work in Europe. 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.
Wind Star Phase One Highlights
Wind Star’s completed projects 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 new furniture, lighting and finishes.
Wind Star’s lounge gained a living room-like ambiance and has new furniture, lighting and finishes. * Photo: Windstar Cruises
The World Spa by Windstar and gym have all new finishes, color palettes and the latest Technogym equipment.
The latest gym equipment was installed. * Image: Windstar Cruises
The pool deck was expanded by removing the skylight, adding a new pool and Jacuzzi, and extending the pool bar.
A rendering of the new-look poolside Star Bar. * Rendering: Windstar Cruises
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.
New, larger televisions in every cabin are loaded with curated content and movies and the line’s Wayfinder application. Additional Wi-Fi access points provide a better connection to Starlink Internet service.
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