Windstar’s Iconic Wind Star Completes Major 2026 Refit

Windstar Cruises has completed a full transformation of Wind Star, the 148‑guest sailing yacht that helped pioneer modern sailing cruises 40 years ago. The reimagined yacht now sets course for the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Tahiti, marking the next chapter for the vessel that started it all under Windstar’s multi‑year Setting Sails refurbishment initiative.

Spanning multiple ships, Setting Sails is redefining Windstar’s Wind Class fleet with refreshed interiors, upgraded technology and yacht‑style design, while preserving the intimate, sail‑powered character that long‑time guests love. As of April 2026, Wind Star becomes the first Wind Class yacht to complete both phases of the program, ahead of similar work on Wind Surf and Wind Spirit.

What is new aboard Wind Star

Phase 2 marks the final stage of a comprehensive redesign of Wind Star, bringing a more refined, contemporary feel to key public spaces and staterooms. The update enhances how guests dine, relax and connect while retaining the relaxed, private‑yacht ambience that defines the brand.

Key enhancements include:

• Amphora restaurant – Fully redesigned with new flooring, wall finishes, ceiling treatments, custom banquette seating and updated furnishings, creating a warmer, more elegant dining room.
• Veranda – A refreshed interior paired with a reimagined buffet layout for smoother flow and a more relaxed breakfast and lunch experience.

• Staterooms – New upholstered headboards, integrated lighting and convenient bedside charging join earlier upgrades such as enhanced technology, Starlink connectivity, new televisions with on‑demand content and a redesigned Owner’s Suite.

• Public spaces – Previous phases transformed the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café and pool deck, as well as refreshing the World Spa by Windstar and upgrading the fitness centre.

Across the yacht, fine details such as commissioned artwork created with Miami‑based Fountainhead Art, enhanced lighting, state‑of‑the‑art audio systems, new teak decking and refined finishes tie the transformation together and reinforce Windstar’s signature home‑at‑sea feel.

Setting Sails initiative and the Wind Class fleet

Wind Star’s refurbishment is part of Windstar’s broader Setting Sails project, which is reimagining all three Wind Class sailing yachts.

• Wind Star – First in the fleet to complete both phases of the redesign in 2026.
• Wind Surf (342 guests) – Scheduled to finish Phase 2 in December 2026, following a multi‑stage refit at Navantia shipyard in Spain.
• Wind Spirit – Planned to complete Phase 2 in March 2027, ensuring the entire sailing fleet shares the same modern yacht aesthetic and upgraded amenities.

This investment underscores Windstar’s commitment to small‑ship, sail‑powered cruising, keeping the fleet fresh while staying true to the line’s laid‑back, yacht‑style identity.

Where to sail aboard the newly transformed Wind Star

With the refit now complete, Wind Star is returning to some of Windstar’s most iconic regions, offering small‑ship access and longer days in port.

Mediterranean – Spring 2026

• The first voyage post‑refurbishment is a 10‑night Lisbon to Barcelona sailing from 7–17 April 2026.
• Additional itineraries from Barcelona through May and June offer a richly layered look at Mediterranean culture, cuisine and coastal scenery.

Greek Isles – Summer to Fall 2026

• From June to October 2026, Wind Star operates 7‑night roundtrip voyages from Athens (Piraeus).
• These itineraries highlight Windstar’s yacht‑style advantage, often docking closer to the heart of each island town and allowing more time ashore.

Tahiti – From 2027

• In a major expansion, Wind Star will join Star Breeze in French Polynesia, offering year‑round Tahiti sailings from 2027.
• The ship will operate the popular 7‑day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary, giving guests more opportunities to explore French Polynesia with Windstar.
• The move further cements Windstar as a market leader in Tahiti, supported by air‑inclusive packages and newly released 2028 programmes.

Full itineraries and dates are available at https://www.windstarcruises.com.

A 40‑year legacy, reimagined

When Wind Star debuted in the mid‑1980s, its combination of real working sails, intimate capacity and yacht‑like atmosphere helped pioneer a different style of cruising. Forty years later, the completed transformation honours that legacy while preparing the ship for the next generation of travellers.

From enhanced dining and refreshed staterooms to upgraded technology and thoughtfully curated design, Wind Star now delivers a more modern interpretation of casual luxury under sail—without losing the relaxed, private‑yacht spirit that has defined the ship since launch.

For bookings, guests can book online, contact their travel advisor, call 866‑258‑7245, or request a call from a Windstar vacation planner via the cruise line’s website.

Summary

• Windstar Cruises has completed a full transformation of Wind Star, the 148‑guest sailing yacht that pioneered modern sailing cruises, as part of its Setting Sails refurbishment project.
• The refit introduces redesigned dining venues, refreshed staterooms, upgraded technology and enhanced public spaces while preserving the ship’s intimate, yacht‑style character.
• In 2026–2027, Wind Star sails the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Tahiti, with the rest of the Wind Class fleet set to complete their own transformations by early 2027.