Windstar Announces Multi-Million Dollar Initiative for its Three Iconic Yachts

Windstar Cruises is launching a multimillion-dollar endeavour to remodel and refurbish its three classic sailing yachts: the Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf.

According to Windstar, the project includes a complete makeover of all public spaces, including new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting, and customs art.

Guest staterooms, Premium Suites, and Owner’s Suites will be fully refurbished, with new furniture, interactive televisions, and a contemporary interior design.

“Our sailing ships are beloved by Windstar guests,” Windstar President Christopher Prelog said. “Being on the ship under sail is unforgettable and brings an element of freedom and romance to every voyage.”

The Wind Star is the first sailing ship to start the process, and it is presently docked in Lisbon, getting ready to welcome guests after a drydock. In 2026, a second phase will include the remaining staterooms and dining venues.

The Wind Spirit will be fully remodelled and finished in 2025, while the Wind Surf will be renovated in two phases, in 2024 and 2026.

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

“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.”

Wind Star Project Highlights for Fall 2023: 

Lobby: According to Windstar, opening up the space offers a more expansive reception area with more seats and expanded retail space.

Lounge: With a living room-like ambience, a makeover of the arrangement is intended to create ties between people. New furniture, lighting, and finishes enhance the daytime relaxation and evening entertainment area.

Spa and Fitness Centre – The World Spa by Windstar and its gym have been designed with wellness and respite in mind. Both areas feature entirely new finishes, colour palettes, and cutting-edge equipment.

Pool Deck: A focus point on every cruise, Windstar says the pool deck has been expanded by removing the skylight, adding a new pool and jacuzzi, and extending the pool bar.

The new furniture includes sofas for lounging and colourful poufs, ottomans, and chairs around the pool. New speakers, lighting, and finishes enhance the fun of poolside parties. According to the Windstar, the addition of unique fauna and greenery around the pool bar adds a splash of colour.

Artwork: The line is sourcing a curated collection of artworks for all three yachts through its partnership with Fountainhead Arts in Miami. All have been particularly commissioned for Windstar and have a common theme of nature, organic materials, and the essence of yachting.

Technology: Each cabin will have new, larger television screens with curated content, movies, and the line’s Wayfinder app. More WiFi access points will provide a better connection to Starlink internet.

Phase 2 will include updates to guest staterooms, the main dining room Amphora, and the lunch/breakfast restaurant Veranda.

“The design inspiration developed from the yachts themselves,” Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design, said.

“I studied classic and modern yacht architecture to develop the sophisticated design foundation, and then went to add pops of fun and peeks of relief inspired by our sails, the sea, the cities we visit, and our guests.” “Stepping into the lobby as you embark is about stepping onto your private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel,” she added.