Windstar Cruises today shared news about the line’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, which guests will experience on the line’s three renovated vessels—Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride.
“This is the biggest investment and expansion in Windstar Cruises’ history,” said John Delaney, president of Windstar Cruises during a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global Conference. “The investment of a quarter of a billion dollars ensures to our loyal and future guests, and industry partners, that these ships will continue to sail for generations and deliver on their promise of visiting the smaller ports and waters of the world that our brand is known for. We are all proud to be part of this historic event in the small ship cruise industry.”
The Star Plus Initiative is a complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project in cruising. The total capacity of the expanded ships will be 312 guests, with additional staff that will be hired to maintain the line’s 1.5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio. The ship’s new engines will meet and exceed the new global International Maritime Organization limits—one of the requirements which is that the engines not produce more than .5 percent sulphur content. The new engines are also designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which supports the company’s goals of traveling with a softer environmental footprint. Work on the ships begins in October 2019 and ends November 2020.
In addition, The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in New York will be creating modern new public spaces on board, as well as 50 new suites. The 50 new suites will feature a bed by the window or balcony, and the Grand Owner’s Suite, companies three adjoining suites to make up a 3-bedroom suite with 3.5 bath, a separate dining room and living area, an entertainment bar, a spacious balcony,, and an additional balcony in one of the bedroom suites for a total of 1,373 sq. ft., and can accommodate up to seven guests. In addition to the new suites, all bathrooms in existing suites will be renovated to showcase the same design as the new suites.
The renovations will also include a new infinity pool, and a redesigned Veranda restaurant. More reveals will be announced in the coming months, including two new dining spaces and dining concepts on board, a spa, and fitness center, plus an enhanced deck space.
Reservations are now available for the Star Breeze and the Star Legend after they completed renovations, including the Star Breeze’s 10-day voyage from Miami to Colon, Panama for the Colors of Key West & Central America itinerary.
For more information, visit windstarcruises.com/starplus.
