By
Rebecca Gibson |
Renowned as the sailing yacht that started Windstar Cruises’ journey to becoming a well-known luxury, small-ship cruise operator 40 years ago, the 148-guest Wind Star has undergone a comprehensive transformation.
The yacht is the first of the brand’s three Wind-class ships to complete a full upgrade as part of the multi-year, multimillion-dollar Setting Sails refurbishment initiative. Each one is being extensively refurbished in two phases at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, with the first phase addressing public spaces and the second upgrading guest accommodation.
Wind Star initially entered dry dock for the first stage of renovations in 2023, followed by Wind Surf in November 2024 and Wind Spirit in April 2025. The yacht returned to the yard for final updates in April 2026, before resuming service with a 10-day Mediterranean sailing. Wind Surf and Wind Spirit are scheduled to undergo final updates in December 2026 and March 2027, respectively.
“Our Wind-class yachts are cornerstones of the Windstar experience, and this investment ensures they continue to deliver the intimate, yacht-style sailing our guests love while meeting modern expectations,” says Jessica Payne, who served as senior manager of interior design at Windstar Cruises until July 2026. “Through this comprehensive upgrade, we’re enhancing everything from technology and connectivity to the look and feel of our public spaces and staterooms. The result is a more refined, contemporary onboard experience that elevates how guests dine, relax and connect without losing the charm and authenticity that define these ships.”
Windstar Cruises has enhanced the Owner’s Suite and other accommodation (Photo: Windstar Cruises)
Windstar sought feedback from both guests and crew members to determine which areas of the yachts to upgrade.
“Guest and crew insights are always central to how we evolve the Windstar experience,” says Payne. “We drew directly from their feedback to guide our decisions on what to update and how to approach each space, ensuring the enhancements reflect what our guests value most while making the experience even more seamless and enjoyable.”
One of Windstar Cruises’ priorities was to revitalise the public spaces onboard all three yachts, including the lobby and reception area, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café, the pool deck and bar. Guests will also find refreshed interiors and a new layout in the Veranda buffet, while signature restaurant Amphora has received custom banquette seating alongside updated furnishings, flooring, ceiling treatments and wall finishes. The overall flow and functionality of these spaces have been improved too.
“We’ve reimagined space planning in key public areas such as the lounge to foster connection and conversation, so we’ve introduced larger groups of seating to encourage guests to meet, share stories and build friendships,” says Payne. “At the same time, we’ve been intentional about creating quieter, more intimate spaces where guests can step away, relax and feel as though they have the yacht to themselves. The result balances sociability and serenity, which are brought to life through a lighter, contemporary palette, layered textures and thoughtfully selected furnishings and finishes.”
The layout in the lounge has been reconfigured to provide more spaces for guests to sit together (Photo: Windstar Cruises)
In addition, the company wanted to refurbish all accommodation – including the Owner’s Suites – to enhance guest comfort. Wind Surf, for example, now has Broadmoor and Sea Island suites, which were inspired by accommodation at the two five-star US-based properties owned by Windstar Cruises’ parent company Xanterra Travel Collection: The Broadmoor in Colorado and Sea Island in Georgia.
Another key priority was to introduce new technology across the yachts. To this end, the company has added integrated LED lighting and enhanced audio systems throughout the ships, as well as bedside charging points, interactive televisions with on-demand content and Starlink connectivity in all guest suites.
Windstar Cruises has also reimagined finer details onboard the vessel. For instance, the yachts have new teak decking, furniture and finishes; Technogym equipment in the fitness studio; consistent colour palettes and design schemes; and a collection of custom artwork created in collaboration with Miami-based organisation Fountainhead Art.
Read more about Windstar Cruises’ partnership with Fountainhead Art
“The design creates a space that feels instantly comfortable and inviting – like stepping into your own relaxed living room, surrounded by new friends,” says Payne. “We want guests to feel at ease from the moment they come aboard, so they’re able to kick back, connect and fully enjoy the journey. The design also reflects our deep connection to the sea and the spirit of sailing, drawing inspiration from the yachts themselves.”
Public spaces including the Amphora restaurant and pool bar have also been refurbished (Photo: Windstar Cruises)
Now that Wind Star has returned to service and the completion of the two remaining yachts is on the horizon, Payne is confident the brand will achieve its aim of preserving their unique character while modernising them to meet the needs of today’s travellers. She also acknowledges the role collaboration has played in helping the brand to execute the project successfully.
“We partnered with StudioBERG+ on the concept design in 2023, and Aros Marine, Civil Marine Contract and Mivan are our primary outfitting partners,” she says. “We’ve also collaborated with a range of trusted suppliers, including Ege Carpets, Njords Ark and Tirolo for indoor furnishings, and Danao Living and Dedon for outdoor furniture. There are many others who have helped bring our vision to life too.”
Discover more insights from ship interior design experts in the 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.