By
Laura Hyde |
Windstar Cruises is in the middle of a multimillion-dollar, multiyear initiative to redesign and refurbish its three Wind-class yachts – Wind Star, Wind Surf and Wind Spirit – at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.
“During the pandemic, we renovated our Star-class vessels, so as cruising picked back up, we turned our focus to the Wind-class fleet,” says Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “The class is iconic to the brand, but it was time for a refresh and thankfully the dry dock cycles lined up perfectly. The Wind-class ships are 30 years old, so beyond aesthetics, there’s significant work involved to install new technology, replace structural steel and more. We had several four-week dry docks booked which gave us the opportunity to ask ourselves what we could realistically accomplish in that time. We settled on completing the refurbishments in two phases.”
The 148-guest Wind Star was the first ship to be renovated, spending 26 days in dry dock in late 2023 for phase one; phase two is scheduled for April 2026. Phase one of the refurbishment on Windstar Cruises’ flagship vessel Wind Surf was completed in November and December 2024, with phase two scheduled for April 2026. The first part of Wind Spirit’s revitalisation took place in March and April 2025 and the remaining work is planned for March 2027.
“We started this multiyear, multi-ship refurbishment with a third-party interior designer but quickly realised that we needed someone in-house, given the scale of the project and the need to align with our brand identity,” says Creupelandt. “So, we brought on Jessica Payne, our interior designer, to lead the creative design work and manage the project.”
During phase one of the revitalisations, Windstar Cruises focused on implementing a consistent design scheme across the public spaces and the larger owner’s suites on all three yachts, with carpets, colour palettes and design details being used to reinforce its branding.
Wind Surf now has a more expansive reception area with extra seating and retail space
Each ship also has new furniture, lighting and finishes; Technogym equipment in the fitness studio; and a new pool, jacuzzi and an extended pool bar. The outdoor deck and mast have been replaced on Wind Surf, and Wind Spirit has a new mast too.
In addition, the 342-guest Wind Surf has a reimagined main lobby and reception area, Yacht Club Café, Compass Rose Bar and Lounge, Amphora restaurant and wine room, pool bar and deck, owner’s suites, Star Boutique, and public restrooms. The ship also now has Broadmoor and Sea Island suites, which are inspired by Windstar’s luxury, five-star land-based resorts, The Broadmoor in Colorado, USA, and Sea Island in Georgia, USA.
The new Broadmoor Suite was inspired by The Broadmoor resort in Colorado
“The biggest changes are mostly cosmetic, but there’s a lot of intention behind them,” says Creupelandt. “We’ve focused on making the interiors feel cohesive and appropriate to each venue, as well as reflective of the Windstar brand. We want the space to feel like a luxury yacht, or even like someone’s home – warm, inviting and perfect for making connections. It’s not just about everything being new and shiny; it’s about using thoughtful design to enhance the guest experience.”
Windstar Cruises is also making technology upgrades throughout the vessels. “All the lighting is now LED, with Wind Surf’s lounge being home to our first LED wall,” says Creupelandt. “We’ve also added interactive TVs and upgraded Wi-Fi access points in areas with poor coverage. A lot of these enhancements are hidden behind the walls but have a big impact on the overall guest experience.”
During phase two of the renovations, Windstar Cruises will update guest accommodation and the Veranda restaurant on all three ships, and upgrade the Stella Bistro on Wind Surf and the Amphora restaurant on Wind Star.
“This refurbishment project will give these ships a new lease of life,” says Creupelandt. “They’re still very unique and we respect their age and their beauty. Nothing compares to the moment when the sails go up, the music plays, and you’re out on deck. We’re investing in these ships so they can continue sailing; I’m looking forward to another 30 years, and beyond!”
The pool deck has been expanded with the addition of a new pool and jacuzzi
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