By
Alex Smith |
Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is carrying out a multi-million-dollar initiative to refurbish its three classic sailing yachts, Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf.
The multi-year initiative has begun with the 148-guest Wind Star, which has now completed phase one of its renovations. A second phase will be carried out in 2026. Meanwhile, Wind Spirit will be fully remodelled in 2025, while updates to Wind Surf will be carried out in two phases in 2024 and 2026.
The project encompasses a full redesign of all public spaces with new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting, and custom art. Staterooms and suites will be fully refurbished with new furniture, interactive televisions and décor.
“This multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection, and offer multifunctional needs of an intimate sized sailing yacht,” said Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s vice president of hotel operations and product development. “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.”
During the first phase of Wind Star’s renovations, the ship’s lobby was opened up to feature a more expansive reception area with added seating and expanded retail space. The layout of the ship’s lounge has been redesigned with the aim of creating a living room-like ambiance, along with the addition of new furniture, lighting and finishes. The World Spa by Windstar and gym have also been redesigned with new finishes, colour palettes and new equipment.
Wind Star’s pool deck has been expanded with the removal of the skylight, adding in a new pool and jacuzzi and extending the pool bar. New furniture has also been added, including sofas for lounging and colourful poufs, ottomans and chairs around the pool. New speakers, lighting and finishes have been introduced, along with new fauna and greenery around the pool bar.
Through its partnership with Fountainhead Arts in Miami, the cruise line is sourcing a curated collection of artwork for all three yachts. The works will feature a common theme around the convergence of nature, organic materials and the essence of yachting. Other updates include new, larger televisions in every cabin, the introduction of Windstar’s Wayfinder app, and additional wi-fi access points.
Updates to guest staterooms, the main dining room Amphora, and lunch/breakfast restaurant Veranda will occur in phase two.
“The design inspiration really developed from the yachts themselves,” said Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design. “I studied classic and modern yacht architecture to develop the sophisticated design foundation, and then went on 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 feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel.”