78 REVITALISATION Rebecca Gibson asks Jessica Payne how Windstar Cruises’ multimillion-dollar refit project will help its Wind-class fleet retain their appeal while catering to evolving guest demands Elevating the onboard experience 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 multiyear, 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, senior manager of interior design at Windstar Cruises. “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 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.” In addition, the company wanted to refurbish all accommodation – including The layout in the lounge has been reconfigured to provide more spaces for guests to sit together
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