Seattle-based Windstar Cruises is pleased to share some good news in 2020 and digitally showcase the rebirth of the Star Breeze, an all-suite yacht that was cut in half and lengthened to add 50 new suites, two innovative restaurants, a reimagined spa/fitness center, expanded pool and deck, new bathrooms in all suites, and new, more efficient engines.
The ship's capacity increased from 212 passengers to 312 – still small enough to visit small ports around the world – although the ship will not welcome passengers until 2021.
Although Windstar has temporarily suspended its operations, the renovation work on its three Star Plus class ships continued, with Star Breeze being the first of its $250 million Star Plus initiative, which also includes sister ships Star Pride and Star Legend.
The two ships will join the fleet later in 2021, after Fincantieri completes the Star Plus class refurbishments at its shipyard in Palermo, Italy. Fincantieri is considered a leader in major cruise ship refurbishments, particularly for these types of highly complex operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Star Breeze, the first ship completed as part of the Star Plus Initiative at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo,” said Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “These three Star Plus class yachts offer more amenities that we know our guests want, while remaining small enough to navigate the narrow waterways and visit the small ports for which we are known.”.
Prelog emphasized the additional work and investment on this yacht and others to enhance health and safety conditions as part of the new Beyond Ordinary Care program. The Star Breeze is equipped with new HEPA filters and UV-C light technology, and the rest of the fleet will be fitted with these upgrades, among others, before returning to service.
One of the most anticipated additions to the revamped Star Breeze is two new restaurants: an open-air barbecue concept by grilling guru Steven Raichlen and a Spanish small-plates restaurant by Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs recognized by the Michelin Guide. Steven Raichlen's Star Grill is an open-air space with ocean views and offers drinks such as Strawberry Pimm's Cups and raspberry and melon granitas. On Deck 6, Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso presents a collection of Spanish products, all with a modern twist. An open kitchen allows diners to observe the preparation process, and a wine and cocktail list focused on Spain completes the experience.
At Veranda Restaurant, where breakfast and lunch are served daily, there's a new coffee station, as well as more outdoor seating with ocean views. Veranda transforms in the evening into a different concept called Candles, Windstar's grill. Dinner is served al fresco, under the stars and by candlelight (hence the name), weather permitting.
The Star Breeze now boasts a completely redesigned and expanded spa and fitness center featuring workout equipment manufactured by Technogym, an Italian company renowned for its cutting-edge designs. The spa menu includes regional spa treatments and destination-themed therapies as part of the World Spa by Windstar program. Massage therapists and estheticians will use products from Elemis, a luxury British body and skincare brand.
The yacht now offers a large swimming pool and jacuzzi on a raised upper deck, providing extraordinary views, along with extended outdoor deck areas for relaxing and sunbathing.
The new Star Breeze features 50 new suites, as well as two new, larger Owner's Suites. These suites combine to create a three-bedroom suite with two balconies—a first in the cruise industry. Every suite on board boasts brand-new bathrooms.
The ship features new, state-of-the-art diesel engines and generators, as well as a new elevator amidships, providing easy access to all decks from anywhere on board. There is a convenient tender loading area located midship, and two new 90-passenger tenders will transport passengers to port when the yachts are docked. In addition, the crew and staff areas and their accommodations have been expanded and improved.
The brand recently announced a new “Beyond Ordinary Care” program, which includes key hospital-grade features: HEPA filters and germicidal UV-C irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, as well as electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all yacht surfaces. The company worked with the epidemiology department at Anschutz Medical Center to design an approach that combines best practices from science, technology, and behavioral medicine, and believes this comprehensive program for providing a healthy onboard environment will also give travelers the confidence to book with the secure booking policy that offers flexibility to make plans and update them without fees if circumstances change.
