Windstar ‘Expands’ Star Class Fleet
Windstar Cruises has introduced a “$250 Million Star Plus Initiative,” a multi-million dollar, multi-year undertaking that will impact and enhance all aspects of the guest experience for the small ship cruise line’s three Star Class vessels.
“We are thrilled to announce the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, a significant investment in the future of Windstar Cruises. This exciting initiative is our 180 degree from ordinary solution to add new capacity and major enhancements to the guest experience in a very time efficient manner,” said Windstar president John Delaney. “The initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we will also take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system. This will be a true game changer for Windstar and our small ship cruise experience.”
The initiative will expand guest accommodations on the boutique line’s three all-suite vessels, increasing capacity from 212 passengers to 312 guests per ship, following the lengthening. The work will be done to Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride in succession between October 2019 and November 2020, and take place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. The project represents an overall capacity increase of 24% for Windstar.
Each Star Class ship will be cut to allow the installation of a new section of ship that will lengthen each vessel approximately 25.6 metres bringing the total length to just over 138 metres, still the right size to access the smaller ports and harbours that Windstar favours on its immersive itineraries. The project adds 50 new suites, bringing the total number of suites per ship to 156, and represents an investment of more than $267,000 per passenger berth.
Also involved in the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the creation of state-of-the-art public spaces, including two new dining locations; new shop and retail space; a much enlarged fitness centre; and a new world-class spa.
