Windstar Cruises Nears Completion of Fleet Renovation

SEATTLE, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises announced today the latest plans for the $18 million fleet-wide renovation project to be completed in December of this year. Wind Surf, the company's flagship, will enter into dry dock on November 12^th at Lisnave, a Portuguese shipyard. Wind Spirit's public spaces will be refurbished shortly after, starting on November 25^th. Wind Star, the sister yacht to Wind Spirit, was fully renovated in April of this year.  The staterooms and suites of all three yachts were refurbished last fall and this spring.  

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121025/SF00369)

"We are looking forward to having our whole fleet enter 2013 with an elevated feeling of private yacht style," said Hans Birkholz, CEO and President of Windstar Cruises. "We want to continue to offer the best vacation experience possible on board our unique sailing yachts."

The 310-passenger Wind Surf will start its stem-to-stern renovation with a five-day dry dock. The yacht will cross the Atlantic, with only crew on board to complete its 13-day wet dock. The first post-renovation voyage, Yachtsman's Caribbean, will sail on December 1^st from St. Maarten. The 148-passenger Wind Spirit will spend its two-week dry dock in Lisnave as well, before starting her wet dock on the December 9^th transatlantic crossing. Wind Spirit will arrive in Barbados on December 22^nd and start receiving guests for its Jewels of the Windward Islands cruise. 

Similar to Wind Star, both sailing yachts will have updated decor in the public areas, complete with new furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. The enhanced color palette combines sand and marine shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to casual elegance.

One of the most exciting features of the renovation is the transformation of the main dining room, The Restaurant, into a whole new cuisine experience as AmphorA Restaurant. The venue will be introduced with a redesigned seating layout and state-of-the-art wine display and storage. A new menu will be featured, spotlighting local dishes as well as savory courses such as ling cod, quail delight, as well as porcini and truffle fettuccini. The Veranda's outdoor seating will also be expanded to create an ideal mid-ship area for guests to enjoy breakfast and lunch alfresco. A live-action cooking station will give guests a chance to order exactly what they want. The interior includes a new buffet, new lighting, and epicurean displays. 

On Wind Surf only, Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into an elegant French Bistro, featuring a new name and menu, details which will be announced soon. The venue will receive an enhanced look with new furniture, flooring, wine display cabinet, and a mix of classic and contemporary pendent lighting. Also onboard Wind Surf, the popular Compass Rose will be redesigned with fresh contemporary furnishings, new flooring and comfortable chairs and bar stools designed for socializing.  

Other enhanced areas on both ships include:

• The Lounge Bar – will receive sleek, contemporary furniture to match the new tawny, color palette giving a friendly ambiance.
• Reception Area – will be decorated with a new alabaster centerpiece and pendent lighting.
• The Pool Bar – is set to be redesigned with a variety of seating options and new awning. By evening the deck transforms into the romantic Candles, where on-deck, candlelit dinners are served.
• Yacht Club – will be refreshed with new furnishings.

"We've had really positive feedback from the renovations on Wind Star," said Birkholz. "Our guests are also really excited to see the enhancements to the remaining two yachts; our advanced bookings are already fifty percent ahead of last year at this time."

Already completed on all three yachts are the staterooms and suites. They were redesigned in April to include new leather headboards, contemporary furniture, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, window coverings, plush wool carpeting, new art work, stylish bed cushions and luxurious bed throws. In addition, all three sailing yachts received 69,000 square feet of brand new, hand-crafted sails.

To learn more about what's happening with Windstar Cruises renovations, visit the www.windstarcruises.com.

About Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and the ability to visit hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations.  Carrying just 148 to 310 guests, the luxurious yachts of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries, contact a travel professional or call Windstar at 800-258-7245.  Visit Windstar Cruises online at WindstarCruises.com. Windstar Cruises can also be followed on Windstar's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises