“Full Sail Ahead” for Windstar Cruises

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“Full Sail Ahead” for Windstar Cruises

September 22nd, 2011 by SimonTravels

Windstar Cruises announced this will that it will spend $18 million to renovate its fleet of three luxury sailing yachts.

The multi-million dollar refurbishment is part of the cruise line’s “Full Sail Ahead” initiative, an 18 month program that will also bring branding, technology and product upgrades to the Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit.

“This is a significant investment in our luxurious sailing yachts and will enable us to provide an unparalleled guest experience,” said Hans Birkholz, President and CEO of Windstar Cruises.

A refurbished stateroom on Wind Surf

The 347-passenger Wind Surf, the largest of the ships, will undergo a two-phase refurbishment, with suites, staterooms and corridors receiving new soft goods, furniture and wall coverings this November ahead of the ship’s 2011/2012 Caribbean season. Additionally, a new timber boardwalk will installed on the main deck in November.

In Fall 2012, Wind Surf’s public rooms will receive the same attention, with a new layout and soft goods in The Restaurant, a new Mediterranean bistro replacing the Degrees Restaurant and expanded outdoor seating and a revamped buffet at the Veranda.

New Wind Surf Corridor

In Spring 2012, the 159-passenger Wind Spirit and 168-passenger Wind Star will receive similar stateroom and public space rehabs before they head to the Mediterranean in mid- to late-April.

According to the Windstar Cruises blog, classic and stylish “yacht luxury” inspired the new look, which will underscore the cruise line’s promise of a “boutique yacht vacation” that is “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” The color palette combines sand and marine colors with the warmth of wood finishes. The line contracted with Trimline Interiors and MCVITTY Interior Consultants to design and coordinate the refurbishment.

Wind Surf at Sea

Windstar Cruises was established in 1984, and it was fully acquired by Holland America Line in 1988. In 2007, it was sold to Ambassadors International. After Ambassador declared bankruptcy in early 2011, the cruise line was sold to lodging company Xanterra.

“Our new owners, Xanterra Parks & Resorts, are committed to Windstar’s growth for the long term. Previously, there have been enhancements and refurbishment projects throughout the years to keep our yachts beautiful; however this is the most extensive fleet-wide refurbishment project in Windstar’s history,” Birkholz said.

Meet on Cruise Members: What do you think of the stylish new looks coming to the Windstar ships? Have you ever considered a cruise on Windstar’s unique computer-controlled sailing ships? Tell us in the comments below.

For even more Travel News & Views, check out Simon’s Blog at SimonTravels.net or follow Simon on Twitter @SimonTravels.

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Tags: cruise news, Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Surf, Windstar cruises

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 at 10:45 AM and is filed under Cruise News, cruise travel, Luxury Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.