The
project, which began in December of 2011, encompassed all three
sailing yachts in a stem-to-stern renovationthat enhanced public
spaces, dining venues, staterooms and suites, as well as new sails.
The
148-passenger Wind Spirit, the last of the fleet to undergo
refurbishment, was updated with new furnishings, upholstery, art,
lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window
treatments, and floor
coverings during the month-long renovation.
The design palette, staying true to the other two yachts, combine
sand and marine colors that contrast elegantly with the warmth of
wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to stylish luxury at sea.
AmphorA, the fleet’s new fine-dining experience featuring
international cuisine, took the place of The Restaurant. The yacht
also received enhancements in The Lounge, Casino, Reception, Pool
Bar, and Library.
Wind
Surf, the company’s 310-passenger flagship, completed
its renovation in early December. Wind Star, the sister
yacht to Wind Spirit, was fully renovated in April of last year. The
staterooms and suites of all three yachts were refurbished in spring
of 2012.
“With
the completion of the renovation, we are truly delivering on our
promise of a unique luxury
cruise experience
that feels like your own private yacht,” said Hans Birkholz, CEO of
Windstar Cruises. “So far our guest feedback has been excellent;
our guests are just as excited as we are to have the fleet
completed.”
June
Baker, a recent guest onboard Wind Surf agrees. “I sailed last year
with Wind Surf¸ and, this time, you could really see the changes.
Everything was so new and fresh,” she said. “We had the
best time onboard, it was my husband’s first
time with Windstar Cruises and it was just the best vacation.
We are already planning our next cruise.”
To
celebrate the completion of the renovation, Windstar Cruises
threw a
party onboard the Wind Surf’s Flavors of the
Caribbean voyage in December. The guests onboard the company’s
premiere Caribbean itinerary were
treated to a spectacular fireworks show in Le Marin, Martinique,
provided by the Martinique Tourism Authority. In addition,
Birkholz and other Windstar executives sailed on board the newly
renovated yacht, mixing and mingling with guests and collecting
initial feedback.
“We
will continue to develop the best vacation experience
possible on board our unique sailing yachts,” said Birkholz. “2013
is looking bright for Windstar, with most of the cruise industry
focusing on bigger ships, we will continue to invest in small-ship
opportunities and intimate yacht-style cruising.”
