In an evolution that refreshes Windstar’s trio of sailing ships – Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf – the company has begun a multi-million-dollar, multi-year refurbishment initiative. The remodeling effort (pictured above is a rendering of the new Amphora on Wind Surf), which has already begun on the 148-guest Wind Star, spans the vessels, from staterooms and suites to restaurants and pool decks.
The inspiration for the major remodel, says Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s vice president of hotel operations and product development, is to make sure that the ships’ spaces feel up to date while retaining the charm that has made each so special. “The initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection, and offer multifunctional needs of an intimate sized sailing yacht,” he says.
As you can see from our renderings, the new ambience is earthy, clubby and quietly elegant. “It’s about feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel,” says Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design.
Here’s how the upgrades are rolling out.
Wind Surf
The Project: The 342-guest Wind Surf will undergo its $7.5 million refurbishment in two phases, starting in November 2024 and finishing up in December 2026. Both segments of the refurbishment process for Wind Surf will take place at Navantia shipyard, in Spain’s Cádiz.
Refurbishment efforts in the first phase include the ship’s top three suites, which will be remodeled in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one more that’s going be redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects will include refurbishments of Amphora, Compass Rose, the pool deck and bar, and the lobby, Yacht Club coffee bar, and the boutique.
What’s Next: During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all remaining accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor. This will take place in December 2026
Wind Star
The Project: The 148-guest Wind Star underwent the first stage of upgrades while in Lisbon in November 2023. In this phase one (of two), the ship’s reception area received expanded seating and retail space, the Lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Cafe was spruced up with new furniture and lighting, and the World Spa by Windstar and gym were revitalized, and new equipment was installed. The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
What’s next? The second phase of Wind Star’s “Setting Sails” project takes place in 2026. On tap: Guest staterooms will be remodeled. Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, will also be completely redecorated.
Wind Spirit
The Project: In April 2025, the 148-guest Wind Spirit, will undergo phase one of its transformation. Similar to the process that’s already started with twin ship Wind Star, phase one will focus on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym will get fresh overhauls and new equipment. There will be a new pool and whirlpool in the pool area and the pool bar will be enhanced. The Owner’s Suite will be completely revamped.
Onboard technology will also get a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
What’s Next: Phase 2 will occur in 2027. Amphora and Veranda will be redone, as will all suites.
I think that the windspirit refresh in happening in March of 2025, not December.
Hi, Gary, so sorry for delay in replying. I double-checked and am told the ship will undergo its refurbishment in December 2025….
Thanks for the great question! –Carolyn
Thank you for looking into that, though, I am still confused as there is nothing on the Windspirit schedule between Lisbon on March 9, 2025 and Rome on April 23rd. I was under the impression that this will be the dry dock period. If not, why the 6 week period with no sailings?
Hi, Gary, I checked on your question and this is what was told: The ship does get chartered frequently and many times back to back. Other than that, I don’t have additional information, but the drydock is definitely in December. Thanks — Carolyn
Thank you very much for looking into that for me Carolyn. Appreciate your help.
One more point Carolyn. The ship will be in the Caribbean in December. The dry docs I believe are done in Lisbon. Is this correct?
Interesting point, Gary! This is what I got this time: “Wind Surf dry docks in Nov/Dec in Navantia shipyard in Cádiz. Wind spirit will dry dock in the same yard April 2025.” You are absolutely right, and thanks for persevering. I’ve updated the blog…. –Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn, I’m happy you were able to find out the correct info.
Gary
What renovations are scheduled for Wind Surf in November/December 2024 at Cadiz?
Looking forward to seeing some of the upgrades when we travel on the Star in Sept this year.
Have been reading some negative comments lately but for me it is always awesome.
We are contemplating traveling on the Windsurf next July 2025. Am Interested to hear what has already been done and what will be done before we board next July 25? From reviews it looks like the rooms need a major refurbishment.
Greetings,
When is the Spirit or Star scheduled to return to French Polynesia, and will there be a crossing that can be booked?
Hi,
When in November is Wind Surf going in to dry dock?
It looks like it goes into drydock after the November 9 cruise — and returns for the December 7 voyage. Hope this helps. –Carolyn
The Wind Surf is home to 342 guests – why does the article say 310. is there going to be a reduction of spaces?/!
Thanks for catching the error, Kimo! It’s been fixed; the correct capacity is, as you noted, 342. –Carolyn
Just verifying that the 2 Bridge Suites and the 1 officer suite is what is being renovated and that none of the STE category will be done until later.
Hello, Just to clarify I will be traveling on the Wind Spirt April 14-23 of 2025. The new upgrades will NOT have taken place yet, correct?
Hi, Susan, I’m checking. Will let you know what I learn. –Carolyn
With the new Star Seeker becoming their fourth Star Class ship, isn’t it also time to add their fourth Wind Class ship to Windstar’s fleet? Only Wind Class ships truly make the company ‘180 degrees from ordinary’. I’m championing ‘Wind Eagle’ as Windstar’s fourth Wind Class ship . . . and the sooner the better!