Star Pride’s Guest Service Manager Kristy provides an inside look at the transformation of Windstar’s newest yacht. Windstar took delivery of Star Pride on April 17th, the ship is in the middle of a three week transformation in Barcelona, Spain. The maiden voyage sets sail on May 5th.
Day 1: Star Pride Flag raising ceremony
Team Member Rachel & GSM Kristy (right)
Star Pride Transformation Q & A with the Inaugural Team
Q: In your Area, what high level changes are happenings?
A: Chief Officer Gerard: “What level of changes are happening…..well, loads! All the wooden railings are being sanded and varnished; Star Pride has been put up on the stern and starboard side. There is lots of chipping and painting going on all over the yacht. The new Windstar logo should be placed tomorrow before we turn. We are training everyone in their respective emergency functions; there is quite a lot of work to be done! “
A: Chief Electrician Matt: “As far as my area goes there are a lot of changes taking place. There is a new lighting design going into the guest cabins, as well as the passageways where we are now putting lights for the art work. A new lighting and sound system is going into the outside bar (Star Bar) on Deck 8. There will be new lighting in the Yacht Club on Deck 8 along with TV’s and the new coffee/ sandwich bar area and internet points. New lighting will be going in and around the Reception area on Deck 5.”
Q: What are you preparing for Sea Trials?
A: Chief Officer Gerard: “As for the Sea Trials our task is to try everything out, including the Watersports Platform, tenders, and … well, everything! This is a very interesting time with plenty of challenges already hurdled, and many more yet to leap … but with the team we have here, I have no doubt that we are going to be accomplishing great things. It is a very capable team.”
A: Chief Electrician Matt: “We will be testing all of the lights and power to make sure they stay on when it should and go off when they should.”
A: Guest Services Manager Kristy: “Our Reception Team is preparing all of the guest information for the Inaugural Sailing; it is so nice to see so many familiar names! We are also preparing our dances for the ever popular Crew Show & BBQ Deck Party. We’ve got some new moves … it is going to be fantastic!”
A: Executive Sous Chef Jean-Pierre: “The galley team is busy preparing all of the menus for the Inaugural Sailing. We have our complete team under the supervision of Executive Chef Rohit.”
When asked what the favorite dish has been during the refit for the Contractors & Crew, Jean-Pierre replied, “Chef Rohit’s Chicken Curry without a doubt!”
Q: What do you like most/find interesting about Star Pride?
A: Guest Services Manager Kristy: “This yacht is stunning. From the moment we walked on, we knew it was the perfect addition to the fleet. Our guests are going to love the different venues, the spacious suites and marble baths. I am most excited to see the transformation of the Yacht Club on Deck 8.”
A: Chief Electrician Matt: “I am enjoying the challenge of getting to know the yacht and understanding her little quirks.”
A: Photographer Jona: “My favorite part of the yacht is the spiral staircase; visually it will be an excellent area for photos!”
this is so very cool – its great to see the photo’s and we are so very excited for July to get here and see it in person!!
So cool….can’t wait to see everybody in August on Pride in Rome!!
Very interesting to see all the work the Team is doing to prepare for this exciting inaugural sailing. The pictures show the “Pride” and commitment of each of the staff to make everything perfect. Happy Sailing!!!
Love the pictures!
Counting the days until we board in Rome on May 11 for our 10th Windstar cruise and introduction to Wind Pride. Lots of new ports as we circle Sicily and visit Malta!
Can’t wait to sail with you on May 11th to Sicily!
We are sailing with you in October, the Istanbul – Athens is our dream sail and one that we have been planning for a long, time. Its going to be epic!
I am so excited… my third cruise with Windstar and we head for Barcelona on friday. Can’t wait to meet the crew and happy patrons of StarPride’s maiden voyage.
Hi, I am traveling with Star Pride next week, May 21 for the Grand Prix. On my other trips with the Wind Surf, there was a limitations to the hair dryer and travel hair iron. Does anyone know if there are limitations on the new Star Pride? If so, what are they? Thank you. Josephine
Hi Josephine – The voltage on Star Pride is 110AC (one outlet) the others are 220; special converters are needed (it’s French outlets where the adapter needs two round pins). Guests are encouraged to bring their own travel adapters as they are not available on board. For your convenience, there are also hair dryers in each stateroom.