What does it take to redesign and refurbish a beloved ship? And how do you design spaces that capture Windstar’s travel ethos – capturing a mood that’s sophisticated, joyful and adventurous? These are questions on the minds of Windstar’s design and refurbishment teams as plans are being finalized for the first of two upgrades to the 342-passenger Wind Surf. The ship’s upgrades begin on November 9 at Navantia shipyard in Spain’s Cadiz.
Wind Surf’s refurbishment is part of Windstar’s Setting Sails initiative, which redesigns all three of its sailing class of vessels between now and 2027 (pictured above is its newly designed pool deck). “Wind Surf, our flagship and the world’s largest sailing ship, has always been a special member of our fleet,” says Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer. “We are excited to share some fresh new details that reflect the line’s casually luxurious style of travel.”
When Wind Surf returns to service on December 21 in St. Martin, expect a sophisticated nautical ambience of neutrals and blues, says Jessica Payne, Windstar’s interior design manager. “With our guests in mind, we want to add a bit of whimsy with pops of color that will trigger wonderful memories of easygoing trips to the beach in summer, when building sandcastles was a focal point of the day.”
Specifically, this first refurbishment focuses on public spaces and the ship’s top suites, such as:
New, top-of-the-ship suite
Previously known as the Officer’s Suite, Wind Surf’s new Owner’s Suite, #501, has been reimagined. The space is expanded to encompass separate living and sleeping areas. The all-new bathroom features a tiled tub, new shower and double vanity. What won’t change? Guests will still have their unique access to the suite from a private door on an outside deck – and the suite is next to the Bridge.
Broadmoor and Sea Island suites debut on the Wind Class
If you’ve seen (or experienced) the Broadmoor and Sea Island suites on Windstar’s Star Class vessels (Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Breeze) you’ll love them here. Inspired by designs at five star sister resorts Colorado’s Broadmoor and Georgia’s Sea Island, each offers a distinctive ambience. The Broadmoor suite has a clubby, historic feel while Sea Island evokes a summery and beachy look.
Amphora accents ethereal sea glass
Amphora, Wind Surf’s main restaurant venue, embraces a new design concept that features blues and ivory with elements of the sea, such as sea glass, pearls and smooth stones. There will be new furnishings that include curved booth, a 10-guest Captain’s Table and larger dining chairs for comfort.
Compass Rose’s Refresh
The ship’s Compass Rose, its hallmark space for entertainment, will feature more comfortable, modern décor with pops of blue and orange, a chic bar, and a new multi-purpose stage area ideal for live music and local performances.
Splashy new pool deck and bar
What we love about this space is the way Windstar designers are bringing the outdoors – through pops of color, including green foliage, onboard. The tiling on the whirlpools is meant to evoke ocean waves, and the all-new furnishings will be uber-comfortable.
First Impressions!
On the newly revamped Wind Surf, public spaces that guests access daily, like the ship’s lobby, which houses the shore excursion desk and guest service, and its popular Yacht Club coffee bar, will be light and contemporary. This means that reception is moving more forward on deck 4. The boutique, just down the hall, is more luminous.
Phase 2 of Wind Surf’s refurbishment will transform all other accommodations with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor. This will take place in December 2026.
All of Windstar’s three Wind Class ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit) are undergoing redesigns and updates as part of a multi-year initiative. Wind Star has already completed Phase 1 of improvements, with Phase 2 slated for April 2026. Windstar’s Wind Spirit Phase 1 takes place in April of 2026, with Phase 2 in March 2027.
What about the staterooms? Is something happening there too? Would be necessary
Cabins need new carpet or laminate badly.
Please don’t move the Yacht Club to share space in open plan. It was my quiet refuge on many Wind Surf voyages.
Hi, Peg. I reached out to Jessica Payne, a designer at Windstar, and she tells us the Yacht Club is not moving. “The reception is moving to be closer to the Yacht Club, but will move to where the OCC desk currently is, so shouldn’t be much more traffic or noisier than usual. 😊 But there will be lots of quiet nooks and seating throughout the ship and near the yacht club still.” Hope that helps! –Carolyn
Updates look beautiful!