Wind Star is not only one of the oldest cruise ships still in operation, but a true pioneer. Today’s bold, ultra-luxurious concepts like the first Orient Express superyacht, which is also the world’s biggest sailing yacht, build on the legacy of trailblazing sailing yachts like the Wind Star. A comprehensive refurbishment project is now bringing the old sailing yacht back to the public with new and improved looks, just in time for year-round Tahiti sailings starting next year.
Wind Star was one of the first yachts with real working sails in the luxury cruise industry. Now, it’s the first in the Windstar Cruises fleet to have completed the full refurbishment process as part of the “Setting Sails” program. Setting Sails is dedicated to Windstar’s Wind Class fleet, with the intention to bring these sailing yacht up to date and spruce up their looks.
Wind Star is still the pioneer we know and love, but a bit more stylish and sophisticated. The Owner’s suite was completely redesigned, while the staterooms now feature upholstered headboards with integrated lighting and bedside charging. New TVs and Starlink connectivity were added during the first phase of the refurbishment.
The yacht’s iconic dining venues, Amphora (the main restaurant) and Veranda (the full-surface breakfast and lunch buffet), were also completely reimagined. The beautiful Amphora flaunts new furniture, new lighting, and overall new finishes, while Veranda now offers a redesigned buffet for seamless service. The spa, the fitness center, and the pool deck were also upgraded and refreshed.
Designed for intimate sailing, the 360-foot (110-meter) Wind Star can accommodate up to 148 guests in a 73-stateroom configuration plus one Owner’s Suite with ocean views. Powered by three diesel electric generating sets and one electrical propulsion motor, the Wind Star also boast four masts (204 feet/62 meters each) with six triangular sails that are self-furling and computer-operated.
One of the first to introduce the private yacht experience to the world of luxury cruise, Wind Star combines the timeless elegance of sailing with luxurious amenities such as a pool with a bar, a hot tub, a signature spa, and a water-access marina.
The newly-upgraded Wind Star is getting ready to sail on a Mediterranean journey in the Greek Islands at the beginning of May. Its various itineraries in the Mediterranean will continue throughout the summer and the fall, while next year brings exciting Tahiti cruises, where Star Breeze and, now, Wind Star will provide year-round sailings.
As for the Setting Sails program, it has already moved to the next Wind Class ship, Wind Surf, due to complete the second refurbishment phase by the end of this year, while the third ship, Wind Spirit, is set to finalize its refurbishment by the Spring of next year.
