Windstar takes delivery of stretched Star Breeze

Windstar Cruises has taken delivery of the Star Breeze, its 312-passenger ship that was cut in half and lengthened to add 50 new suites, two new restaurants, a renovated spa and fitness center, enlarged pool and deck, new bathrooms and more efficient engines.  

The ship, set to launch in 2021, was delivered by Fincantieri’s shipyard in Palermo, Italy, the first of three vessels the yard will stretch as part of Windstar’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative that includes sister ships the Star Pride and the Star Legend, slated to rejoin the fleet later in 2021. The work also increases the ship’s capacity from 212 guests. 

“We’re delighted to take delivery of Star Breeze,” said Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, in a statement. “These three Star Plus Class yachts offer more amenities we know our guests want, while still being small enough to travel the narrow waterways and visit the small ports we’re known for.”

Prelog said that additional work and investment went into the project in order to add the health and safety features that are part of the line’s Beyond Ordinary Care program of protocols in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Star Breeze, for example, was outfitted with HEPA filters and UV-C light technology, which the rest of the fleet will also get before returning to service. 

The new restaurants are Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, an outdoor barbecue concept created in partnership with Raichlen, and Cuadro 44, a Spanish small-plates restaurant from Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide. 

The alfresco Star Grill will feature a menu of items from the smoker such as tea smoke duck and coffee-crusted prime brisket. Cuadro 44 will feature Spanish staples such as charred Portuguese octopus and desserts like churros with chocolate as well as a chef’s counter and open kitchen so diners can observe the cooking process. 

The 50 new suites include two larger Owner’s Suites and the ability to combine cabins to create up to a three-bedroom, two-balcony suite — which Windstar calls the first of its kind in the cruise industry. The Star Breeze’s redesigned and enlarged spa and fitness center features regional spa treatments and destination-themed therapies as part of the World Spa by Windstar program. 

The ship was also given a new mid-ship elevator and two 90-passenger tenders. More efficient engines and diesel generators were also added, and the staff and crew areas and accommodations were expanded and upgraded.

Scheduled cruise starts

Windstar canceled all its cruises through late March and beyond, citing the rising Covid-19 outbreaks around the world. The line’s first ship to set sail will be the Wind Spirit on March 25 in Tahiti. The Star Breeze will follow on March 27 from the Caribbean; the Star Legend on April 7 in the Mediterranean, where the Wind Star and the Wind Surf will also launch in April; and the Star Pride on July 6 in Northern Europe.