Windstar completes refurbishment of Wind Star sailing yacht

Windstar Cruises has completed a full refurbishment of its 148-guest sailing yacht Wind Star, marking a milestone in the company's multi-year "Setting Sails" initiative fleet upgrade program.

The project spans Windstar’s Wind Class ships and focuses on updating onboard spaces while maintaining the yachts’ original design and scale. 

Wind Star is the first in the fleet to complete both phases of the refurbishment.

"This transformation is about honoring where we started while sailing confidently into what's next," said Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. 

"As our original sailing yacht, Wind Star has always held a special place in our fleet. With these significant updates, we've honored what guests love most while elevating every aspect of the experience. Now, she's ready to deliver that experience in entirely new ways, in some of the world's most iconic destinations."

The latest phase includes updates to dining venues, staterooms and public areas.

The Amphora restaurant has been redesigned with new finishes and seating, while the Veranda restaurant now features a revised buffet layout and refreshed interiors. 

Stateroom upgrades include new headboards, integrated lighting and bedside charging. 

Finishing touches include commissioned artwork created in partnership with Miami-based Fountainhead Art, enhanced lighting, state-of-the-art audio systems and new teak decking.

These changes build on earlier upgrades introduced in Phase 1, including Starlink connectivity, new TVs with on-demand content and a redesigned Owner's Suite. 

Public spaces such as the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café and pool deck have also been updated, along with the spa and fitness centre.

Following the refurbishment, Wind Star sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona on a 10-night inaugural voyage (April 7–17), and continues with additional sailings from Barcelona through May and June. 

The ship will then operate seven-night Greek Isles voyages from Athens (Piraeus) between June and October.

In 2027, the yacht is scheduled to deploy in Tahiti, where it will operate Windstar's seven-day "Dreams of Tahiti" itinerary year-round alongside Star Breeze.

Windstar said the move expands its presence in French Polynesia, where it plans to offer additional sailings into 2028.

Further upgrades across the Wind Class fleet are planned, with Wind Surf expected to complete its refurbishment in December 2026, followed by Wind Spirit in March 2027.

Wind Star debuted 40 years ago and helped pioneer a new kind of cruising, with real working sails and an intimate scale that felt more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise.

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