Windstar expands in French Polynesia while stretched Star Pride delivered

Windstar has taken delivery of its stretched Star Pride cruise ship following a major refurbishment, the same week it announced it now has two ships deployed in French Polynesia.

Star Pride is the third and final of Windstar’s Star Plus class cruise ships to leave the shipyard following the overhaul, which saw her cut in half and lengthened, with a new mid-section inserted.

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Windstar Cruises took delivery of Star Pride from Fincantieri’s shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, marking the end of a three-ship refit project that has cost US $250-million and seen each of the ships given a new lease on life.

Star Pride, Star Legend and Star Breeze have all been re-engined, cabins and public areas have been upgraded, and new public spaces have debuted thanks to the new mid-section, including a new gourmet restaurant.

“We are thrilled to have all three of our yachts completely reimagined, from the new, more environmentally-friendly engines to the gorgeous new restaurant spaces, spacious suites, and romantic spas,” said Christopher Prelog, President, Windstar.

“We couldn’t be happier with the results. Our passengers who are already sailing with us on these transformed yachts are raving, giving us higher customer experience scores than we’ve ever received in our company’s history,” he added.

The Star Pride will remain in Italy until the yacht resumes guest operations in April in the Mediterranean. Star Breeze begins sailing in Tahiti next week, while Star Legend is completing a short season in the Mediterranean before sailing to the Caribbean in November.

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All three yachts increased in maximum capacity from 212 guests to 312 and now provide additional dining experiences, a true spa and fitness center, an elegant infinity pool, and more outdoor deck areas.

These three all-suite yachts, together with Windstar’s three classic sailing yachts, remain small enough to continue to visit the special small ports and waterways of the world in exotic locations.

One of those exotic destinations in French Polynesia, where Windstar now has two ships based.

Windstar resumed cruising in French Polynesia and the Islands of Tahiti in July with vaccinated guests and crew aboard the 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing yacht.

Wind Spirit typically sails year-round from Tahiti; however, Windstar’s stretched Star Breeze yacht carrying 312 guests began sailings from Papeete on October 17th, remaining on a limited engagement until the end of March, 2022, according to the company.

“Star Breeze’s presence will allow Wind Spirit to receive some planned maintenance and updates from mid-November through February without interrupting options for our guests,” said Prelog.