Windstar to introduce specialty venue Basil + Bamboo fleetwide, replacing Cuadro 44

Windstar Cruises will introduce Basil + Bamboo to its lineup of complementary specialty restaurants across the fleet in 2025, replacing the current Cuadro 44.

The new dining option blends Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, offering a fresh and vibrant alternative venue for dinners, and debuted aboard Star Breeze earlier this month following her refit and refurbishment.

Basil + Bamboo will also be one of the new features of Star Seeker when she enters service as Windstar’s new yacht in December.

With limited seating, Basil + Bamboo is designed for an intimate dining experience where guests can indulge in a fusion of flavours.

“As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, we continue to prioritise bringing exceptional dining experiences to our guests,” said Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operations Officer, Windstar. “The introduction of Basil + Bamboo will further enhance and diversify the culinary offerings available aboard.”

“This new dining venue perfectly complements the elevated ambiance of Star Seeker and the exciting destinations she will visit,” he added.

Guests dining at Basil + Bamboo can expect offerings such as miso soup, tuna tartare, and a sampler of sashimi, nigiri and maki.

Main entrees highlight bold flavours and premium ingredients, the company said, such as miso black cod with pea purée, Jamón ibérico de Bellota, and pickled wood ear mushrooms.

Other options include free-range chicken served with Jerusalem artichokes and yuzu kosho, as well as crispy Brussels sprouts glazed in Korean honey-soy.

The dessert menu boasts Citrus Olive Oil Cake with lemon cream and Chocolate Caramel Crémeux, paired with ginger-cinnamon hibiscus ice cream and sake caviar, among other options.

Basil + Bamboo will be one of four dining options available aboard Star Seeker, including Windstar’s main dining room Amphora, the casual Yacht Club, and Star Grill, which specialises in barbecued, grilled, and smoked meats, as well as seafood and vegetables.

Guests can also take advantage of a 24-hour complimentary room service menu, while Amphora’s full dinner menu is available in-room during dinner hours for guests who prefer to dine in the privacy of their suites.