When Windstar Cruises 148-guest Wind Star debuted 40 years ago, it helped pioneer a new kind of cruising, with real working sails, an intimate scale and an experience that felt more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise.
Now, Windstar has completed a full transformation of the original sailing yacht, marking a major milestone in the brand’s groundbreaking Setting Sails initiative.
Spanning multiple years and ships, the Setting Sails refurbishment project is reimagining Windstar’s Wind Class fleet, while preserving the soul of these much loved vessels.
It reflects the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, yacht-inspired design and guest comfort. As of April 2026, Wind Star becomes the first in the Wind Class fleet to complete both phases of the refurbishment programme already introduced across her sister yachts.
“This transformation is about honouring 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 honoured 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.”
What’s new aboard Wind Star?
The completion of phase 2 marks the final stage of a comprehensive redesign of Wind Star, bringing a more refined, modern feel to the onboard experience and enhancing how guests dine, relax and connect.
At the heart of the update is a reimagining of the yacht’s dining venues. Amphora, the signature restaurant, has been fully redesigned with new flooring, wall finishes and ceiling treatments, along with custom banquette seating and updated furnishings.
At Veranda, a refreshed interior is paired with a completely reimagined buffet layout to create a more seamless and relaxed dining experience.
Stateroom updates elevate comfort with new upholstered headboards, integrated lighting and convenient bedside charging, building on phase 1 enhancements such as upgraded technology, Starlink connectivity, new TVs with on-demand content and a redesigned Owner’s Suite.
Earlier upgrades also transformed the yacht’s most visible spaces, including the lobby, Compass Rose Lounge, Yacht Club Café and pool deck, along with a fully refreshed World Spa by Windstar and an upgraded fitness centre.
Across the yacht, finishing touches include commissioned artwork, created in partnership with Miami-based Fountainhead Art, enhanced lighting, state-of-the-art audio systems, new teak decking and refined design details.
These elements bring the transformation together, reinforcing Windstar’s signature “home at sea” feel.
Where to sail aboard Wind Star
- Mediterranean (spring 2026): Wind Star’s first voyage following her transformation is a 10-night sailing from Lisbon to Barcelona (7th to 17th April). She continues with additional sailings from Barcelona through May and June, offering guests a richly layered look at the Mediterranean’s culture, cuisine and coastal beauty.
- Greek Isles (summer-autumn 2026): From June through October, Wind Star operates seven-night roundtrip voyages from Athens (Piraeus). These sailings capture the essence of Windstar’s yacht-style experience, docking steps from the heart of each destination and allowing more time to explore.
- Tahiti (2027): In a significant expansion for the brand, Wind Star will join Star Breeze in French Polynesia, offering year-round sailings in Tahiti. She will operate the popular seven-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary, giving guests more opportunities than ever to experience the region with Windstar. This expansion further positions Windstar as the market leader in Tahiti, complemented by air-inclusive packages and newly released 2028 sailings.
What’s next for Windstar’s Wind Class fleet?
The reimagination of Wind Star is a landmark development in a broader evolution of Windstar’s iconic Wind Class sailing fleet.
The 342-guest Wind Surf is scheduled to complete phase 2 in December 2026, followed by Wind Spirit in March 2027, ensuring the entire sailing fleet reflects the brand’s modern yacht aesthetic while preserving its timeless character.
A legacy 40 years in the making
As Wind Star celebrates her 40th year, her transformation is both a tribute and a turning point. From pioneering yacht-style cruising in the 1980s to delivering today’s immersive, destination-rich experiences, she remains at the heart of Windstar’s story, now reimagined for a new generation of travellers.
Contact
To plan a small ship cruise with Windstar, contact a travel advisor or book through Windstar Cruises’ UK General Sales Agent on 0800 008 6682.
For more details https://www.windstarcruises.co.uk/booking-in-the-uk/. For more information visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk
Source: Kate Selley PR
Images: © 2026 Windstar Cruises. All rights reserved.
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