A New Star Sets Sail With Windstar

Windstar Cruises set a new course for the line on Monday when it debuted the all suite Star Pride in Barcelona, Spain. During a christening ceremony and pier-side fiesta to celebrate the launch of the luxury yacht’s inaugural voyage, Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, wife of Mr. Philip Anschutz, owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, Windstar’s parent company, was honored as Godmother of the vessel, successfully breaking the bottle of Veuve Clicquot on her bow.

“Star Pride is the first of the three small luxury cruise ships added to the Windstar yacht fleet, and it leads the way as Windstar enters a new era of small ship cruising,” said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises. “We are honored to have Mrs. Anschutz serve in the prestigious role of Godmother. It’s fitting to have her christen Windstar’s first yacht in 16 years as the Anschutz family and Xanterra Parks & Resorts®, have been an integral part of Windstar’s transformation the last few years.”

Star Pride’s debut follows an intensive 3-week transformation period in which all of the yacht’s public spaces, dining venues, and suites were updated to meet Windstar’s casually elegant style. Windstar partnered with Alan McVitty and Trimline Interiors, both of whom spearheaded the recent $18 million renovation of Windstar’s sailing yachts, to complete Star Pride’s stem-to-stern transformation. Updates to Star Pride’s décor include new furnishings, upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. Additionally, Star Pride introduces Windstar’s new Destination Suites. Each of the Owner’s Suites showcases a signature Windstar destination, complete with cultural décor and local art work. Windstar will eventually implement the Destination Suites fleet-wide.

Star Pride is the first of three power yachts to join the Windstar fleet. After undergoing major transformations to public spaces, suites, and dining venues, Star Breeze will begin its maiden voyage on May 6, 2015, from Nice, France, and Star Legend, will make its inaugural voyage on May 25, 2015, from Rome, Italy. All three yachts are identical, with a guest capacity of 212 in 106 suites. At 10,000 gross tons, each is 440 feet long with a breadth of 63 feet and six passenger decks. The yachts’ size fit perfectly with Windstar’s small ship philosophy of exploring secluded coves and hidden harbors. Windstar’s itineraries offer in-depth enrichment experiences that include local entertainment, authentic cuisine, and small group shore excursions. Sadly, the three mega-yachts, acquired from Seabourn, have no sails.

Image Courtesy of Windstar Cruises