Everything New Coming to Windstar Cruises

Considering setting sail with Windstar Cruises? 

You couldn’t have chosen a better time! Right now, it feels like we’re getting an exciting new update every week—and the best is yet to come. 

Let’s start with everyone’s favourite announcement: a new ship!

Allow us to introduce Star Explorer, the second of Windstar’s two new boutique yachts and the latest addition to the line’s Star Class. Her older sister - Star Seeker - debuted at the end of 2025 to great fanfare, bringing the fleet to a total of seven ships and raising the bar for yacht-style cruising ever higher. Now, as Windstar prepares to unveil their eighth vessel, excitement has reached fever pitch.

Like her sister, Star Explorer will accommodate 224 passengers across 112 elegant suites, over 90% of which will feature private verandas or French balconies. Additionally, the entire onboard dining experience is set to be revamped with new ‘Mediterrasian’ fusion restaurant Basil + Bamboo (which debuted last year aboard Star Breeze) sitting alongside beloved favourites like Stella Bistro and Star Grill. Elsewhere, main dining room Amphora will be on the receiving end of a contemporary new makeover whilst new menus are set to be introduced across the board, courtesy of an innovative guest chef programme. Outside of the gastronomical, Star Explorer will boast further amenities including a two-storey spa and fitness area as well as a sweeping upper deck, home of Windstar’s famous barbecue. 

Orignally constructed in 2019, Star Explorer has sailed for a handful of other cruise lines including Quark Expeditions (you may know her as World Explorer). However, she was acquired by Windstar Cruises in 2024 and renamed, now undergoing an extensive refurbishment. At the end of the process, she will be unrecognisable: modern, quietly luxurious and ‘unmistakably Windstar’. 

At this stage, the itineraries for Star Explorer’s maiden season are largely centred around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but it’s worth noting that both Star-class sisters were constructed with ice-strengthened hulls, meaning the door is wide open for Windstar to operate cruises in the further-flung corners of the globe.

Andrew N. Todd, President and CEO of Windstar’s parent company Xanterra Travel Collection said, “As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead. We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff and our guests.”

Amidst all this newness, Windstar have been careful not to leave their older ships behind, embarking on a multi-million-dollar ‘Setting Sails’ refurbishment project, set to modernise the rest of the fleet from bow to stern in line with the new additions.

“During the pandemic, we renovated our Star-class vessels, so as cruising picked back up, we turned our focus to the Wind-class fleet,” says Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “The class is iconic to the brand, but it was time for a refresh and thankfully the dry dock cycles lined up perfectly. The Wind-class ships are 30 years old, so beyond aesthetics, there’s significant work involved to install new technology, replace structural steel and more. We had several four-week dry docks booked which gave us the opportunity to ask ourselves what we could realistically accomplish in that time. We settled on completing the refurbishments in two phases”.

First into the dry dock was the 148-passenger Wind Star, which has completed both phases of her renovation and now boasts a more modern ambience, with increased seating and refreshed retail and dining venues, as well a new pool, jacuzzi, gym equipment and light fittings. Over on the accommodation side of things, every cabin has been revamped with flatscreen TVs, fresh lighting and upholstery, whilst the Owner’s Suites have been completely reimagined. 

Hot on her heels was flagship Wind Surf, the renovation of which was partially completed at the end of 2024. At this time, her top three suite categories were transformed to evoke the Broadmoor and Sea Island design found in Windstar’s 5-star American resorts. Public spaces such as Amphora, Compass Rose, the Yacht Club Café, the Star Boutique and the pool deck were also modernised and the ship has received a brand-new mast, along with Wind Spirit.

Phase 2 of Wind Surf’s renovation is due to take place in December this year, at which point all remaining accommodation will be remodelled with new furnishings and upgraded technology.

Phase 1 of Setting Sails has also already been completed for Wind Spirit, with mini makeovers taking place in the vessel’s lounges, retail spaces, fitness centre and pool deck, as well as the two sumptuous Owner’s Suites. Phase 2 has been pencilled in for 2027, at which time Amphora, Veranda and the remaining suites will be brought up to the same standard. 

The main aim with these renovations has largely been to curate consistency and a sense of flow across all the vessels in Windstar’s fleet, all colour palettes, carpets, lighting and design details now mirroring each other fleetwide.

“The biggest changes are mostly cosmetic, but there’s a lot of intention behind them,” says Creupelandt. “We’ve focused on making the interiors feel cohesive and appropriate to each venue, as well as reflective of the Windstar brand. We want the space to feel like a luxury yacht, or even like someone’s home – warm, inviting and perfect for making connections. It’s not just about everything being new and shiny; it’s about using thoughtful design to enhance the guest experience.” 

One crucial change currently sweeping the fleet is the implementation of enhanced technology. As well as the addition of things like flatscreen TVs, all old light fixtures are being switched out for LEDs (including the line’s first LED wall in Wind Surf’s lounge) as well as upgraded Wi-Fi systems. These are just little tweaks that passengers may not even register, but it’s all in the name of providing a smoother, more luxurious experience.

“The refurbishment project will give these ships a new lease of life,” says Creupelandt. “They’re still very unique and we respect their age and their beauty. Nothing compares to the moment when the sails go up, the music plays and you’re out on deck. We’re investing in these ships so they can continue sailing; I’m looking forward to another 30 years and beyond!”

You can find out more about Windstar here.