In many ways, Windstar Cruises’ Star Plus Initiative serves as a metaphor for the resurgence of the cruise industry at large. The relaunch of Star Breeze — the first of three ships to emerge elongated and enhanced — shows how it’s possible to inject new life into a classic product. Cut in two and lengthened by 84 feet, Star Breeze and its sister ships, Star Pride and Star Legend, represent a new-and-improved Windstar, with added features and a recommitment to small-ship basics.
Having personally seen the insertion of the midship block back in 2019 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy, it was a pleasure to experience all the enhanced ship has to offer upon completion. Occupying the bulk of the new section are 50 additional staterooms and suites, some of which extend into the space once occupied by the original main dining room. Among them are Star Porthole, Star Ocean View and Star Balcony suites, wherein “star” indicates all-new cabins configured comparably to their original counterparts, but with beds placed closest to the sea instead of nearest the bathroom.
Occupying the bulk of the new section are 50 additional staterooms and suites, some of which extend into the space once occupied by the original main dining room.
Existing non-star suites maintain their layouts, while also sporting re-upholstered furnishings, new Egyptian cotton bedding and firmer mattresses, as well as completely remodeled bathrooms with spacious showers or bathtubs. Expanded Deluxe Suites and Grand Owner’s Suites, ideal for groups larger than two, are also new and come with a combination of tubs and showers.
The newest accommodations — which also feature bedside USB charging ports — do not cost any more than their classic counterparts. Pricing is based solely on location and whether the staterooms feature a regular porthole, an upgraded window or a top-tier veranda. Plus, across all cabins are new interactive televisions with complimentary on-demand programming.
Further highlights of the improved Star Breeze are two additional dining options: Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, and Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. Cuadro 44, a Spanish tapas restaurant, is cleverly named after its “frame 44” ship block location and serves exceptional cuisine ranging from a must-try succulent octopus appetizer to an indulgent pork belly entree. The Star Grill conveniently sits across from the Star Bar and features international takes on barbecue favorites. All the proteins are on rotation for lunch and dinner, including expertly seasoned brisket, zesty jerk chicken, smoky cedar-plank salmon and much more.
Meanwhile, the hybrid space that serves double duty as the Veranda breakfast and lunch buffet and Candles steakhouse has been greatly enlarged with extra food stations and additional interior seating. The latter even offers massive Linz Heritage Angus 30-ounce porterhouse steaks and 40-ounce tomahawk cuts as premium options.
Amphora, the ship’s main restaurant, was displaced by added cabins and then rebuilt. It now has quieter ceiling acoustics and an elegant wine wall, and it continues to work in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.
Also thanks to the ship’s stretching, Star Breeze sports an enlarged Star Boutique and redesigned and expanded World Spa by Windstar, as well as a fitness center and motion studio. The spa features inviting tile loungers, a sauna, a steam room, treatment rooms and more.
As for infrastructure and technical improvements, the ship received an extra elevator and stairwell for convenient access between decks, and it was entirely re-engined for environmentally friendly propulsion. In fact, despite the added weight — which makes the ship more stable overall, with less pitching from bow to stern — Star Breeze is altogether 15% faster than before, making global itineraries more efficient to transit.
Ship enhancements include a larger pool deck.
Credit: 2021 Jason LeppertLastly, an expansion of the pool deck and sun deck means more space for chaise lounges, barbecue serving stations and dining tables, as well as a new central pool. The translucent infinity pool and whirlpool spill into a cascading fountain that is the ship’s architectural cherry on top.
Hardware aside, Windstar’s friendly and attentive staff, which often stays consistent from sailing to sailing as a shipboard family, is probably still the line’s greatest asset.
Next up will be the reintroductions of the equally enhanced sister ships Star Legend in September 2021 and Star Pride in November 2021.
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