By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Windstar Cruises all-suite Star Pride ship has now emerged from the company’s multi-year $250 million renovation project. Star Pride will remain in Italy until the yacht resumes guest operations in April 2022 in the Mediterranean.

Star Pride is the third and final of Windstar Cruises Star Plus Class yachts to be stretched and transformed in the project that is considered to be the most complex and comprehensive renovation project ever undertaken in small ship cruising.

“We are thrilled to have all three of our yachts to be completely reimagined, from the new, more environmentally-friendly engines to the gorgeous new restaurant spaces, spacious suites and romantic spas,” Windstar President Christopher Prelog said in a news release.

“We couldn’t be happier with the results. Our passengers who are already sailing with us on these transformed yachts are raving, giving us higher customer experience scores than we’ve ever received in our company’s history,” Prelog said.

All three yachts increased in maximum capacity from 212 guests to 312 guests and now provide more of that Windstar’s guests want, such as additional dining experiences, a true spa and fitness center, an elegant infinity pool and more outdoor deck areas.

New dining experiences include an outdoor barbecue concept with grilling guru Steven Raichlen and a Spanish small plates restaurant from Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be recognized by the Michelin Guide.

The three all-suite yachts, together with Windstar’s three classic sailing yachts, remain small enough to continue to visit the special small ports and waterways of the world.

In addition, due to the pandemic, Star Pride and all of Windstar’s yachts received renovations to update HVAC systems, adding new hospital grade high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters along with a UV-C air zapping process (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) to clean the air on board.