Wind Surf, one of the world's largest sailing ships and the flagship of small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises, is preparing for phase 1 of extensive renovations taking place in Cadiz November. The classic five-masted sailing yacht will emerge with a fresh look on its Classic Caribbean holiday cruise departing 21st December and just in time to celebrate New Year on a Beach Fun & Sun cruise departing 28th December. Sunseekers can also still book a stateroom on the ship’s Grand Caribbean Adventure, a 55-day cruise departing 4th January 2025 and sailing to 28 Caribbean islands and 39 ports.
The multi-million dollar project encompasses a full redesign of many public spaces with new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting and custom art to name a few, as well as premium suite improvements. New technology will be added throughout including new interactive TVs in all guest staterooms.
Here’s an overview of phase 1 project:
· Lobby – A new, more welcoming location that’s better able to serve guests with additional seating options, plus an updated and fresh (yet still nautical) vibe akin to a boutique hotel.
- Boutique – A larger retail area with upscale details, reminiscent of a luxury brand store’s shopping experience.
- Bar / Lounge – The ship’s Compass Rose will feature more comfortable, modern décor with pops of blue and orange, a chic bar and a new multi-purpose stage area ideal for live music and local performances.
- Dining – Amphora, Wind Surf’s main dining room, will be entirely refreshed setting the scene for a timeless dining experience. Amphora’s new design concept draws from elements of the sea, such as pearls, smooth stones and sea glass, which guests will see integrated into the new architecture and furniture details. The complementing colour tones were inspired by the horizon at sunset. New seating arrangements include curved booths to seat two to eight people and new larger dining chairs for comfort.
- Pool Deck and Pool Bar – This space will now maximize Wind Surf’s ocean views and create a more convivial vibe for poolside lounging and top-shelf mixology. Tropical scenes and greenery at the bar pull in a natural, outdoor atmosphere. Soothing natural colours convey a beach scene and new arty tiling on the two whirlpools takes the form of ocean waves. There will also be a variety of new outdoor furniture
- Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites – Joining Windstar’s all-suite, Star Plus yachts in this unique offering, Wind Surf will offer themed Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, which are inspired by luxury, five-star sister resorts The Broadmoor in Colorado and Sea Island in Georgia.
- Owner’s Suite – One of the best kept secrets in the cruise industry, this unique suite is located directly behind the Bridge. The Owner’s Suite, previously named the Officer’s Suite, is the only public accommodation near the officers’ quarters. Following the renovation, the suite will boast an elevated nautical look for true insider yacht life in a tucked away location.
- Staterooms – New connected TVs in all staterooms with the line’s Wayfinder app for finding the ship’s agenda, menus, movies and TV shows, guest accounts and more.
“Wind Surf is a hugely popular choice among our longtime Windstar guests,” says Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt. “Many of our guests return each year to sail on this yacht, and we’re thrilled to offer a refreshed atmosphere and updated technology on board to enhance their comfort. I can’t wait to personally welcome our guests during the holiday sailing and celebrate this exciting transformation in a festive setting.”
During phase 2, Wind Surf’s staterooms will receive new furniture, soft goods and décor. The second phase will also see updates to the Stella Bistro, Veranda restaurant and the fitness studio. The full project will be completed in December 2026.
All of Windstar’s three Wind Class ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit) are undergoing redesigns and updates as part of a multi-year initiative. Wind Star has already completed phase 1 of improvements, with phase 2 slated for April 2026. Windstar’s Wind Spirit phase 1 takes place in April of 2026, with phase 2 in March 2027.