If you are not familiar with Windstar, let me give you a little information about this lovely line. They offer a unique yachting experience aboard their three tall ships, and the relatively small size (just 148 to 312 passengers) affords them access to small ports and hidden coves that many larger ships cannot visit.
Windstar has, over the past year, been in the process of a series of renovations their fleet, and completed work on the last of their ships to be upgraded, the Wind Spirit, on December 22, 2012. All three sailing yachts were overhauled in an ambitious $18 million dollar project.
The 148-passenger Wind Spirit, received new furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. Wind Surf, the company’s 310-passenger flagship, finished its renovation in early December, and Wind Star, the sister yacht to Wind Spirit, was renovated in April of last year. All three yachts had their staterooms and suites renovated in spring of 2012.
The line reports that booking are up 60% over last year, and attributes that increase to the newly renovated yachts, as well and a set of new and unique itineraries. Windstar has actually revised its entire schedule over the last three years and created new itineraries with a focus on the smaller ports.
In 2013, the line will also offer once-in-lifetime land tours offered on select voyages. On the popular Yachting the Riviera voyage, sailing from Rome to Nice, guests can visit the Monaco Grand Prix with exclusive access to Formula One’s famous race. Another itinerary, aboard Windstar’s Gaelic Explorers voyage, sailing from Edinburgh to Dublin, offers the option to golf at five of the world’s greatest courses with the Legendary Links package.