Windstar Cruises has signed a €200million deal with Fincantieri to modernise three of its ships, which the line’s president described as a “game-changer”.
The vessels – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – will be overhauled as part of the programme, called the Star Plus Initiative, in the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Italy.
Work will start spring 2019 and is scheduled for completion by November 2020.
Fincantieri anticipates that each ship will take around four months to revamp.
The three ships involved in this programme currently have a length of 134 meters, with a tonnage of approximately 10,000 tonnes and a capacity of 212 passengers each.
On completion of these projects each ship will have a length of approximately 160 meters, a tonnage of around 13,000 tons, and will have a capacity to accommodate 312 passengers.
The lengthening of each ship’s mid-body section will increase capacity by 47%.
Windstar president John Delaney said: “We are thrilled to announce this multi-million Star Plus Initiative, a significant investment in the future of Windstar Cruises.
“This initiative is our 180 degree from ordinary solution to add new capacity and major enhancements to the guest experience in a very time efficient manner.
“The initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we will also take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system.
“This will be a true game changer for Windstar and our small ship cruise experience”.