By
Rebecca Gibson |
Gloria Bohan, president and CEO of Omega World Travel and Cruise.com, christened Windstar Cruises’ third new all-suite power yacht in Rome, Italy, on 25 May.
Named Star Legend in front of 250 guests during a pier-side champagne ceremony, the ship joins her sister ships Star Pride and Star Breeze, which were purchased from Seabourn Cruises as part of a deal signed in February 2013.
Like Star Breeze, which was christened in France on 6 May, the 212-passenger Star Legend joined the fleet after a bow-to-stern revitalisation as part of a US$8.5 million, three-week renovation in Genoa, Italy.
During the refit, the AmphorA Restaurant was redesigned with updated lighting, wall coverings, art work and seating layouts, while the entertainment lounge was fitted with new flooring, lighting and furniture. Other updated public areas include the former card room, which has been transformed into the Star Screening Room to enable guests to watch movies; the Compass Rose club area; and Veranda, which now has expanded outdoor seating in a courtyard with a garden wall.
In addition, the outdoor Star Deck was expanded by 4ft on each side and now has a new counter-current pool and whirlpool, while the former top-deck observation lounge has been transformed to Windstar’s popular Yacht Club coffee bar and lounge.
Star Legend has now departed on her inaugural voyage through Italy, France and Spain. The ship will then sail Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises throughout the summer season, before embarking on one of Windstar’s newest Caribbean itineraries, San Juan and the Virgin Islands, and sailing in the region during the winter season.
Windstar plans to carry out a US$3 million additional renovation of Star Pride, which joined the line’s fleet in May 2014 after a moderate facelift and minor remodelling. The ship’s lounge, Veranda venue, screening room and AmphorA Restaurant will be completely renovated.