By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Windstar Cruises has cut the steel for the second of three Star-class ship extension projects. The new mid-section will increase Star Legend’s capacity by 100, adding 26 metres of deck space, 50 extra suites and two new restaurants.
Star Legend is the second of three Star-class vessels that will undergo the transformation at the Finacantieri shipyard in Italy as part of the line’s US$250 Million Star Plus Initiative. When complete in July 2020, she will be able to accommodate 312 passengers. The steel cutting for Star Breeze took place in April and the insertion will take place in October, and Star Pride is expected to depart the Fincantieri shipyard in autumn 2020.
“This is a momentous day for Windstar as we reach another major milestone,” said Christopher Prelog, vice president of fleet operations for Windstar. “A project of this magnitude takes time to realise and unfold. We’ve accomplished so much already on the first ship, Star Breeze, along with our partners at Fincantieri, that it makes the excitement for Star Legend that much greater.
“Today is an especially proud moment for me personally, as Star Legend was the first ship I ever worked on in the cruise industry, two decades ago. She is a beauty and the coming transformations are going to be truly amazing, for our guests and all fans of Windstar to see.”
The transformed ships will also feature two new restaurants including Spanish Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso and the Star Grill by Steven Raichlen. Guests will also be able to make use of a new pool and whirlpool, a re-imagined spa and fitness centre and additional retail shops.
“As the reference point worldwide for this kind of highly complex operation, we are very proud to partner with Windstar for such an ambitious programme, and the milestone we are celebrating today is the best proof of our commitment and successful project management,” said Andrew Toso, vice president of ship repair and conversion at Fincantieri.