By
Alex Smith |
Windstar Cruises has received Star Legend back from Fincantieri in Palermo, Italy, following a lengthening and renovation project as part of the cruise line’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative.
A new section has been inserted into the ship, adding 50 suites featuring open floor plan configurations. Two larger Owner’s Suites have also been added, which can be combined to form a three-bedroom, two-balcony suite with over 1,300 square feet of space.
New and redesigned onboard public spaces have also been introduced to the ship, including two restaurants, an enlarged spa and fitness centre and a larger pool and hot tub. Updated bathrooms have been installed in every suite onboard, while two 90-passenger tenders will make us of a tender loading area and elevator located mid-ship. New engines, diesel generators and an advanced wastewater treatment system have also been added.
“We’re proud to see Star Legend emerge from this major project with all initial plans completed,” said Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “I am so thankful to Fincantieri for their great partnership on this complicated and innovative project. This is the ship I began my seagoing career on 20-plus years ago and to see it today like a new ship is more than exciting for me. I am blown away.”
New health and safety renovations have also been made to the ship, which became part of the project after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. These include high-efficiency particulate air filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, along with electrostatic sprayers to sanitise all surfaces throughout the ship.
Star Legend will begin cruising in Northern Europe on 4 September with a ‘Belles of the British Isles’ itinerary sailing roundtrip from London, UK. Proof of vaccination will be required for all guests sailing onboard Windstar’s ships.