In an evolution that refreshes Windstar’s trio of sailing ships – Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf – the company is well underway with its “Setting Sales” refresh, a multi-million-dollar, multi-year refurbishment initiative. The remodeling effort (pictured above is a rendering of the new Amphora on Wind Surf), which has been completed on the 148-guest Wind Star and is underway on Wind Surf and Wind Spirit, spans the vessels, from staterooms and suites to restaurants and pool decks.
The inspiration for the major remodel, says Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s chief operating officer, is to make sure that the ships’ spaces feel up to date while retaining the charm that has made each so special. “The initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection, and offer multifunctional needs on an intimate sized sailing yacht,” he says.
As you can see from our visuals (for finished areas, we share photographs, for still-scheduled projects there are renderings), the new ambience is earthy, clubby and quietly elegant. “It’s about feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel,” says Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design.
Here’s how the upgrades are rolling out.
Wind Surf
The Project: The 342-guest Wind Surf will undergo its $7.5 million refurbishment in two phases. The first took place in November 2024. Refurbishment efforts in the first phase include the ship’s top three suites, which will be remodeled in the Broadmoor and Sea Island design that’s onboard the Star-class ships, plus one that was redone in a yacht-like style. Other projects included refurbishments of Amphora, Compass Rose, the pool deck and bar. As well, the lobby, Yacht Club coffee bar, and the boutique were refreshed.
Both segments of the refurbishment process for Wind Surf will take place at Navantia shipyard, in Spain’s Cádiz.
What’s Next: Phase two of “Setting Sails” for Wind Surf takes place in December 2026. During phase two of Wind Surf’s refurbishment, all remaining accommodations will be remodeled with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor. Both segments of the refurbishment process for Wind Surf take place Navantia shipyard, in Spain’s Cádiz.
Wind Star
The Project: The 148-guest Wind Star has completed both stages of upgrades. As such, the ship’s reception area received expanded seating and retail space, the Lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Cafe was spruced up with new furniture and lighting, and the World Spa by Windstar and gym were revitalized. New fitness equipment was installed. The pool deck, one of Wind Star’s most social places, has a new pool and Jacuzzi, an extended pool bar, and fresh pops of color via new outdoor seating and lounging. The Owner’s Suite was completely redesigned.
Wind Star’s technology has also gotten a major upgrade, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites.
In phase two, guest staterooms were remodeled. Stateroom updates elevate comfort with new upholstered headboards, integrated lighting, and convenient bedside charging. Windstar built on Wind Star’s phase one enhancements; these included upgraded technology (Starlink connectivity and new TVs with on-demand content) and a redesigned Owner’s Suite.
Amphora, its primary restaurant, and Veranda, it’s ship-top café for lunch and breakfast, have also been completely redecorated.
Wind Spirit
In April 2025, the 148-guest Wind Spirit, underwent phase one of its transformation. Similar to the process that’s already been completed with twin ship Wind Star, phase one focused on refurbishments of its reception area, retail space, and the lounge that’s adjacent to the Yacht Club Café. The World Spa by Windstar and the gym received fresh overhauls and new equipment. On the outside decks, there’s a new pool and whirlpool; the pool bar was enhanced. And the ship’s Owner’s Suite was completely revamped.
Onboard technology has also been upgraded, with new, larger flatscreen televisions in all staterooms and suites and Starlink Wi-Fi.
What’s Next: Phase 2 will occur in March 2027. Amphora and Veranda will be redone, as will all suites.