Windstar Cruises has announced additional details on the line’s new class of motor yachts, the first of which is scheduled to debut on April 17, 2014.
The line’s first new motor yacht, the Star Pride, is scheduled to be christened by Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, wife of Mr. Phillip Anschutz, owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, on May 5, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. The Star Pride will then sail a special and exclusive six day Mediterranean sailing to Rome, Italy.
“Star Pride is the first of the Star Class yachts, and we can’t wait to introduce a new era of Windstar Cruises,” said Birkholz. “We are honored to have Mrs. Anschutz serve in the prestigious role of Godmother. It’s fitting to have her christen Windstar’s first yacht in sixteen years as the Anschutz family has been an integral part of Windstar’s transformation the last few years.”
The line’s second and third motor yachts, which are both scheduled to join the fleet in May 2015, have been named Star Breeze and Star Legend. The two new ships will sail inaugural seasons in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Both motor yachts, following suit of the Star Pride, will undergo major transformations following their handover from Seabourn.
“With only a maximum of 212 guests on board, these new Star Class yachts are the perfect fit for Windstar’s style of small ship cruising,” said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises. “All three of the new yachts will receive significant style changes and stem-to-stern upgrades to align with Windstar’s yacht style cruising.”
The addition of the three new motor yachts will allow Windstar Cruises to sail to a variety of new destinations and return to a number of past favorites. The new ships will also allow the line to grow in passenger capacity while maintaining the relaxed, premium Windstar experience for their guests.
