Windstar Cruises has officially launched their first non-sail ship following a christening ceremony yesterday in Barcelona.
The new Star Pride, formerly the Seabourn Pride, underwent a major and complete renovation earlier this month in preparation for its transfer to the Windstar fleet. The entire ship has been completely redecorated and reconfigured to reflect Windstar’s premium, yet casual cruising atmosphere.
On Monday, the Star Pride was christened by Mrs. Nancy Anschutz, wife of Mr. Philip Anschutz, owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Windstar’s parent company. The ceremony was led by Philip Anschutz, Owner of Xanterra; Andy Todd, CEO of Xanterra; Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises; Captain Alan MacAry, the master of Star Pride, and Father Marto Rodriguez.
The ship’s christening was followed by a pier-side fiesta, featuring unique music by a local Catalonian Rumba band and street performers from Las Ramblas. Guests were also treated to many local dishes, including tapas and sangria.
“Star Pride is the first of the three small luxury cruise ships added to the Windstar yacht fleet, and it leads the way as Windstar enters a new era of small ship cruising,” said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises. “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 16 years as the Anschutz family and Xanterra Parks & Resorts, have been an integral part of Windstar’s transformation the last few years.”
Following the christening ceremony, the Star Pride set sail on her inaugural sailing from Barcelona to Rome, calling in a number of ports along the French and Italian coast.
