The first of Windstar Cruises’ three new luxury yachts was unveiled overnight at a ceremony in Barcelona, before its inaugural voyage through Spain, France, and Italy.
Star Pride, formerly Seabourn Pride, is the first vessel in 16 years to be launched by the company, which is undergoing a “transformation”.
Hans Birkholz, ceo, Windstar Cruises, said Star Pride “leads the way as Windstar enters a new era of small ship cruising”.
The ship’s debut follows an intensive three-week revamp in which all of its public spaces, dining venues and suites were updated to meet Windstar’s “casually elegant, warm, and contemporary style”.
Windstar partnered with Alan McVitty and Trimline Interiors, who spearheaded the recent US$18 million renovation of the line’s sailing yachts, to complete Star Pride’s stem-to-stern transformation in Barcelona.
Other updates to the décor include new furnishings, upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpets, ceiling finishes, window treatments and floor coverings.
Additionally, Star Pride introduced Windstar’s new “Destination Suites”, which showcases a signature Windstar destination, complete with cultural décor and local art work.
Windstar will eventually implement this new style of owner’s suite fleet-wide.
The godmother was Nancy Anschutz, wife of the owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Windstar’s parent company.
Star Pride will spend the European summer in the Mediterranean, followed by new itineraries to Asia and the Middle East.
The pier-side event was attended by 200 trade guests including Philip Anschutz, owner of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Andy Todd, CEO of Xanterra Parks & Resorts; Hans Birkholz, ceo of Windstar Cruises; Captain Alan MacAry, a 15-year Windstar veteran who serves as master of Star Pride, and Father Marto Rodriguez.