PALERMO, ITALY – Windstar Cruises has made the final cut to the hull of Star Breeze, the first of three ships to be stretched as part of its $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.

Star Breeze will now begin the process of inserting a new 84-foot mid-section that will help transform the Windstar experience for its guests. As the first Windstar ship to emerge from this transformation, Star Breeze will then sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on Feb. 20, 2020.

While many ships have been ‘stretched’, the complex undertaking of Star Breeze and sister ships Star Legend and Star Pride in 2020 goes beyond cosmetic and experience-based. It also involves removing and replacing the engines to ensure more environmentally-friendly operations.

“The $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project undertaken in cruising, and we are very proud to be working with Fincantieri, the leader in major cruise ship renovations,” said Windstar Cruises President John Delaney. “The slightly larger ships and new enhancements will significantly build upon the signature onboard environment Windstar is famous for.”

This is the first of three new mid-ship sections to be constructed and inserted as part of the initiative. In addition to the propulsion system and ‘back-of-house’ investment, what guests will welcome most are the two new restaurants: Spanish-styled Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, and the alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, which capitalizes on the ships’ increase in deck space.

That additional space also translates into a new pool and whirlpool on the upper deck, a reimagined spa and fitness centre, a new retail shop and more. In addition, every bathroom on the ship will be rebuilt and fitted to modern luxury standards, while 50 suites will be added in the new mid-section. In all, the expanded Star Breeze will be able to accommodate 312 passengers, up from the previous 212.

Following Star Breeze, Star Legend will debut in Barcelona on July 2, 2020. Star Pride, the third and final ship, will be completed in fall 2020 when it sets sail from Barcelona on Nov. 20.

Reservations are open for 2020 and 2021 cruises aboard the post-Star Plus Initiative Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, including a ‘Colors of Key West & Central America’ 10-day voyage from Miami to Colón, Panama on March 20, 2020.