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Wind Surf, Wind Spirit set for docking to complete renovations

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Rendering of Wind Surf's new Compass Rose
Wind Surf and Wind Spirit are scheduled for work next month to complete public room improvements as part of Windstar Cruises’ $18m fleetwide refurbishment.

Wind Surf is to enter Lisbon’s Lisnave on Nov. 12, followed by Wind Spirit on Nov. 25. Wind Star was fully renovated in April. The staterooms and suites of all three vessels were refurbished last fall and this spring.

‘We are looking forward to having our whole fleet enter 2013 with an elevated feeling of private yacht style,’ said Hans Birkholz, ceo of Windstar Cruises. ‘We’ve had really positive feedback from the renovations on Wind Star,’ he added, and said customers are excited about seeing the enhancements on the other two vessels.

Birkholz reported advance bookings are 50% ahead of last year at this time.

The 310-passenger Wind Surf will start its stem-to-stern renovation with a five-day drydock then deadhead across the Atlantic carrying only crew to work for 13 more days. The first post-renovation voyage, ‘Yachtsman’s Caribbean,’ will sail Dec. 1 from St. Maarten.

The 148-passenger Wind Spirit will spend its two-week docking at Lisnave before work continues on the Dec. 9 Atlantic crossing. The ship is due to arrive in Barbados on Dec. 22 to embark passengers for its ‘Jewels of the Windward Islands’ cruise.

Similar to Wind Star, both yachts will have updated décor in the public areas with new furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments and floor coverings. The color palette combines sand and marine shades to contrast with warm wood finishes.

A key feature is the transformation of the main dining room, The Restaurant, into AmphorA Restaurant. The venue will have a redesigned seating layout and new wine display and storage.A new menu will spotlight local dishes as well as savory courses such as ling cod, quail and porcini and truffle fettuccine.

The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be expanded to create a midship area for breakfast and lunch al fresco. Diners can order custom-prepared dishes at a live-action cooking station. The interior includes a new buffet, lighting and epicurean displays.

On Wind Surf, Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into an elegant French bistro, with a new name and menu—details to be announced soon. The venue will receive new furniture, flooring, wine display cabinet and a mix of classic and contemporary pendent lighting. Also on board Wind Surf, the Compass Rose will be redesigned with fresh contemporary furnishings, new flooring and chairs and bar stools designed for socializing.

Other areas to be enhanced on both yachts include The Lounge Bar, which will receive sleek, contemporary furniture to match the new tawny, color palette. The Reception Area will be decorated with a new alabaster centerpiece and pendent lighting.

The Pool Bar will be redesigned with a variety of seating options and new awning. By evening the deck transforms into the romantic Candles, where on-deck, candlelit dinners are served. The Yacht Club will be refreshed with new furnishings.