Windstar Cruises business development manager UK & Ireland Anna Perrott talks through the changes to the line’s ships and the plan to resume cruise operations later this year.

We are eagerly awaiting the safe return of cruising this summer, as well as the debut of our reimagined all-suite Star Plus-class yachts.

It’s been a multi-year undertaking to enhance all aspects of the guest experience on three of our six yachts – Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride.

The initiative has not only created beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we also took the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system.

All three yachts can now also host more guests, with an increase in capacity from 212 guests to 312.

The goal was to provide more of what our customers want, such as additional dining experiences (one is an outdoor barbecue concept with grilling guru Steven Raichlen and the other a Spanish small plates restaurant from Anthony Sasso, one of the youngest chefs to be recognised by the Michelin Guide), a true spa/fitness centre, and a bigger pool and outdoor deck area, as well as to increase capacity without drastically changing who we are or what we look like.

The current plan is to restart operations in June 2021 in a phased manner, with initial cruises at a reduced guest occupancy, some modified itineraries and with enhanced health and safety protocols in place.

We will also require proof of a current Covid-19 vaccination for all guests. We arrived at the decision in the best health and wellness interests of our guests, crew and the places the yachts visit.

Star Breeze, the first of the Star Plus yachts to debut, will begin sailing 19 June in the Caribbean; Wind Star will start 19 June in the Mediterranean; Wind Spirit on 15 July in Tahiti; Wind Surf will start 8 August in the Mediterranean; Star Legend on 4 September in Northern Europe, and Star Pride will resume service from 3 November in the Caribbean.

The first couple of sailings for Star Breeze will be the Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean Getaway itinerary.

These are eight-day cruises, St. Maarten roundtrips, that will go to Anguilla, Jost Van Dyke, Soper’s Hole, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, and St. Barts.

Our watersports platform will be operational every day, with the exception of embarkation/disembarkation days, so these sailings will be very focused on beaches, swimming, watersports and snorkelling – all the things we want to do in paradise after the year we’ve had.