Windstar forlenger "Star Breeze", "Star Legend" og "Star Pride"

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Windstar to Stretch Three Ships in $250 Million Refurbishment

Windstar Cruises today announced the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative which will see it stretch and re-engine its three Star-class vessels.

“We are thrilled to announce the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, a significant investment in the future of Windstar Cruises. This exciting initiative is our 180 degree from ordinary solution to add new capacity and major enhancements to the guest experience in a very time efficient manner,” said Windstar President John Delaney. “The initiative not only creates beautiful new suites and public spaces, but we will also take the opportunity to re-engine the ships with a more fuel efficient and environmentally responsible propulsion system. This will be a true game changer for Windstar and our small ship cruise experience.”

The initiative will expand guest accommodations on the line's three vessels increasing capacity from 212 passengers to 312 guests per ship, following the lengthening.

The work will be done to Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride in succession between October 2019 and November 2020, and take place at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

The project represents an overall capacity increase of 24 percent for the small ship line, according to the company.

The project is expected to be partially financed through an export credit facility guaranteed by SACE, Italy’s export credit agency, Windstar said.

Each Star Class ship will be cut to allow the installation of a new section of ship that will lengthen each vessel approximately 25.6 meters bringing the total length to just over 159 meters, Windstar said, in a prepared statement.

The project adds 50 new suites to each vessel, bringing the total number of suites per ship to 156, and represents an investment of more than $267,000 per passenger berth.

“This major investment is an efficient way to build on a winning brand that shows strong momentum and growth potential. Support for this exciting new initiative demonstrates our commitment to Windstar as an important part of the Xanterra portfolio,” said Andrew N. Todd, President and CEO of Xanterra Travel Collection.

Also involved in the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the creation of new spaces including two new dining locations; new shop and retail space; a much enlarged fitness center; and a new spa.

The renovation includes a re-engine project for each ship and involves the removal of seven current engines and installation of four new, more environmentally friendly engines that will run on cleaner fuel and reduce emissions impact to sailing regions.

“Given our expertise as a leader in major cruise ship renovations and lengthening projects, we are gratified to be chosen by Windstar to undertake this complex and extensive endeavor. We look forward to working with the Windstar team to totally transform these elegant small ships,” said Giorgio Rizzo, Executive SVP, Fincantieri Services.

Windstar has also partnered with designer Ray Chung, Director of Design at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in New York, to create a modern look for the new public spaces and new suites.

Among the suite additions will be two new larger owner's suites and for existing suites, there will be all-new bathrooms and installation of new sliding doors for suites with balconies.

Windstar will add two brand new dining experiences including an alternative dining restaurant, and a casual barbecue space adjacent to the top deck Star Bar.

In addition the ships will get a larger pool, and a completely new spa.

The mid-ship section will see the addition of another elevator.

Other changes include a new tender loading area located mid-ship and two new 90-passenger tenders that will ferry guests to port when ships are at anchor.

In addition, ship staff and crew areas and accommodations will be expanded and upgraded. Additional crew will be hired and the increase will maintain the line’s 1.5:1 guest to hotel staff ratio

Kilde: Cruise Industry News

"Star Pride"
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Illustrasjon: via rederiet
 
The renovation includes a re-engine project for each ship and involves the removal of seven current engines and installation of four new, more environmentally friendly engines that will run on cleaner fuel and reduce emissions impact to sailing regions.

Hovedmotorer i dag på desse tre er vel 1x Bergen Diesel KRMB-8 og 1x KVMB-12 pr aksling/propell, i tillegg til 1x Bergen Diesel KRG-6 og 2x KRG-8 hjelpemotorer?

Fire nye motorer betyr vel at dei skal inn med diesel-elektrisk, noken som veit kva fabrikat og type det blir?
 
WINDSTAR CUTS THE FIRST STEEL AT ITALIAN SHIPYARD FINCANTIERI AS THE INNOVATIVE SMALL SHIP CRUISE LINE’S

Trieste, Italy, April 3, 2019 – At Fincantieri’s shipyard “Arsenale Triestino San Marco”, in Trieste, Italy, John Gunner, Vice President of Expansion Projects for Seattle-based Windstar Cruises, pushed the button which activated the torch to make the first cut in the new steel that will become the first of three new ships sections as part of Windstar’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative.

The $250 Million Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project undertaken in cruising. Windstar will take half of its entire fleet – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – and renovate each ship in succession. The work on the first of the three ships begins on Star Breeze in October 2019 and shall end with the departure of the Star Pride from the yard in November 2020. This steel cutting marks the beginning of true project construction. The popular ships will be cut in half to allow the installation of a new stepped mid-body section that will lengthen each vessel by approximately 25 meters. The total capacity of the “new” expanded ships will be 312 guests, and additional staff will be hired in order to maintain the line’s impressive 1.5 to 1 guest to service staff ratio.

The new sections will be built in Trieste and then will be transported south by barge to the Fincantieri yard in Palermo Sicily, Italy to be inserted into the iconic Windstar ships along with the new engines. The timeline requires the new sections to be fabricated from April through September, shipped in October, and then inserted into Star Breeze so that she can be completed in time for her arrival for re-inaugural activities at the port of Miami on March 19, 2020.

The extension and modernization project is being performed by the Ship Repair & Conversion part of the Services Division of Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and number one for diversification and innovation that has built 89 cruise ships from 1990 to today with 54 new ships currently being designed or built in the group’s yards. The company also has a deeply rooted experience in cruise ship conversion, which consolidates its leadership in this highly specialized naval transformation sector.

The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in New York, led by Ray Chung, Director of Design, has been tasked with creating modern and inviting design aesthetics for the new public spaces and 50 new suites. In addition to new suites, there will be a new pool area, restaurants, a spa & wellness center, and enhanced “living room deck space.”

Gunner pointed out, “This is not about just cutting a ship in half and making it bigger. We are replacing the engines and ‘back of house’ too, so that these ships deliver on their promise of visiting smaller ports and special waterways of the world with a softer environmental footprint for generations to come”.

Andrew Toso, Vice President Ship Repair and Conversion of the Fincantieri Services Division, stated, “The considerable experience gained with major naval projects undertaken over recent years, and the Windstar program that we are officially starting, consolidates Fincantieri’s position as the reference point worldwide for this kind of highly sophisticated and complex operations. We are very proud that Windstar, a prestigious new client for our company, has chosen us for these strategic works which will require an extremely high level of engineering competence and project management“.
 
WINDSTAR CRUISES’ REVEALS DETAILS OF $250 MILLION STAR PLUS INITIATIVE AT SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL EVENT

Miami, FL, April 9, 2019 — Windstar Cruises, the leader in small ship cruising, revealed big news today about the award-winning line’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative at Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s most celebrated worldwide event.

At a press conference today, the Seattle-based cruise line’s President John Delaney, revealed 360-degree “views” and vibrant renderings of what guests will experience on the line’s three renovated vessels, Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride. Delaney was joined by Giorgio Rizzo and Lawrence Zammit, respectively Fincantieri Services Executive Vice President and Vice President Merchant Market Strategies and Sales for partnered shipbuilder and ship conversions specialists Fincantieri. Zammit shared technical details and video on the complex project in the wake of last week’s “Steel Cutting Ceremony” that began creation of the first new section of ship, proving the project is moving from renderings to reality at Fincantieri’s Shipyards in Trieste and later in Palermo, Italy.

The Star Plus Initiative is the most complex and comprehensive small ship lengthening, engine replacement, and renovation project in cruising.

"This is the biggest investment and expansion in Windstar Cruises’ history," said Delaney. “The investment of a quarter of a billion dollars ensures to our loyal and future guests, and industry partners, that these ships will continue to sail for generations and deliver on their promise of visiting the smaller ports and waters of the world that our brand is known for. We are all proud to be part of this historic event in the small ship cruise industry."

Windstar will take half of its fleet – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – and renovate each ship in succession. Work on the ships begins in October 2019 and ends in November 2020. The total capacity of the expanded ships will be 312 guests, with additional staff hired to maintain the line’s impressive 1.5 to 1 guest-to-staff ratio. The ships’ new engines will meet and exceed new global International Maritime Organization (IMO) limits – one of the requirements being the engines produce no more than .5 percent sulphur content. In addition, the new engines are designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, supporting the company’s goals of traveling with a softer environmental footprint.

Giorgio Rizzo, Executive Vice President Fincantieri Services, said, “Star Plus Initiative is an extraordinary and very comprehensive program, which is why we are honored to partner with Windstar for its execution. Ship conversions are much more than simple upgrades, they’re about enhancing the main technical and commercial qualities of the ship, while enriching the brand attributes that have earned Windstar the reputation of being an innovative leader in small ship cruising. In the last few years, our company has made a long-term strategic choice to specialize in these kinds of operations, particularly in the cruise segment, which has allowed us to quickly gain an acknowledged leadership position in this sector.”

Ray Chung, Director of Design at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in New York, and his team have been tasked with creating modern and inviting new public spaces and 50 new suites.

“They just don’t build ships like this anymore,” said Chung. “We are keeping the best elements and designs from these iconic vessels and re-envisioning them for the modern guest. The design of the public and private spaces provides a rich backdrop for guests as they create their own storytelling moments of their time on board. The design is very conscious of how people ‘flow’ effortlessly through the ship and leverages drama and scale for a larger visual impact.”

At the Seatrade conference today, Delaney walked media and special guests through the vision for the new spaces, especially the 50 new suites configured with the bed by the window or balcony. Delaney also gave a first look at the planned new Grand Owner’s Suite, the elegantly appointed mid-ship suite that boasts three adjoining individual suites to create a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath suite, separate dining room and living room areas, an entertainment bar, a spacious central balcony, and additional balcony in one of the bedroom suites. Totaling 1,374 square feet, the combined three-bedroom suite can accommodate up to seven guests – ideal for extended families and friends. In addition to the new guest suites, all bathrooms in existing suites will be renovated in the same design.

An inviting new infinity pool was also revealed, along with a reimagined Veranda restaurant with all new layout and more seating. More news and reveals will be announced in the coming months, including two highly anticipated new dining spaces and new dining concepts on board, a world-class spa and fitness center, and enhanced “living room-esque” deck space, where guests will no doubt congregate.

The just-released renderings and 360-degree views are available to the public and travel advisors by visiting Windstar’s updated webpage at
https://www.windstarcruises.com/starplus/

The renovated ships will chart courses to some of the most popular, aspirational, and legendary destinations in the world including Iceland, Northern Europe, the British Isles, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Crete, Israel, Egypt, Malta, the Cote D’Azur, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico, Baja, the West Coast of the U.S., and the Caribbean. Itineraries will continue to feature transits of the famous Corinth Canal – a feat only small ships can fathom – along with a plethora of other “small ship only” experiences.

Reservations are available to book for new cruise itineraries aboard Star Breeze and Star Legend after the ships completed renovations including Star Breeze’s Colors of Key West & Central America 10-day voyage from Miami, FL to Colón, Panama on March 20, 2020; sailing from Miami will be a first for the Seattle-based company.

"Star Breeze"
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Illustrasjon: via Windstar
 
Windstar cuts steel for second Star-class ship with Fincantieri, marking the beginning of Star Legend’s journey to transformation

Trieste, September 6, 2019 – Today at Fincantieri's shipyard, in Palermo, Italy, Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Fleet Operations for Seattle-based Windstar Cruises, pushed the button which activated the torch to make the first cut in the new steel that will become the newly constructed mid-section of MS Star Legend.

"This is a momentous day for Windstar as we reach another major milestone. A project of this magnitude takes time to realize and unfold," said Prelog. "We've accomplished so much already on the first ship, Star Breeze, along with our partners at Fincantieri, that it makes the excitement for Star Legend that much greater. Today is an especially proud moment for me personally, as Star Legend was the first ship I ever worked on in the cruise industry, two decades ago. She is a beauty and the coming transformations are going to be truly amazing, for our guests and all fans of Windstar to see."

Andrew Toso, Vice President Ship Repair and Conversion of the Fincantieri Services Division, stated: "As the reference point worldwide for this kind of highly complex operations we are very proud to partner with Windstar for such an ambitious programme, and the milestone we are celebrating today is the best proof possible of our commitment and successful project management we are bringing in."

Star Legend is the second of three Star-class vessels that will undergo the transformation from a 212-passendger ship to 312 passengers by installing a new section of ship. The transformation of the three Star-class ships will increase capacity by 100 with the addition of 50 new suites, the majority of which are to be housed in the new mid-sections being built at Fincantieri shipyards.

In addition, the transformed ships will boast two new restaurants including the eclectic, Spanish-styled Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso; and a modern, alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen capitalizing on the ships' increase in deck space. Guests will also enjoy a new pool and whirlpool, a re-imagined, world-class spa and fitness center, new retail shops, and more.

Kilde: Fincantieri
 
Windstar Completes First Milestone on Its

Fincantieri Cuts Windstar’s Star Breeze in Half, Inserting 84-Foot (25.6 Meters) New Section in Palermo, Italy

PALERMO, ITALY, October 17, 2019 – It’s only appropriate that the culture that gave birth to the Renaissance is where Windstar Cruises ushers in a new era as the leader in small ship cruising by making the final cut to the hull of Star Breeze to “stretch” the first of its three ships and begin the process of inserting a new 84-foot mid-section (25.6 meters) that will help evolve and transform the Windstar experience.

The first Windstar ship to emerge from this transformation, Star Breeze, will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on February 20, 2020, and celebratere-inaugural activities in North America at the Port of Miami on March 19, 2020.

While many a ship has been “stretched,” as it is referred to in the cruise industry, the complexity and significant undertaking with Star Breeze (and sister ships Star Legend and Star Pride in 2020) is not just cosmetic or experience-based. It also involves removing and replacing the engines to ensure a cleaner, more environmentally-friendly operation as the ships sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters and call at small, enchanting ports for decades to come.

“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,” stated Windstar Cruises President John Delaney. “The slightly larger ships and new enhancements will significantly build upon the signature onboard environment Windstar is famous for. The social and friendly public spaces on the ships create a welcome chemistry with guests and the crew.”

This is the first of three new mid-ship sections to be constructed and inserted as part of Windstar’s $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, which iscommitted to the expansion and transformation of the cruise line’s three Star-class vessels. In addition to the all-important propulsion system and “back-of-house” investment, what guests will welcome most are the two new restaurants including the eclectic, Spanish-styled Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso and a modern, alfresco Star Grill by Steven Raichlen capitalizing on the ships’ increase in deck space.

That additional space also translates into a new pool and whirlpool on the upper deck, a re-imagined, world-class spa and fitness center, a new retail shop, and more. In addition, every bathroom on the ship with be re-built and fitted to modern luxury standards. The new 84-foot (25.6 meters) mid-section will also welcome most of the 50 new suites. With the new section, Star Breeze will now be able to accommodate 312 passengers (previously the ship accommodated 212 guests). The expanded ship will also allow for more crew and maintain the enviable 1.5-to-1 guest-to-service staff ratio.

Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Christopher Prelog said, “This is a momentous undertaking for Windstar and a major milestone. Thanks to ourpartners at Fincantieri, we are literally witnessing the evolution of a cruise line. Star Breeze and her sister ships have always been coveted for their beauty, pleasing lines, and cozy yet seemingly spacious environments. The significant investment and the transformation of these ships will be stunning, and we are all eager for our guests to experience the renaissance of Windstar Cruises.”

Vice President Ship Repair and Conversion of the Fincantieri Services Division Andrew Toso stated, “Today is a big day. A proud day. A day of amazing accomplishment by Windstar, Fincantieri, and our shipyard in Palermo. Cutting Star Breeze in two, inserting a new section, replacing the main engines and diesel generators is evidence of our ability in these kinds of highly sophisticated and complex operations, which require engineering and design skills, as well as project management competence that represent the state-of-the-art in the industry.”

Windstar is transforming three of its Star-class ships – Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride – and renovating each ship in succession at Fincantieri’s Shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. Work will be complete in late 2020.

The second ship to undergo the transformation, Star Legend, will debut in Barcelona on July 2, 2020. The third and final ship, Star Pride, will be complete with the departure of Star Pride from the shipyard in fall of 2020, with her first cruise sailing from Barcelona on November 20, 2020

Kilde: Fincantieri

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Alle foto: via Fincantieri
 
Fra forlenginga av "Star Breeze", var straks klar for å flyte igjen før COVID-19 restriksjoner satte en midlertidig stopper for det

Bak ser man seksjoner til "Star Legend" og "Star Pride" kor førstnevnte har ankommet verftet allerede og gjøres klar for å deles i to så snart den kommer i dokka
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Alle foto: via Gelen Marine Limited
 
Thanks for the update on this project, I was wondering what the status was. They have a big delay by now on the project, but I'm sure they don't mind right now. Loss of revenue was already taken into account because of the rebuilds, so probably not too bad for them.
 
Da var "Star Legend" dokka enne veka og ligger nå sammen med "Star Breeze" som begynner å bli ferdig ombygd
Star Legend 01.jpg

Star Legend 02.jpg

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Alle foto: via Gelen Marine Limited
 
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