What does it take to redesign and refurbish a beloved ship? And how do you design spaces that capture Windstar’s travel ethos – capturing a mood that’s sophisticated, joyful and adventurous? Those were the questions on the minds of Windstar’s design and refurbishment team as the ship, completed phase one of its two-part update in December 2024.
Wind Surf’s refurbishment is part of Windstar’s Setting Sails initiative, which redesigns all three of its sailing class of vessels between now and 2027 (pictured above is its newly designed pool deck). From his perspective, Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s chief operating officer, notes that highlights of the refurbishment focus on fresh new details that also reflect Windstar’s casually luxurious ethos.
Expect a sophisticated nautical ambience of neutrals and blues, Creupelandt adds, “With our guests in mind, we aimed to add a bit of whimsy with pops of color that will trigger wonderful memories of easygoing trips to the beach in summer, when building sandcastles was a focal point of the day.”
Specifically, this first refurbishment focused on public spaces and the ship’s top suites (note that phase two of the refurbishment takes place in December 2026; more details are below).
New, top-of-the-ship suite
Previously known as the Officer’s Suite, Wind Surf’s new Owner’s Suite, #501, has been reimagined. “The owner’s suite is modern yacht-inspired. We adopted some classic details but we made it more fun, a little more Windstar,” Creupelandt explains. The space is expanded to encompass separate living and sleeping areas. The all-new bathroom features a tiled tub, new shower and double vanity. What doesn’t change? Guests still have unique access to the suite from a private door on an outside deck – and the suite is next to the Bridge.
Broadmoor and Sea Island suites debut on the Wind Class
If you’ve seen (or experienced) the Broadmoor and Sea Island suites on Windstar’s Star Class vessels (Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Breeze) you’ll love them here. If you haven’t yet? You’ll love them anyway. Inspired by designs at Windstar’s parent company, Xanterra, which operates five-star sister resorts such as Colorado’s Broadmoor and Georgia’s Sea Island, each offers a distinctive ambience. The Broadmoor suite has a clubby, historic feel while Sea Island evokes a summery and beachy look.
Amphora incorporates sea colors into its restaurant space
Amphora, Wind Surf’s main restaurant venue, embraces a new design concept that features blues and ivory with elements of the sea, such as sea glass, pearls and smooth stones. There will be new furnishings that include curved booth, a 10-guest Captain’s Table and larger dining chairs for comfort. Another improvement that your eyes may not see but your ears will appreciate: improved acoustics.
Tweaking Compass Rose
The ship’s Compass Rose, its hallmark space for entertainment and socializing, features more comfortable, modern décor with pops of blue and orange, a chic bar, and a new multi-purpose stage area ideal for live music and local performances.
“While I admit that all my designs are my children, I really love the reimagined Compass Rose,” Creupelandt says. “It’s the hub for nightlife, from pre-dinner cocktails to trivia to evening entertainment. There are booths around the edges, sofa seating outside, and the aft wall that still fully opens so you get the indoor/outdoor feeling.”
Splashy new pool deck and bar
What we love about this space is the way Windstar designers bring the outdoors – through pops of color, including green foliage, onboard. The tiling on the whirlpools is meant to evoke ocean waves. There’s plenty of teak in the deck, the pool’s capping, and tables. Newly added seating includes large daybeds on the aft and chaise lounges.
First Impressions!
On the newly revamped Wind Surf, public spaces that guests access daily, like the ship’s lobby, which houses the shore excursion desk and guest service, and its popular Yacht Club coffee bar, are fresh and modern. “The idea,” Creupelandt tells us, “is to create a hub, a relaxed environment that is a bit like an Italian piazza, with social spaces and solitary, peaceful nooks, as well.”
“It was wonderful to see it come to life on my cruise,” she adds. “It was still the Yacht Club, guests were sitting, reading, sipping coffee There are pops of color and patterns, and yet it’s also a quiet refuge.”
Surprises #1 and #2
In our original blog on the changes planned for Wind Surf, we didn’t mention a couple of refurbs that surprised us, in a good way.
We loved that crew spaces, like this engaging lounge (pictured above), were redesigned.
And though standard accommodations will not be overhauled until Wind Surf’s final refurbishment in December 2026, all cabins received new interactive televisions.
And more surprises!
Creupelandt’s favorite installation? A new LED wall in Compass Rose that completely changes the atmosphere, depending on where the ship is sailing – and when. “We were all impressed with how it turned out,” she says, noting that on her Christmas cruise there with holiday-related background scenes with music. Port talks and other presentations were also bolstered by the A/V.
And we love the new wine room (photo above), which will host pre-dinner tastings there. The average tasting, says Peter Tobler, Windstar’s director of hotel operations, lasts about 10 – 15 minutes for two to three different pours.
Phase two takes place soon!
Phase 2 of Wind Surf’s refurbishment will take place in December 2026 and re-enters service on December 19, 2026.
In this effort, all accommodations (suites were already completed in phase one) will be outfitted with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor.
As well, Veranda and Amphora will be redecorated, and Stella Bistro will be replaced by Basil + Bamboo, Windstar’s Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant.
In a nod to travelers’ increasing desires to practice wellness while onboard, Wind Surf’s fitness center will be redesigned with a new motion studio. And the ship’s cigar lounge will be replaced by a dry sauna.
All of Windstar’s three Wind Class ships (Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Wind Spirit) have undergone recent renovations and updates as part of a multi-year initiative. Wind Star has already completed both phases of improvements. Wind Spirit will receive its second of two updates in March 2027.
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