Cut a ship in two to fit a new 25,6m section in the middle. The lengthening operation of "Star Breeze", the first of the three cruise ships included in the modernization plan StarPlus of the owner Windstar, was completed in the Fincantieri factory in Palermo, following a monstrous investment of 250 million.
The new "Star Breeze", which in the added part has 50 suites with the total capacity of the ship increasing from 212 to 312 passengers (and consequently also increases the staff, maintaining the ratio between staff and guests of 1,5 to 1) will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on February 20, 2020, while the inaugural events in North America are scheduled at the Port of Miami on March 19, 2020.
The highly complex transformation operation to which the US shipowner's cruise ship was subjected (as will Star Legend e Star Pride in 2020) it's not just aesthetic in nature and commercial. The engines were also removed and replaced to allow the units to navigate more environmentally conscious, to access smaller ports and special itineraries.
"The project StarPlus - commented Windstar Cruises President John Delaney -, which involves the lengthening, replacement of the engine and the renewal of three units, is the most complex and complete of its kind and we are very proud to be able to collaborate with Fincantieri, a leader in the ship repair and conversion sector. The public areas, welcoming and familiar, will help create a welcoming atmosphere for passengers and crew”.
The one just completed is the first new section built and inserted into the ships of the Windstar fleet under the project StarPlus, lengthening and modernization plan which involves three ships of the Star class. In addition to interventions on the engine system and the "back of house", guests will also appreciate two new restaurants, thanks to the increased space that will be available on decks.
On the upper deck there will be a swimming pool and a whirlpool concept as well as a completely overhauled spa and fitness area, plus a new shop and more. In addition, every bathroom on the ship has been rebuilt and adapted to modern luxury standards.
“This – added Christopher Prelog, Vice President of Fleet Operations of Windstar – is an unforgettable moment for Windstar, as we reach an important milestone. A heartfelt thanks to Fincantieri, the partner with whom we are assisting in the evolution of part of our fleet. Star Breeze and its twins have always been recognized for their beauty, for their simple lines, for their welcoming and at the same time spacious environments. The significant investment and transformation of these vessels will be astounding and we look forward to letting our guests experience the renaissance of Windstar Cruises.”
“Today is a great day – he said Andrew Toso, Ship Repair & Conversion manager of the Fincantieri Services Division -. A day to be proud of the incredible work done by Windstar, Fincantieri and the Palermo plant. Cut Star Breeze in two, inserting a new section and replacing the main engines and diesel-generators is testament to our ability in this type of highly sophisticated and complex operation, which requires engineering, design and construction skills project management and which represent the state of the art in this sector”.
Windstar does not stop there and continues the collaboration with the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo also for the other two cruise ships included in the project: the works will be definitively completed at the end of 2020. The second ship to be upgraded, Star Legend, will depart from Barcelona on 20 July 2020. The third and last, Star Pride, will leave the shipyard in the autumn of 2020 with the maiden cruise scheduled from Barcelona on November 20, 2020.
