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, just refurbished in December 2024, was unveiled.

Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s chief operating officer, and Jessica Payne, interior design manager, shepherded the project, from beginning to completion. Both were onboard for the ship’s newly redesigned maiden voyage. “It’s hard when you’re in it so deeply for such a long time,” Payne tells us, “and ultimately we’re very happy with how Wind Surf was transformed.”

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, Creupelandt 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, Payne 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 focuses on public spaces and the ship’s top suites, such as:

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,” Payne 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,” Payne 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,” Payne 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 the 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 an engaging lounge , 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!

Payne’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, 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 2 of Wind Surf’s refurbishment will transform all other accommodations with new furniture, bedding, carpets, interactive televisions and art and décor. This will take place in December 2026.