Fincantieri cuts Windstar’s Star Breeze in half, inserting new mid-section in Palermo, Italy

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 17 October 2019 17 October 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 celebrate re-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 is committed 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 our partners 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.

Royal Caribbean to deploy next Oasis-class ship in Asia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 10 October 2019 10 October 2019

Royal Caribbean International has announced the homeport and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship. The next ship to join the cruise line’s innovative lineup will be named Wonder of the Seas and set sail from Shanghai, China. The details were revealed by Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event held in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut In 2021, the world's largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis-class to sail the Asia Pacific.

“Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and an Oasis-class ship in China is proof of that,” said Bayley. “Wonder of the Seas will redefine the ultimate vacation and be revolutionary in her own right, and she marks one of Royal Caribbean’s most exciting chapters to come.”

Today also marked an important milestone for Wonder of the Seas. Halfway around the world in Saint-Nazaire, France, Wonder’s keel was lowered into place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, marking the start of the ship’s physical construction. During what is known as the keel-laying ceremony, a 970-ton block, measuring 155 feet by 65 feet, was lifted onto the building dock with a 1,400-ton crane.

“Royal Caribbean International has been a market leader in China for more than 10 years by consistently showcasing bold deployment strategies and driving growth of the new to cruise market,” said Dr. Zinan Liu, Chairman, Royal Caribbean Asia. “The deployment of Wonder of the Seas is a manifesto of new era for Royal Caribbean.”

Wonder of the Seas will be part of the Oasis-class of ships, the largest in the world, and will combine the iconic seven-neighborhood concept that her sister ships feature along with a bold lineup of thrilling experiences, imaginative dining, unparalleled entertainment and the latest technology. More information on Wonder’s itineraries and brand-new adventures will be announced soon.