Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations, announces the completion of the first phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment encompassing the yacht’s staterooms, suites, bridge suites and corridors.

Wind Surf welcomed guests December 10 in Philipsburg, St. Maarten and set sail for the start of its Caribbean season with a new luxurious, classic, stylish yacht look for its accommodations and corridors. Wind Surf’s staterooms now feature leather headboards, stately arm chairs, linen wall coverings, new lighting features, elegant window coverings, plush wool carpeting, art work and stylish bed cushions. Suites were additionally outfitted with new furniture that converts easily to lounging, dining, or accommodating a third occupant. Corridors were completely renovated from floor to ceiling with new wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, lighting and art work.

“The new look enables us to provide an unparalleled guest experience and dramatizes Windstar’s brand position of providing a unique, boutique yacht vacation that is 180 Degrees from Ordinary,” said Hans Birkholz, President and CEO of Windstar Cruises.

The line is investing $18 million refurbishing the fleet and the second phase of Wind Surf’s refurbishment will take place in the fall of 2012 and focuses on the yacht’s public spaces including the Lounge, The Restaurant, Degrees, Veranda, Compass Rose, WindSpa, Yacht Club and Pool Bar.

• In the Lounge, wall-to-wall carpeting will be replaced with hard flooring accented with inset rugs, a contemporary mix of furniture, lighter color palette and improved sound insulation around the casino.
• The Restaurant will be completed with a new seating layout, all new soft goods, and state-of-the art wine display and storage.
• Degrees Restaurant will be transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, anchored by a central wine bar for counter dining as well as an inviting area to relax before and after dinner.  Wine tastings and cooking demonstrations will also be conducted here.
• The Veranda’s outdoor seating will be significantly expanded, creating an ideal mid-ship area for enjoying breakfast and lunch alfresco.  The interior will include a new buffet, new lighting, and epicurean style display counters.
• The Compass Rose will be reconfigured to open up expansively to the adjoining outdoor deck, and its interior completely renovated to reflect the sophisticated elegance of a private club.
• The Pool Bar will sport new awnings for additional shade, new deck furniture, and improved outdoor dining layout for Candles Grill.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit will undergo complete refurbishments of staterooms, owner’s suite, and corridors along with public spaces including The Restaurant, Veranda, Lounge, WindSpa, Library, Reception, and Pool Bar following their respective Costa Rica and Caribbean seasons. After the completion of work, both yachts begin their Mediterranean seasons with Wind Spirit starting April 15, 2012, and Wind Star beginning April 29, 2012.

Recommended Reading:

Read www.expertcruiser.com’s review of the Wind Surf: Intimate Cruising Aboard Windstar’s Wind Surf

By Anita Dunham-Potter (editor@www.expertcruiser.com)

© www.expertcruiser.com – Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

Carnival Cruise Lines on Monday announced it was partnering with various celebrities for its Fun Ship 2.0 program, which will feature new ship amenities and improvements. In the first phase of the program, which extends through the end of 2015, Carnival is to invest more than $500 million across its 23-ship fleet.

“Fun Ship 2.0 is the largest and most ambitious initiative that our company has ever undertaken, and it will serve to significantly transform the Carnival vacation experience for our guests,” President and CEO Gerry Cahill said at a New York City press conference. “Through breakthrough partnerships with some of today’s biggest talents and most popular entertainment brands, plus our very own new branded experiences and onboard destinations, Carnival fans and those new to our cruises are destined for an incredible vacation experience.”

Here’s the list of Fun Ship 2.0 changes:

• Comedian George Lopez will become the creative director for comedy to enhance its fleetwide comedy clubs.
• Food Network guru Guy Fieri will develop burger venue Guy’s Burger Joint
• Leading video game manufacturer EA Sports will create the first EA Sports Bar at sea
• DJ Irie (Official DJ of the Miami Heat) will become the cruise line’s official DJ and lead and create DJ Irie’s Spin’iversity, which will train and develop the musical skills of onboard DJ talent.
• Hasbro will be coming onboard to create “Hasbro, The Game Show,” a new series of production and entertainment activities based on the “Family Game Night” television show.

In addition, Carnival announced new dining options, including the RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the complimentary BlueIguana Cantina.  The Carnival Liberty will be the first ship to feature many of the new dining and bar venues when it returns from improvements at the end of October. Fourteen ships are to receive many of the Fun Ship 2.0 enhancements.

By Anita Dunham-Potter (editor@www.expertcruiser.com)
© www.expertcruiser.com – Your online consumer guide for cruise travel and information.

Holland America Line announced plans to transform the aft Lido Decks on five ships into resort-style pool areas dubbed “The Retreat.” The focus will be a shallow pool area with 44 lounge chairs and built-in benches. ‘We’re creating an area where guests can relax outside in a sophisticated environment, and we’re adding other fun and convenient features such as a whirlpool, a band and DJ stand and even a pizzeria,’ said Rick Meadows, executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line.

The area is slated for Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam.

The Retreat’s pool will be divided into three main sections separated by low, curving walls. The middle section is 16 inches deep so passengers can sit on benches in the water. The two side sections will place lounge chairs in eight inches of water. Waterfalls and spouts will enhance the décor. At one end of the pool will be a hot tub.

A pizzeria will be incorporated, serving whole pies and slices. A stage will be added, and an LED screen and sound system will be integrated into each ship’s infrastructure.

This continued phase of Holland America’s “Signature of Excellence” upgrades is scheduled to begin with Veendam’s drydock in the spring, with completion on the Maasdam in early 2011.