Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

REFIT REPORT Fincantieri has been working on the refurbishments of Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze and Star Legend at its Palermo shipyard, as part of the cruise line’s US$250 million Star Plus initiative. It began ‘stretching’ Star Breeze in October 2019 by inserting a new 84-foot midsection to lengthen the vessel and accommodate a new pool, spa and fitness centre and 50 suites. When she emerged from the shipyard in February 2020, her passenger capacity had been increased by 100 to 312. The renovation works also involved replacing the engines for more environmentally friendly operation. Star Legend and Star Pride will receive similar refurbishments, with the former expected to re-enter service in July 2020 and the latter in autumn 2020. Fincantieri Palermo, Italy Navantia completed a major renovation onboard Windstar Cruises’ five-masted schooner Wind Surf. The Cadiz-based yard sandblasted and repainted the outer hull, added 16 new guest bedrooms and extra crew accommodation, created a more causal lounge and bar with new furnishings and stage, and developed the World Spa by Windstar. In addition, Wind Surf now features an exclusive 242-square-foot Officer’s Suite which is located behind the bridge. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette also entered Navantia’s dry dock in January 2020. During her refurbishment, Navantia transformed many of the public spaces, converting the former craft beer bar Michael’s Club into the suite-only Retreat Lounge and redesigning the Oceanview Café restaurant as a marketplace-style dining area. In addition to fitting the ship with additional suites, Navantia also integrated radio frequency identification locks, high-speed Xcelerate wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities into all cabins. The Spanish shipbuilder will also transform Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Victory into Carnival Radiance in 2020. This project will mark the final phase of Carnival’s US$2 billion fleet expansion and enhancement programme. Following her 38-day drydock, Carnival Radiance will feature new food and beverage venues, Pixels photo galleries, expanded retail outlets, renovated fitness and spa facilities, a WaterWorks aqua park, the Serenity adult- only area, new miniature golf courses, games arcades, and more theatre productions and live entertainment options. Navantia Cadiz, Spain 1 4 8 Photo: Percepture PR