Windstar to add two renovated small ships this spring

Windstar Cruises is the small-ship line that gets a lot of attention. Conde Nast readers picked it as the best small ship cruise line for 2014. Now it’s starting to expand its fleet by renovating two ships that will sail this spring.

Windstar will spend $8.5 million per ship to renovate former Seabourn vessels, a cruise line statement says. The new Star Breeze will launch May 6 in Nice, France, and the Star Legend will launch May 25 in Rome.

Each luxury small ship will hold 212 passengers at two people per cabin.

Renovations include a new lounge entertainment area and an expanded Veranda restaurant with a succulent garden wall. The restaurant turns into Candles Grill at night for those who want to dine under the stars, the statement says.

Other features include a slightly larger Star Deck for guests to sunbathe or relax and a Star Screening Room, which doubles as a card room or movie-watching and video game area. Cabins will be upgraded with new carpets, curtains and headboards.

The Star Breeze and the Star Legend will be designed in keeping with the Star Pride. It too was a Seabourn ship that was renovated last year. Star Pride will undergo $3 million in upgrades next year.

Windstar sails throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America.

Info: Windstar Cruises, (866) 595-7913