Windstar just invested $250 million to modernize their fleet of motor yachts. The Star Class ships use the popular R-Class vessels similar to Oceania and Seabourn. These Star Class ships were just completely overhauled, making room for, amongst other things, 50 new suites. Among these new accommodations, Windstar has created a unique, luxurious, versatile, and most importantly, huge Grand Owner’s Suite. Follow along as we have a look at one of the largest suites hiding on a small ship.
The Challenge
Windstar’s Star Class motor yachts only host a little over 300 guests making these vessels some of the smallest premium cruising ships available. When Windstar began its Star Plus Initiative, the focus was on rejuvenation and creating additional space. One of the major improvements was to cut the ship in half and add a section to the midships area. The stretching of the ship allowed Windstar to add 50 suites to the ship and gave Windstar a chance to create a truly luxurious Suite that creates space where there seemingly isn’t.
The Midships Owner’s Suite
Among these new Suites Windstar came up with a creative way to arrange two of these suites to combine. The first is the Midships Owners Suite which features a separate living area, 2 bedrooms, and the only full balconies on the ship. Guests who book this accommodation as a standalone start with 820 square feet, 2 bathrooms, and one of 2 full balconies on the ship. Making this the most sought-after suite on the ship.
The Grand Owner’s Suite
The real masterstroke came when Windstar’s engineers added the ability to combine the midship owner’s suite with an additional Suite to create a cavernous, 3-bedroom, 3 bathroom residence. The addition of the extra suite gives cruisers space to accommodate 6 guests and a total of 1375 square feet! Windstar has quietly created the only 3-bedroom and 3.5-bathroom suite in their class. Additionally, anyone who has cruised in the past knows that bathroom space is always at a premium. To have 2 bathrooms is a boon. To have 3 is a luxury that bears a second look. It’s nearly unheard of in the highest category suites on brands like Regent and Seabourn.
The Grand Owners Suite features:
- 3 bedrooms
- Dining area for 6
- 3 full restrooms
- 1 powder room
- 4 Seating areas and living room
- Balcony
- Outdoor Seating Area
- 3 showers
- 6 sinks
- 3 points of entry and exit
The Verdict
Windstar has created a truly versatile accommodation to maximize limited space while still providing their highest-end clients with the option of a massive suite. The necessity to be able to combine or separate the 3 accommodations that make up the Grand Owner’s Suite means that when booked together guests have a surplus of seating, sleeping, lounging, dining, and restroom space. Surplus space on a 312-passenger ship is not only rare it usually comes at a much higher rate.
Windstar relies heavily on repeat bookings from their past guests and can sometimes get lost amongst a crowded field of competitors. Not only is the Grand Owner’s Suite the largest suite in its class, but it may also be the best bargain of any suite considering the additional space.
To book the Grand Owner’s Suite, you must first find the availability. Planning helps, as mentioned before, Windstar has loyal repeat guests who know exactly what they like about these ships and there are only 2 potential Grand Owner’s Suites to choose on each itinerary. Make sure you enlist an Experienced Travel Advisor to help with your arrangements so you don’t miss out.
