Star Breeze Ship Review

Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze, photographed off Isla de Coiba, Panama. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Star Breeze Overview

Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze began her life in 1989 as Seabourn Spirit, the second launch vessel for the then newly formed Seabourn Cruise Line.

The sister to Seabourn Pride and, later, Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Spirit served Seabourn for well over 20 years. During that time, however, she was continually refitted. French balconies were added, as the ship’s original oceanview-only accommodations were falling out of style in the late 1990’s. Certain features were removed, while others were added.

Star Breeze still retains her sleek, distinctive lines. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Legend were sold in bulk to Windstar Cruises, which acquired the three ships in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The latter two became Star Pride and Star Legend when they entered service for Windstar. Recently refitted by Seabourn before their transfers, the ships did require Windstar to do much work to do to the public spaces and staterooms onboard – but the line chose to embark on a multi-million-dollar refitting campaign that would make each of these three vessels unmistakably Windstar.

Star Breeze stern-mounted marina platform. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

One feature that wasn’t removed were the ship’s retractable marina platforms mounted at the stern, which have been heavily copied ever since. This fits in perfectly with the Windstar mantra; each of the line’s existing three sail-motor ships includes a retractable marina.

Capable of carrying just 212 guests, Star Breeze is one of Windstar Cruises most attractive and inviting ships.

Star Breeze Suites

Windstar spent millions of dollars transforming Seabourn Spirit into its Star Breeze. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Thanks to her luxury pedigree, the vast majority of suites aboard Star Breeze come in at 277 square feet. These feel substantially larger still thanks to a great layout that includes a full seating area near the window complete with a plush couch on one side and two chairs and an end table on the other. In the center: an oversized coffee table. With three separate lighting options, this is the ultimate seaside reading nook.

Category S3 Oceanview Suite  #303 on Deck 6 measures 277 square feet. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The reverse angle: looking back towards the bathroom, closet and entry door in S3 Oceanview Suite 303, starboard side, forward. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Windstar has made significant changes to suites onboard following the transfer of Star Breeze from Seabourn. New fabrics, furniture and soft furnishings have been added. Windstar replaced the headboards, and added new direct and indirect light sources in the form of bedside lamps and reading lights. Carpets have been redone. Furniture is new. Drapes have been swapped out. In essence, you’d never know your suite is coming up on the anniversary of its third decade in service.

Bathrooms feature dual-vanity sinks….Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

…and marble baths in all of her accommodations. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

French-milled L’Occitane toiletries, which grace each suite category aboard Star Breeze. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

On the bathroom front, expect a spacious, marble-clad bathroom complete with a tub-shower combo and a dual vanity sink. Shelves are available on either side of the vanity, with additional storage behind a mirrored glass panel located on the inside of the room opposite the sink and door. Toiletries are Windstar-standard: French-milled L’Occitane products grace the bathroom in every suite category.

Star Breeze also offers two 575-square foot Owner’s Suites, and a handful of Classic Suites that range in size from 400 square feet to 530 square feet.

Star Breeze Public Rooms

Star Breeze Atrium, Deck 7. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

You’ll never have an issue finding a seat in your favorite public room aboard Star Breeze. Anchored by an attractive Atrium that rises four decks in height, almost all public rooms are situated aft of the atrium, with the lone exception being the Yacht Club all the way forward on Deck 8.

A look at the Public Rooms aboard Star Breeze:

The Compass Rose Lounge, Deck 6 Aft. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

A central Atrium links the public rooms aboard Star Breeze together. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The Yacht Club on Deck 8 forward. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Light bites are served here throughout the day, along with beverages. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Tucked away on Deck 6 aft, starboard side, is a cozy and well-stocked library featuring books and DVD’s for (free) rent. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The Windstar Spa on Deck 7 forward features treatment rooms and a rather large fitness center. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

A small but functional Gift Shop is located on Deck 6 adjacent to the Atrium. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Also on Deck 6, a small Screening Room where lectures, games and, yes, movies are held. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The Show Lounge on Deck 5. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Star Breeze Dining

Dinners are typically taken in AmphorA, the main dining venue aboard Star Breeze. Situated on Deck 3, AmphorA has been attractively refitted from the ship’s Seabourn days, and is now one of the most inviting public rooms aboard the vessel. A good number of seating options are available, from intimate tables for two to larger ones that can seat six to eight guests.

AmphorA, Deck 3. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Casual meals are taken in The Veranda on Deck 7 aft, with buffet breakfast and buffet lunch being served here daily. The Veranda also offers a selection of a la carte menu items available for order directly from your waiter. In the evening, The Veranda turns into Candles, Windstar Cruises intimate, reservations-only dining venue. The atmosphere is intimate, with most guests dining outdoors on the stern of the ship, though indoor seating is also available. Reservations are required, but Candles is a complimentary dining venue.

Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Continental breakfast, sandwiches, and other quick bites are available in the Yacht Club on Deck 8 forward, and canapes are served throughout the vessel, typically starting around 6 p.m.

Room Service is also available to all guests.

Star Breeze Internet

A Pleasant Surprise: Wi-Fi internet reception even works out on the upper pool deck, Deck 8. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

The ship’s internet works well, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the public rooms and suites. It’s not as fast as on land due to the ship’s satellite connection, but it’s snappier and more responsive than we would have expected. Prepaid internet tickets can be purchased from the Reception Desk, and are available as follows:

• $60 Ticket: 200 Megabytes
• $120 Ticket: 500 Megabytes
• $250 Ticket – Unlimited Megabytes

The latter basically allows you to have unlimited internet access throughout the vessel for the duration of the voyage.

Flag Ceremony On Star Breeze

Raising the flag, to the theme from 1492: Conquest of Paradise. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

If you’ve sailed with Windstar before, you’ll know the act of setting sail is no ordinary departure: On Windstar, it’s a true event, accompanied by the raising of the sails to the thudding Vangelis score from the film 1492: Conquest of Paradise.

There’s just one problem: Star Breeze has no sails.

Windstar thought of that, and solved the problem with a special flag raising ceremony that takes place on the forward radar mast just above the Star Bar on Deck 8. With the score to Conquest of Paradise playing over the ship’s new sound system, guests gather in the fluorescent glow of the lights and watch in awe as two crew members appeared beside the forward mast, raising the Windstar Cruises house flag up to the crest of the musical score. It’s not as impactful as watching the sails billow out on Windstar’s sailing ships, but it’s nice to see Windstar made the effort to carry on that tradition aboard its Power Yachts.

Star Breeze Itineraries

The beautiful Star Breeze at anchor in Costa Rica. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Star Breeze currently spends her winters in Costa Rica and Panama, with summers in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean. She also offers Transatlantic Crossings between Europe and North America seasonally, and the occasional Caribbean cruise as well.

Gratuities On Star Breeze

Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Windstar recommends US$12 per guest, per day, which can be added to your onboard account and settled with cash or credit card. Though Windstar is not all-inclusive, Star Breeze has beverage packages available for US$100 per stateroom.