Seattle-based Windstar Cruises has reached an agreement to acquire three luxury vessels from Yachts of Seabourn: Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit. This acquisition doubles the size of Windstar’s small-ship luxury fleet and enhances its global itinerary offerings.
Each of the three ships features 104 suites and accommodates 208 passengers, preserving the intimate yacht-style atmosphere that distinguishes Windstar’s cruises. The first vessel, Seabourn Pride, is scheduled to join the Windstar fleet in April 2014, with voyages expected to be made available for purchase in May 2013. The remaining two ships, Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit, are planned to enter service with Windstar in the spring of 2015.
With these additions, Windstar will expand its route network to include new destinations in Asia and South America while continuing service to the approximately fifty countries it already visits. The move is intended to broaden travel options for guests seeking luxury yachting experiences in a wider range of regions, without sacrificing the personalized service and onboard ambiance for which the brand is known.
The acquisition signals Windstar’s commitment to growth in the luxury cruise segment by increasing passenger capacity modestly through additional small ships rather than by moving to larger vessels. These ships retain their yacht-like scale, allowing Windstar to maintain its focus on intimate ports of call, regional exploration, and high-quality hospitality.
As the fleet expands, travelers can expect a continued emphasis on curated itineraries, refined onboard amenities, and service that caters to a discerning clientele. The expanded schedule—featuring new sailings in Asia and South America—will provide more opportunities for guests to experience culturally rich destinations with the convenience and comfort of smaller-ship cruising.
Windstar’s planned timeline for integrating the three ships gives the company time to align onboard standards and guest services with its existing product. Prospective passengers should watch for official voyage announcements and booking windows for Seabourn Pride and the later arrivals, as Windstar transitions these vessels into its signature program.