star cruise owner

Complete List: Here’s What Happened to the Star Cruises Fleet

• March 15, 2023

With the sales of the SuperStar Aquarius and the SuperStar Gemini in late 2022, the entire Star Cruises fleet has had its fate sealed.

Here’s what happened to the ships operated by the cruise line before its collapse:

SuperStar Aquarius Year Built: 1993 Capacity: 1,529 guests Location: Alang, India Fate: Scrapped

In November, the SuperStar Aquarius became the latest cruise ship formerly owned by Star Cruises to be sold to a scrapyard.

Renamed Arius, the 1993-built vessel spent several months laid up in Sri Lanka before departing on its final voyage to India – where it’s currently being dismantled .

SuperStar Gemini Year Built: 1992 Capacity: 1,472 guests Location: Alang, India Fate: Scrapped

The former SuperStar Gemini also ended up beached for scrapping in November. Like its sister ship SuperStar Aquarius, the 1992-built vessel spent several months docked in Sri Lanka before heading to India.

Renamed Gem, the former Norwegian Dream is now being recycled at the Alang Shipbreaking Yard , with its building materials and fixtures being sold off or repurposed.

Star Pisces Year Built: 1991 Capacity: 1,384 guests Location: Alang, India Fate: Scrapped

In mid-2022, the Star Pisces became the second cruise ship of the former Star Cruises fleet to be sold to a scrapyard.

One of the company’s original vessels, the cruise ferry ended its 31-year sailing career after being beached at India’s Alang Ship Breaking Yard in July .

The Taipan Year Built: 1989 Capacity: 64 guests Location: Singapore Fate: Sold for further service

In May 2022, the Taipan became the only cruise ship in the former Star Cruises fleet to find a new operator.

Previously being used for charters and incentive cruises in Southeast Asia, the 32-cabin mega yacht was acquired by OM Ships , a German religious organization who plans to transform it into a missionary ship and floating bookshop.

SuperStar Libra Year Built: 1988 Capacity: 1,494 guests Location: Aliaga, Turkey Fate: Scrapped

The SuperStar Libra was also sold for scrapping in 2022. After ending its public operations in 2018, the former Star Cruises vessel arrived at the Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard in May .

Before ending its sailing career, the 1988-built cruise ship spent its last years serving as a floating hotel at the MV Werften – a Genting-owned shipyard in Wismar, Germany.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

62 Ships | 142,732 Berths | $46.7 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Pre-Order Offer
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

The Straits Times

• International
• Print Edition
• news with benefits
• SPH Rewards
• STClassifieds
• Berita Harian
• Hardwarezone
• Shin Min Daily News
• Tamil Murasu
• The Business Times
• The New Paper
• Lianhe Zaobao
• Advertise with us

Star Cruises owner Genting Hong Kong may file for liquidation as funding dries up

SINGAPORE (BLOOMBERG) - Genting Hong Kong may file for provisional liquidation as soon as Tuesday (Jan 18) after it was not able to secure funds to help it stay afloat following an insolvency at its German shipbuilding subsidiary.

The troubled cruise operator plans to file for provisional liquidation with courts in Bermuda unless it receives "credible proposals for a solvent, consensual and inter-conditional restruction solution", Genting Hong Kong said in a filing to the Asian financial hub's exchange. Trading of the company's shares has also been suspended.

Genting Hong Kong owns the Star Cruises and luxury Dream Cruises lines which ply the Asia-Pacific, and the luxury Crystal Cruises line headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Its indirect wholly owned shipbuilding subsidiary, MV Werften, filed for insolvency to a local court in Germany last week. That came after salvage talks fizzled amid a dispute between the German authorities and Genting, as both parties blamed the other for MV Werften's collapse and the potential loss of 1,900 jobs.

The Hong Kong cruise firm warned investors that cross defaults amounting to US$2.78 billion (S$3.75 billion) may follow.

The financial health of Genting Hong Kong deteriorated after Covid-19 wiped out travel demand and cruise operations were halted globally. That led the industry to carry out a string of restructuring and insolvencies.

The company, which has offered "seacations" amid a cruise-to-nowhere trend, reported a record loss of US$1.7 billion last May. The latest developments come just as Hong Kong reimposes some of its strictest virus curbs since the pandemic began.

Genting Hong Kong said on Tuesday that a German court had rejected an application that would have provided MV Werften with access to a US$88 million lifeline.

"The company considers that it has exhausted all reasonable efforts to negotiate with the relevant counterparties under its financing arrangements," Genting Hong Kong said in the statement.

"The appointment of provisional liquidators is essential and in the interests of the company, its shareholders and its creditors in order to maximise the chance of success of the financial restructuring and to provide a moratorium on claims and to seek to avoid a disorderly liquidation of the company by any of its creditors," it added.

Separately, Genting Hong Kong said that Mr Alan Smith, Mr Lam Wai Hon Ambrose and Mr Justin Tan have resigned as independent non-executive directors and as such have ceased to be members of the company's audit, remuneration and nomination committees.

Genting Hong Kong is part of Malaysian tycoon Lim Kok Thay’s sprawling casino-to-hospitality Genting empire. Mr Lim and his family own 75.5 per cent of Genting Hong Kong and 43 per cent of Malaysian-listed Genting Bhd

Genting Bhd holds about 52.7 per cent of mainboard-listed Genting Singapore, which owns Resorts World Sentosa. 

Genting Bhd has said that Genting Hong Kong’s borrowings have no cross-default provisions, guarantees or structures that may affect the group.

• With additional information from The Straits Times

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

• Bankruptcy/Liquidation

Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

Spin the wheel now

TTG Travel Hall of Fame

Star Cruises

Discover The Story - Star Cruises Inducted in 2008 Consecutive Award Won: Best Cruise Operator

Star Cruises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, a leading global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation. A pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry, Star Cruises has been operating its fleet since 1993, taking on the bold initiative to grow the region as an international cruise destination with a fleet of six vessels including SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Libra, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Aquarius, Star Pisces and The Taipan. To further evolve the brand, Star Cruises also announced an order for two innovative, 5,000 lower berth ‘Global Class’ vessels to be delivered in 2020 and 2021.

Star Cruises' commitment in offering best-in-class services and facilities is reflected in a host of recognitions and accolades received over the years. These include being inducted into the prestigious Travel Trade Gazette's "Travel Hall of Fame" for a ninth year in 2016 in recognition of winning "Best Cruise Operator in the Asia-Pacific" for 10 consecutive years. Star Cruises was also recently voted "Asia's Leading Cruise Line" at the World Travel Awards for a sixth year in a row in 2017.

Photo Gallery

The Next Chapter

Genting Cruise Lines is a division of Genting Hong Kong comprising of three distinct cruise brands – Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and Crystal Cruises – providing a range of products from contemporary cruises to ultra-luxurious vacation experiences spanning the sea to air.

Established in 1993, Star Cruises is the pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry currently with a fleet of six ships catering to the contemporary market segment. As “The Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia”, Star Cruises will further expand its footprint in the region with the delivery of two new “Global Class” ships, each measuring 201,000 gross tons, in 2020 and 2021.

“Asia’s Luxury Cruise Line”, Dream Cruises delivers the highest level of guest service and spacious comfort in the region via newly launched Genting Dream (November 2016) and the upcoming World Dream (late 2017). Developed for the high-end consumers in China and Asia, Dream Cruises will provide passengers with more choice, comfort and value to create a perfect dream voyage.

Crystal Cruises is “The World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line”, having earned more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Recently, Crystal has embarked on a significant brand expansion introducing two new classes of cruising – Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises – and reaching new heights with Crystal Luxury Air and Crystal AirCruises.

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Cruise Ships

Norwegian Star

• Destinations
• What’s On Board?
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES
• Email Sign Up For Special Offers
• Phone Let Us Call You

Recently refurbished as part of The Norwegian Edge programme, Norwegian Star brings freedom and flexibility to cruises spanning the Mediterranean , Northern Europe , South America , and Transatlantic . Onboard, Norwegian Star features a large delicious dining options, bars and lounges, a sprawling spa, an always-exciting casino with VIP area, plus tonnes of fun for kids of every age. Europe , sipping Piña Coladas in The Caribbean , or cruising across the Atlantic, this ship offers it all. -->

• Ship 91,740 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,298 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Length 294 m Overall Length
• Width 38 m Max Beam
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2001
• Crew 1,031 Ship Crew

Norwegian Star CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Norwegian Star Reintroduced

If you think you know Norwegian Star, think again. Recently refurbished as part of The Norwegian Edge programme, the ship underwent extensive enhancements to its staterooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars and lounges.

NEW! Spice H20

New to Norwegian Star, Spice H20 is an adult-only escape. By day, you can sip cold cocktails from your reclined lounge chair. By night, it's a whole different beat. Let loose and dance beneath the stars.

World-Class Spa

Revive, refresh and recharge in the recently refurbished Mandara Spa®. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture, and more. Our full menu of services will leave you feeling like a million!

Norwegian Star Cruise Image Gallery

• Moderno Churrascaria
• Mandara Spa
• Stunning views in our Deluxe Owner's Suite
• Garden Villa Courtyard
• Wine Cellar
• Star Casino

Discover Her Unique CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Extraordinary Journeys

Set sail from one destination and end in another. It's the ultimate way to experience it all.

Mediterranean Cruises

Travel through Italy whilst indulging in traditional flavours and admiring iconic landmarks. Discover Barcelona's unique Catalan identity whilst taking in its stunning architecture and delectable dining.

Northern Europe Cruises

Experience incredible history, famous landmarks and unique culture in grand style.

South America Cruises

If you've ever wondered what's at the end of the rainbow, discover exotic South America.

Transatlantic Cruises

Leisure days at sea, exciting moonlit nights, and nothing to distract from the journey ahead.

The ultimate cruise experience. Ideal for two…or the whole family. Enjoy the finest touches throughout. Indulge in all-day luxury. Watch moonlight dance on waves from your private balcony.

Wake up to brilliant views from sliding glass doors, plus enjoy the extra room in your sitting area. Club Balcony Suites also feature a luxurious bath and shower, room for up to four and more.

Experience it all. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your own private balcony. Or unwind inside in well-appointed and stylish accommodations.

Stylish and comfortable oceanview staterooms feature excellent appointments. All accented by stylish touches and a large picture window with clear views of the sea.

Cruise where comfort meets value. You'll find everything you'll need at sea. Thoughtful and stylish appointments include a TV, sitting area and more.

Experience WHAT’S ON BOARD

• Speciality Dining
• Bars & Lounges
• Entertainment
• Onboard Shopping

Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include two main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.

Enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of our many speciality restaurants. Sip your favourite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Angus beef at Cagney's Steakhouse. Enjoy delicious pasta made with the freshest ingredients inside our rustic and chic Italian eatery, La Cucina. Or savour French cuisine at Le Bistro. No matter what you choose, our speciality dining options feature the tastes you'll crave.

With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Pop some bubbly and toast to the good life inside Gatsby's Champagne Bar. Or work on perfecting your tan as you relax poolside at Topsiders Bar. Whether you're looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there's always an opportunity to mix it up.

When it comes to the entertainment on Norwegian Star, there's never a dull moment. Travel back in time to the 70s club 'Band on the Run' and enjoy the soaring melodies of Styx, Donna Summer, and Queen. This club caters to the elite and your name is at the top of the guest list. Why not experience the mysterious but urban club Paridis production show? A visual feast that will delight and entice all of your senses. Or simply grab a drink and join your Entertainment staff in the Bliss Lounge for our fun packed gameshows and parties, every evening. It's showtime. All the time

From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Star ships have enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Indulge in a refreshing swim, cocktail or ice cream treat at The Oasis Pool. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea®. And when all is said and done, enjoy a pamper session at Mandara Spa. With so much to do, we'll always have you coming back for more.

When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.

Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you'll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty-free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewellery, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

Dining On Board

From casual buffets to exquisite speciality restaurants, learn everything there is to know about dining on board.

Cruise Norwegian App

Download the Cruise Norwegian app. Think of it as your travel companion, helping you experience an unforgettable cruise holiday every step of the way.

If You Like Norwegian Star, You May Also Be Interested In:

• CruiseMapper
• Windstar Cruises

Former name: Seabourn Pride

Cruise line Windstar Cruises

• Reykjavik (Iceland)
• San Juan (Puerto Rico)
• Bridgetown (Barbados)
• Oranjestad Aruba (Netherlands Antilles)
• Panama City (Fuerte Amador, Balboa)

Star Pride current position

Star Pride current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 57.88828 N / -5.15234 W) cruising en route to Ullapool. The AIS position was reported 24 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Star Pride

Star Pride current cruise is 21 days, one-way from Bordeaux to Leith-Edinburgh . Prices start from USD 5799 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 20 May, 2024 and ends on 10 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Star Pride

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Star Pride Itineraries

Star pride review, review of star pride.

The 1988-built (as "Seabourn Pride") cruise ship Star Pride is the first of all three identical Windstar yachts - together with the fleet mates Star Breeze (Seabourn Spirit) and Star Legend (Seabourn Legend) .

The vessel (IMO number 8707343) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311084000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

Windstar Cruises is a luxury travel brand operating a fleet of smaller-sized ships (mega-yachts) with capacity up to 340 passengers. The company call at 150 ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America, South Pacific, Asia, Europe. Currently, Windstar is a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts (USA's largest national and state park concession management company).

The 340-passenger ship Star Pride was purchased by Windstar in 2013. The boat was then leased back to Seabourn Cruises (her operator since 1988) for a year, until the transfer was completed in May 2014. Star Pride set sail as the first Windstar new power yacht, out of three.

Decks and Cabins

Star Pride staterooms (156 total, in 13 grades) are all outside and in suite categories - the lowest being Porthole Suite (10 cabins). All cabins are with modern amenities including fully-stocked minibars, Wi-Fi Internet, smart HDTVs (infotainment system), spacious wardrobe with electronic safe box, phone (direct dial), large bathroom (double-sink vanity, bathtub, shower, WC-toilet, L'Occitane bath products), premium bedding sets (top-quality pillows and linens), fresh fruits and flowers.

The largest accommodations are the 3-Bedroom Grand Owners Suites (1375 ft2 / 128 m2 with included outdoor terrace).

The boat has 8 decks , of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Star Pride guests may choose from various inclusive dining options - AmphorA Restaurant, Yacht Club, Sky Bar & Grill. Windstar travelers usually like to dress up. There are 2 formal nights on weeklong cruises and 3 on fourteen-day voyages. On these nights, a lot of the men wear tuxedos. Women wear luxury cocktail dresses or ball gowns. Other nights are casually stylish (jacket for men, but tie optional; nice outfit for women), or casual (no jacket for men; sundress or slacks for women). For those who do not like formal nights, the Veranda Cafe offers a casually stylish alternative.

Follows the complete list of Star Pride restaurants and food bars.

• AmphorA Restaurant (ship's dining room, open-seating; offers 5-course gourmet dinner menu which is changed daily; along with onboard-made bread, in all ports of call the executive chef goes to the local markets to shop for fresh ingredients)
• Candles Cafe & Veranda (a smaller "dining room" which offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, as well as a la carte menu through the wait staff; its indoor area is called "Candles Cafe" and features floor-ceiling panoramic windows; the outdoor seating area is called "Veranda" - in the evenings, it transforms into "Candles Grill" al-fresco steakhouse)
• Star Bar (serves the top deck open-air-area).
• Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (deck 6 aft-portside-located specialty restaurant with an Iberian food menu)
• Star Grill by Steven Raichlen (deck 8 midship-located alfresco dining venue serving complimentary BBQ food)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

While Star Pride offers the signature Windstar experiences (as the famous deck barbecue), she also promotes the company's product development initiative - intimate access to call ports, themed sailings and active interaction with villagers. Activities onboard are very limited and range from food market purchases to performances by local musicians. Public areas include the casino, library, computer center, WindSpa, fitness center, pool and three whirlpool tubs. The marina offers complimentary watersport equipment.

Follows the complete list of Star Pride lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• The Marina (retractable watersports platform for water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking; the ship provides water rafts, wakeboards, paddleboards and a water trampoline island; the steel cage forms a swimming pool in the sea)
• A Whirlpool (with sunbathing area and lounge chairs)
• Card Room (bridge and board games); Library; Screening Room
• Computer Center (discount Internet packages and rates per minute)
• Lounge (ship's theatre/main show lounge for live evening entertainment)
• The Boutique Shop (now Signature Shop) sells duty-free luxury fashion clothing and accessories
• The Casino (gaming lounge aft on deck 6, with blackjack/roulette gambling tables, slot machines) was replaced with the Cuadro 44 restaurant.
• Compass Rose (ship's main bar lounge with grand piano)
• The Wellness Centre (WindSpa, Beauty Salon, Gym). WindSpa (operated by Steiner) has treatment rooms (for massages), Saunas, Steam Rooms.
• The Fitness Center (with floor-ceiling windows; has free weights, treadmills, elliptical machines; offers complimentary exercise classes); Courtyard
• Pool Area (with one rectangular swimming pool, two whirlpools on platforms and a 3rd whirlpool at the ship's bow, sunbathing and shaded areas)
• The Yacht Club (Constellation Lounge with floor-ceiling windows for 270-degree views)
• The Sun Deck (with padded luxury sun loungers and deckchairs).

Itineraries

Star Pride itinerary program is based on Asian cruises with departures from Singapore and Hong Kong . The Windstar Pride ship also sails in the Eastern Mediterranean from Venice , Piraeus-Athens and Istanbul , with Suez Canal transit on repositioning.

Star Pride - user reviews and comments

Photos of star pride.

Star Pride ship related cruise news

Windstar Cruises unveils a multi-million refurbishment project for the 3 sailing ships (2023-2026)

Windstar Cruises has announced a comprehensive multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to enhance its classic sailing yachts, including the Wind...

Windstar unveils first-time cruises in South America beginning December 2025

The ultra-premium travel brand Windstar Cruises introduces inaugural cruises in South America, set to commence in December 2025 with the all-suite...

Windstar releases cruise schedule through summer 2025

The Xanterra Parks & Resorts-owned ultra-premium cruise line Windstar announced its deployment through the summer of 2025, with key...

Windstar launches high-speed Starlink Internet across its global cruise fleet

Windstar Cruises announced the launch of Starlink Maritime's high-speed broadband satellite internet capabilities fleetwide. The company will...

Windstar adds 2 hotel-themed suites on cruise ship Star Legend

The ultra-luxury travel brand Windstar is bringing the look/feel of a couple of famed resorts to one of its newly refurbished vessels. The 312...

Windstar announces new Caribbean & Central America voyages (2023)

The ultra-premium travel brand Windstar announced a new itinerary beginning in winter 2023. The 7-day "Beach Fun & Sun: A Remote Caribbean...

Windstar's Star Pride ship debuts in Europe after major refit and refurbishment

The USA-based (Xanterra-owned) ultra-luxury travel company Windstar announced the debut of Star Pride cruise ship on Thursday, June 9. Leaving out of...

Windstar is the biggest small ship cruise line in French Polynesia with 2 of its 6 superyachts

The Xanterra-owned, ultra-premium travel brand Windstar Cruises now has 2 of its 6 superyachts deployed in French Polynesia, making it the region's...

Windstar Cruises' superyacht Star Pride emerges from a drydock refit project

The Xanterra-owned premium travel brand Windstar Cruises took delivery of its superyacht Star Pride on Wednesday, October 13, at Fincantieri’s...

Windstar Cruises’ all-suite yacht Star Legend debuts in Lisbon, Portugal

The U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar announces the debut of its all-suite Star Plus Class yacht Star Legend, sailing from Lisbon...

•   show more news

Other Windstar Cruises cruise ships

• Star Breeze
• Star Legend
• Wind Spirit

Star Pride Wiki

Star Pride was acquired from  Seabourn Cruises  and renamed from "Seabourn Pride". In 2013, Windstar announced that Seabourn Pride will be renamed "Star Pride" in May 2014. The ship left Seabourn on March 30, 2014, and entered Windstar's fleet on May 5. Seabourn Pride, just like the sisterships, was fitted with LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) - a non-lethal method created to fend off attackers.

In 2006, an article at the Forbes website declared Seabourn Pride's "New Year Cruise" the world's most expensive one in its cruising category.

The ship's June 2016 drydock refurbishment cost USD 4.5 million and included a full renovation of 2x Owner Suites (cabin amenities, fore-located private sundecks), redesigned AmphorA restaurant, renovated public spaces (Screening Room, Reception, lobby area, corridors and hallways). Ship's two Owner Suites were fully renovated, including their fore-located private sundecks.

WINDSTAR cruise ship reconstructions 2019-2020-2021 drydock refurbishments review

On November 15, 2018, Windstar Cruises announced the company's "Star Plus Initiative" - drydock refit and refurbishment program budgeted USD 250 million. The project was partially financed through Export Credit facility guaranteed by SACE Italy (financial and insurance products and services). The "Star Plus" drydocking project includes enlarging (stretching) and engine upgrades for the fleet's three Star-Class vessels (in brackets - completion dates) - Star Breeze (February 20, 2020), Star Legend (July 2, 2020) and Star Pride (November 20, 2020).

Windstar's "Star Plus" project increased the fleet's capacity by 24%. The project (completed in 2021 October) resulted in bigger capacity (254 to 320 passengers, 140 to 190 crew), increased GT tonnage/volume (9975 to 12995 tons), increased length (134 to 159 m), more staterooms (106 to 156), adding new venues and public spaces, machinery upgrades (new Wartsila marine diesel engines). The project was scheduled for the period October 2019 through November 2020 (later extended thru 2021) and conducted at Fincantieri's shipyards in Palermo (Sicily Island, Italy) and Trieste (Italy) .

The stretched Star Pride was delivered to Windstar on October 13, 2021, at Fincantieri’s Palermo yard.

The drydock lengthening included cutting each vessel in two and installing a new (prefabricated) midship section with length 25 m (83 ft). The vessel's LOA length was increased from 134 m (439 ft) to 159 m (522). The midship section has an additional elevator. These sections were built (pre-fabricated and assembled) in Trieste, then barged to Palermo to be inserted into the vessels.

Following the drydocks, each ship now has 2 new dining venues (Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, Star Grill by Steven Raichlen), new / expanded retail shopping space (Signature Shop), enlarged Gym (Fitness Center with Motion Studio for classes), expanded wellness complex (WindSpa by Steiner), new bar lounge (deck 5), larger sundeck and swimming pool (deck 7), new tender loading area (deck 3 midship), two new tender boats (90-seat each), new whirlpool and enlarged swimming pool (on deck 8), expanded and upgraded staff-crew areas and crew cabins. The two new dining venues are a specialty restaurant (Cuadro 44, aft-portside on deck 6, the former Casino area) and a casual outdoor BBQ restaurant (Star Grill, adjacent to Star Bar on deck 8).

The powerplants were upgraded from 4x Bergen diesel engines (model B33:45, combined power output 7,3 MW) to 4x Wartsila engines (model Wartsila 46F, combined output 5 MW) running on the cleaner ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel) fuel.

Each boat received 50 new cabins (to a total of 156), which (based on the total investment) means shipbuilding cost per berth USD 267,000. Among the new cabins are two Midship Owner Suites and two enlarged Forward Grand Owner Suites - all located on Deck 6. All existing staterooms were completely refurbished, including bathrooms, balconies, sliding doors, furniture, equipment. The new public spaces and staterooms were designed by the NYC -based "The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry".

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Tom Cruise still sends A-list co-star lavish birthday gifts every year since they were 11

Share this with

Dakota Fanning has revealed that Tom Cruise still sends her birthday gifts 20 years after they worked together, proving that he is the most generous star in Hollywood.

The 30-year-old first shared the screen with her A-list co-star in War of the Worlds in 2005, when she was just 10 – and clearly made an impression on him .

During an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show, she revealed that he still keeps in touch with lavish gifts every year without fail .

‘I turned 11 on War of the Worlds when we worked together, and he gave me my first cell phone for that birthday,’ the Watchers star told the host.

‘It was a Motorola Razr. I didn’t have anyone to call but I just wanted a Razr so bad. I must have been talking about it a lot because that’s what he got me. It was such great memory.

‘He always sends me the same thing every year, after the cellphone.

‘I loved shoes when I was little. I started to be able to fit into really small adult shoes when I was on the War of the Worlds press tour so I was very excited about them.

‘And so, from that birthday on, he always sends me shoes.’

How do we get on Tom’s birthday card list?

It’s well known that the Top Gun actor sends his famous friends a coconut cake from Doan’s Bakery in California for Christmas every single year.

Kirsten Dunst, Glen Powell, Tom Hanks and Cary Elwes are among those lucky enough to tuck into the annual sweet treat.

Spilling the beans on her pal’s generosity , Mission: Impossible favorite Hayley Atwell previously told People Magazine: ‘I’m on my fourth Christmas cake.

‘I’ve had a few birthdays as well because we’ve been working together nearly, what, over three and a half years now.’

For one birthday, Tom gifted her an ‘amphora’, which she said was a ‘beautiful clay pot’ that doubles as a ‘natural filtering system’.

‘I’m like, “It’s a water jug. Nice,”’ she added. ‘And then you taste it and you compare it to normal filtered water or tap water, and it’s really light and kind of creamy. It’s just a different level of clarity. It’s beautiful.’

Simon, who stars opposite both in the Mission: Impossible franchise, also revealed that he organized a shark-diving expedition during a break from filming.

‘We were filming somewhere near some coastal waters where there were sharks and we had the afternoon off and we all jumped,’ he recalled.

‘It’s such a Tom Cruise thing. We’ve been filming in a helicopter and he flew us in the helicopter to this place where you could go into a cage and feed sharks.

‘It was one of those days that we got to the end of the day and we were like, “That was a real Tom Cruise kind of day.”’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Fans in disbelief as Reese Witherspoon’s real name revealed to be a common 80s one

MORE : Whoopi Goldberg shares X-rated Sister Act 2 confession after emotional reunion 30 years later

MORE : Jared Leto totally clueless who X Factor icons are after they crash his show

Get us in your feed

Follow Puck Worlds online:

• Follow Puck Worlds on Twitter

Site search

Filed under:

• Kontinental Hockey League

Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Share this story.

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

Loading comments...

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 6
• Very Good 11
• All languages ( 25 )
• Russian ( 25 )
• English ( 0 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

ELEKTROSTAL HOTEL