<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R4OKh1t4YnI/AAAAAAAAAl0/HMq8evcqeHM/s1600-h/fac_crop.JPG.jpg"><img src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_A8KVQ3xIXHg/R4OKh1t4YnI/AAAAAAAAAl0/HMq8evcqeHM/s400/fac_crop.JPG.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Over the past year or so, <a href="http://www.windstarcruises.com/">Windstar Cruises</a> has spent several million dollars upgrading each of its ships with what it calls "Degrees of Difference" enhancements. This cruise line is one of my favorites and the enhancements to the <span>Wind Surf </span>blew me away when I sailed with Windstar last March.<br /><br />Now, it's the <span>Wind Star</span>'s turn to shine. The 148-guest, four-masted msy <span>Wind Star</span> is the last ship to receive this special treatment. Upgrades include remodeled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon, and a refurbished lounge.<br /><br />In your stateroom, you'll immediately recognize the changes to the bathroom that now includes new fixtures, glass shelving, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror. The teak floors were kept and refinished. Full length mirrors and slippers are also a new addition to the staterooms.<br /><br />In the Lounge, the bar was relocated to a central and visible location near the back of the room and refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.<br /><br />The Salon moved from deck one to deck three by the Lounge providing a more serene spa experience with space for relaxation. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, salon space doubles with a new waiting area, two separate massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests has doubled and new spa treatments have been added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program. The expanded spa menu turns the former salon into a complete spa facility.<br /><br />Other additions in guest areas include new tables and chairs in the Veranda, a new couch and ceiling in the Lobby and upgrades to public bathrooms. In the Pool Bar, a new bottle display area, new lighting, and wall and ceiling coverings update the look. Upgrades were also completed for the technical operations of the ship.<br /><br />The <span>Wind Star</span> will sail roundtrip from Costa Rica January through March 2008 with a limited amount of Panama Canal cruises in the spring and winter, returning to the Greek Isles from May to October and offering a few Mediterranean itineraries in late spring and late fall.<br /><br />The 312-guest <span>Wind Surf </span>completed Degrees of Difference upgrades in December 2006 and the 148-guest msy <span>Wind Spirit </span>completed upgrades in April 2007.