Windstar Cruises has opened bookings for the first itineraries on Star Breeze and Star Legend after the ships go through a dramatic stretching and renovation project, called the “Star Plus Initiative.”

The post-stretch itineraries will include first-ever departures from Miami and San Diego, with the ships sailing to destinations that include Iceland, Northern Europe, the British Isles/Ireland, Greece/Turkey/Crete, Israel/Egypt/Malta, the Cote D’Azur, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico/Baja and the first ever call at San Diego in the U.S. and as well as the Caribbean. Some itineraries will also feature transits of the famous Corinth Canal.

The Star Plus Initiative will represent a $250 million investment across three of the cruise line’s Star Class yacht-style ships: Star Breeze and Star Legend, as well as the Star Pride. The three ships, which comprise 50 percent of Windstar’s fleet, will be “stretched” and renovated in succession from October 2019 through November 2020. Each ship will be cut in half and a new section will be installed in the middle, lengthening each vessel by approximately 82 feet.

In a written statement Windstar President John Delaney said that the changes would not affect the ships’ ability to visit small ports and waterways.

The capacity of the newly expanded ships will be 312 guests, up from the current capacity of 212. Fifty new suites will be added to each ship, as well as two new dining locations, a new shop and retail space, an enlarged fitness centre and a new spa. Additionally, each ship will be completely re-engined, with all seven of each ship’s engines removed and four new, more environmentally friendly engines installed in their place. Additionally, staff and crew areas and accommodations will be expanded in order to maintain the line’s 1.5:1 guest to hotel staff ratio.