Star Breeze

Star Breeze is a small luxury cruise ship that entered service in 1989 after being constructed in Germany. The vessel originally operated under the name Seabourn Spirit and was associated with Seabourn's small-ship luxury cruise offering. Its compact scale enabled access to ports and itineraries that are generally less suitable for large cruise ships, including routes linking European and African destinations. The ship attracted international attention in November 2005 when, while sailing approximately 115 kilometres off the coast of Somalia with 115 passengers aboard, it was attacked by two pirate speedboats launched from a larger mother ship. The attackers used machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. The vessel avoided serious passenger casualties, although master-at-arms Som Bahadur Gurung was injured by shrapnel while helping repel the assault. The ship's use of a long-range acoustic device helped deter the attackers. The remains of one rocket-propelled grenade became lodged in the ship's structure and were later dealt with by sailors from USS Gonzalez. Following the incident, the ship changed course to Port Victoria in the Seychelles for repairs before continuing onward to Singapore and eventually resuming its planned service. The 2005 incident also became part of the ship's public history because two crew members were later recognized in the United Kingdom. Security officer Michael Groves received the Queen's Gallantry Medal, while Som Bahadur Gurung received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May 2007. Star Breeze left the Seabourn fleet in April 2015. On 6 May 2015, the vessel was renamed Star Breeze and entered service for Windstar Cruises. The renaming marked its transition from Seabourn's fleet into Windstar's luxury small-ship operation. In 2019, Windstar undertook a major lengthening project, cutting the vessel in two and inserting an approximately 84-foot section. The work added 50 staterooms and increased capacity by about 100 passengers. The refurbishment was initially expected to finish in February 2020 but was delayed until November 2020 after asbestos was discovered in the engine room. As Star Breeze, the vessel represents Windstar Cruises' emphasis on intimate, yacht-like cruising, smaller passenger numbers, and access to varied international ports. It is a ship-level offering rather than an independent corporate brand, and its commercial identity is closely tied to Windstar's luxury cruise portfolio.

Star Breeze was completed in Germany in 1989 as a small luxury cruise ship. It originally carried the name Seabourn Spirit and operated within Seabourn's fleet. Its relatively small size distinguished it from mass-market megaships and supported itineraries focused on destination variety, smaller ports, and a more intimate onboard experience. The vessel's service history included routes between Europe and Africa. The ship became particularly notable because of a serious maritime-security incident in 2005. On 5 November, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Seabourn Spirit was sailing around 115 kilometres from Somalia with 115 passengers when two pirate speedboats approached from a mother ship. The attackers fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. One rocket motor became embedded in a wall and was later disarmed by personnel from USS Gonzalez; another reported projectile bounced off the stern. No passenger was injured. Som Bahadur Gurung, the ship's master-at-arms, was struck by shrapnel while attempting to help defend the vessel. The crew used a long-range acoustic device to emit a powerful sound intended to repel the attackers, and the pirates eventually withdrew. After the attack, the ship altered its itinerary and went to Port Victoria in the Seychelles for repairs rather than proceeding first to Mombasa. It later sailed to Singapore and eventually returned to its planned schedule. The bravery of the crew was subsequently recognized in Britain. Security officer Michael Groves received the Queen's Gallantry Medal, while Som Bahadur Gurung received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery. The honors were presented at Buckingham Palace on 16 May 2007. The vessel's next major transition came in 2015. It left Seabourn in April and was rechristened Star Breeze on 6 May, when it entered service with Windstar Cruises. This change brought the ship into Windstar's small-ship luxury cruise fleet and gave it a new commercial identity under the Windstar brand. In 2019, the ship underwent a substantial lengthening project. Workers cut the vessel into two sections and inserted a new section approximately 84 feet long. The modification created 50 additional staterooms and increased passenger capacity by roughly 100 people. The project was initially expected to be completed in February 2020, but the discovery of asbestos in the engine room led to a delay until November 2020. The work illustrates the extent to which an older small cruise ship can be modernized and adapted for continued operation rather than replaced outright. Star Breeze remains a Windstar-operated luxury cruise ship. Its identity is primarily that of a named vessel and flagship-level hospitality offering rather than a separately incorporated brand. Its historical profile combines long service in small-ship luxury cruising, a widely reported encounter with Somali pirates, recognition of crew bravery, a transfer from Seabourn to Windstar, and a major capacity-enhancing reconstruction.

• 2020

  Lengthening project completed after delay

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  The reconstruction was delayed after asbestos was found in the engine room and was reported as completed in November.

• 2019

  Lengthening reconstruction begins

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  The vessel was cut apart and lengthened with an inserted section approximately 84 feet long, designed to add 50 staterooms and about 100 passengers of capacity.

• 2015

  Renamed Star Breeze

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  After leaving Seabourn, the ship was renamed Star Breeze and began operating for Windstar Cruises on 6 May.

• 2007

  Crew bravery honors presented

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  Michael Groves and Som Bahadur Gurung received British bravery distinctions for their conduct during the 2005 attack.

• 2005

  Pirate attack off Somalia

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  Seabourn Spirit was attacked by pirate speedboats while sailing off Somalia. The ship escaped without passenger injuries, although a crew member was wounded.

• 1989

  Ship completed in Germany

  [1]Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org

  The vessel was completed in Germany and entered service as Seabourn Spirit.

A compact luxury cruise ship positioned around intimate, yacht-like voyages, access to smaller ports, and international destination-focused itineraries.

• Luxury cruise ship · 1989

  Star Breeze

  Star Breeze is a small luxury cruise ship operated by Windstar Cruises. Built in Germany and originally named Seabourn Spirit, it offers cruise accommodation, dining, recreation, and destination-based voyages. Its 2019–2020 lengthening inserted an approximately 84-foot section, adding 50 staterooms and capacity for about 100 more passengers. The ship's smaller scale supports an intimate cruising model and access to ports that may not accommodate larger vessels.

• 2005

  Pirate attack in waters off Somalia

  Seabourn Spirit, the ship's former name, was attacked by two pirate speedboats using firearms and rocket-propelled grenades. No passengers were injured, but crew member Som Bahadur Gurung sustained shrapnel injuries. The vessel used a long-range acoustic device to help repel the attackers and diverted for repairs.

  Source

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• 2019

  Major lengthening and capacity expansionGeneration change

  Background

  Windstar sought to modernize and expand the older vessel while retaining its small-ship operating concept.

  Action taken

  The ship was cut in half and an approximately 84-foot section was inserted, creating 50 additional staterooms and capacity for about 100 more passengers.

  Aftermath

  The work extended the vessel's service potential, although completion was delayed until November 2020 after asbestos was discovered in the engine room.

  Source

• 2015

  Transfer from Seabourn to WindstarStrategy

  Background

  The vessel left Seabourn's fleet after operating for many years as Seabourn Spirit.

  Action taken

  Windstar Cruises renamed the ship Star Breeze and placed it into service on 6 May 2015.

  Aftermath

  The ship became part of Windstar's luxury small-ship cruise offering.

  Source

• 2020.03.27

  Reported2020.03.27

  Starbreeze appoints Mats Juhl as CFO[2]Starbreeze任命Mats Juhl为财务长gamesindustry.biz

  Starbreeze appointed Mats Juhl as its new chief financial officer. He was expected to start before mid-year 2020, replacing Claes Wenthzel.

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1. 1Star Breezeen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Starbreeze任命Mats Juhl为财务长gamesindustry.biz