A 2016 renovation has brought Star Pride in line with sisters Star Breeze and Star Legend, which benefited from larger refurbishments before joining the fleet. Public spaces and dining venues were remodeled to a nautical theme, using lots of blues and earth tones. New carpets and tile flooring were added to stairwells and all indoor public spaces, and the Owner's Suites were completely renovated, featuring enhancements to an expansive private deck, which commands a sweeping ocean view over the yacht's bow.

Other ship highlights include larger suites with expansive bathrooms and large walk-in closets, great ocean views throughout, an impressive spa and salon menu and an expanded top deck (Deck 8), which allows for more room and loungers. The watersports platform -- with everything from standup paddleboards to diving and snorkeling equipment -- reflects the ship's more active ambiance.

Passengers seek out the line for its sportiness, as well as its relaxed, yet sophisticated sense of luxury. Star Pride cruisers are sophisticated, yet refreshingly unfussy. They skew much younger (40s to 60s) and are much more active than we have seen on other similar-sized ships. We encountered a mix of people who had traveled with other lines, were on their second or third Windstar cruise or were first-time cruisers (as was the case with one travel-savvy, 30-something couple on our cruise).

Windstar is known for cruising into lesser-known and smaller ports, as well as the iconic destinations. They are also known for pulling into ports very early in the morning and staying as late in the day as possible. You will get a full day and in some cases, a full night in port, making Star Pride a great choice for active explorers. In addition, the line offers a complimentary private event in port on nearly every cruise, which could be a beach party, a tour and lunch at a winery, or an evening soiree with food and drink in a Roman villa.

Another hallmark of the brand is the staff, which shines from the time you arrive. Crew members seem to know every passenger by name and what they typically drink, upon arrival. In line with the laid-back, no-fuss, fun factor, the staff throws down not once, but twice, in a pretty sassy talent show in the Lounge and with a line dance extravaganza at the deck party. We were left wondering who was having more fun, the passengers or the crew?

If you are one for drama or nostalgia, the "1492" theme song is played daily during the Star Pride Signature Sail-Away. It is well worth the daily race up to the Star Bar on the Star Deck to hear the song, watch flags raise and locals wave, all the while enjoying a drink in hand and stunning views all around. It never got old.