During our recent Dreams of Tahiti cruise on Star Breeze, we stayed in a SBS1 suite on deck 6. How did this cabin measure up to the contemporary cruise lines? Well, we share all the details in our Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite Review.
Since we were guests of the cruise line on this sailing, our Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite, 631, was assigned to us. Reviewing the deck plans, this starboard side balcony cabin is located midship on deck 6, in the newly added block of the ship.
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Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite Review
While we have sailed with Windstar Cruises once before, it was on a Wind Class ship. Also, Star Breeze recently underwent a complete transformation as part of the $250 million Star Plus Initiative. This process included inserting a new 84 foot section to the ship.
This update added several behind the scenes upgrades as well as two new restaurants, a new pool, a re-imagined spa and fitness center, and 50 new suites.
So, as you can imagine, we were anxious to see this new Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite, our home away from home for the week.
Since Star Breeze only has six passenger decks (decks 3-8), our room was in close proximity to most public venues. With the main dining room on deck 3, the Compass Rose lounge on deck 6, and the outdoor areas including the pool on decks 7&8, we were never too far from the action.
While we didn’t need it much, our suite was also located very close to an elevator.
According to the cruise line’s website a Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite is 277 square feet in size. It also includes a French balcony. This is larger than most standard cabins on contemporary cruise lines and on par with our suite from a previous Viking cruise.
Further, all Windstar Cruises accommodations feature a queen-sized bed with luxury linens, an interactive TV, and premium L’Occitane bath amenities.
WATCH OUR STAR BALCONY CABIN TOUR AND REVIEW!
Layout of the Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite
At first glance, we were pleasantly surprised by this cabin. The suite offered an inviting seating area as you entered the room with the bed situated in the distance near the balcony.
Immediately upon entering this Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite, we were greeted by a large sitting area. This area contained two chairs with a small table in between as well as a loveseat and coffee table. The generously sized walk-in closet and bathroom were off to the right as well as the mini-bar.
Continuing through the sitting area, the bed area is separated by a curtain. Our queen-sized bed was on the aft wall (facing forward). On each side of the bed, there was a nightstand with 3 drawers, 2 outlets, and 2 USB outlets.
Across from the bed, there was the TV, three more large drawers for storage, and the vanity/desk area.
Finally, there was our balcony. While not the traditional mega-ship balcony with chairs and a table, this French balcony still allowed for fresh air and beautiful scenery.
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Inside Our Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite
Bathroom
The bathroom in our Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite was modern and elegant. While still a cruise ship bathroom, it was larger than typical.
The vanity area included double sinks with storage shelves below. There were also three small shelves off to one side for additional toiletries. The one item that is usually missing in cruise cabin bathrooms, and was also missing in this Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite, was liquid hand soap. Thankfully, we always bring our own now.
The shower, again, was larger in size than we have come to expect on a cruise ship. The elegant design continued with a glass door, neutral colored tiles, and stainless steel finishes.
There were large bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash mounted to the wall; however, there was no shave bar. Most women appreciate cruise showers that have this bar.
Main Cabin Area
The walk-in closet offered more than enough storage for a week-long cruise. It consisted of 6 small shelves, a clothes bar with hangers, 3 drawers, and the safe. This is certainly an upgrade to your typical cruise ship closet.
In addition, Windstar Cruises provides bathrobes and slippers for all guests in their staterooms.
In terms of the mini-bar, there were complimentary pitchers of water that were refilled daily by the stateroom attendant. Further, the mini-fridge is included in the Captain’s Exclusive drink package. This is a nice perk that is not typically the case on contemporary cruise lines.
There is also a cabinet above the mini-bar for glassware and some additional storage.
The sitting area was quite large, offering ample seating for 4 adults. There was also plenty of room to walk between the chairs on one side and the loveseat with coffee table on the other side.
The bed offered plenty of comfort during our trip. We had no issues falling asleep at night. The upgraded bedding and linens meant we were able to unwind each evening in comfort.
The desk and dresser area had plenty of counter space as well as a mirror. Admittedly, the desk did mostly serve as my vanity area for getting ready.
There were also 2 European outlets, 2 standard outlets, and 2 USB outlets. We are always thankful when a cruise cabin offers adequate outlets for charging all our devices!
Balcony
Unfortunately, the balconies on Star Breeze are not your typical cruise cabin balcony. Rather, it is a French balcony. It does still provide access to fresh air and beautiful scenery. Further, there is enough room for one person to step out to take photos and such.
However, you will not find chairs or a table on this balcony. There is no space to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or breakfast on the balcony. Though, with a room as luxurious as this Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite, there is plenty of interior space to enjoy.
Recap of Our Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite Review
Our suite on deck 6 was the ideal accommodations for our 7-day Tahiti cruise on the line’s newly transformed Star Breeze.
The bed was comfortable, and the suite itself was spacious. We particularly liked the upgraded bathroom, the walk-in closet, and the large seating area. There was also plenty of storage, and we appreciated the number of power outlets.
The cabin certainly had a more modern and upscale feel with a neutral color palette, subtle blue accents, and beachy wood tones.
Overall, we would highly recommend this Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite regardless of the cruise itinerary.
Comments
Have you sailed in a Windstar Cruises Star Balcony Suite? What is your preferred stateroom category when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your review of the cabins on Windstar Cruises Star Plus Class ships.
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