Windstar Cruises unveils luxury ship upgrades
Luxury operator Windstar Cruises has revealed the first stage of the $7.5 million (£6 million) refurbishment of its flagship cruise vessel Wind Surf.
The common areas and suites of the 342-passenger Wind Surf have been upgraded in time for its Caribbean sailing season.
Changes include a larger retail area and lobby space.
The Compass Rose bar and lounge has been given more modern decor, with soft blue and orange furnishings as well as a new stage area for live music and performances.
The Amphora dining room has been redesigned with inspiration from the water such as pearls, smooth stones and sea glass. New seating arrangements include curved booths to seat two to eight people and larger dining chairs.
Tropical scenes and greenery have been added to the pool deck and bar, with arty tiling featuring waves added to the two onboard whirlpools.
The ship's suites have also been remodelled with similar designs found on the brand's Star-class ships - Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend.
The new Broadmoor Suite is inspired by five-star resort The Broadmoor in Colorado.
It features classic furniture, floral motifs, wide crown moulding and white trim with gold finishes.
The wallpaper is a replica of the design used at The Broadmoor main building designed by Julie Penrose, wife of resort founder, Spencer Penrose.
The ship's new Sea Island Suite - inspired by Sea Island in Georgia - aims to draw on the coastal and airy touches from the property's Addison Mizner design, including a sea-glass green colour palette, curved arches, light walls and sophisticated wood furnishings.
Stijn Creupelandt, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises, said: ' Wind Surf has always been a guest favourite, and this refurbishment honours its legacy while elevating the onboard experience to new heights.
'From refreshed design elements to modern technology upgrades, this transformation sets the stage for an unforgettable journey on our flagship sailing yacht.'
Phase two of the upgrade will take place in April 2026. New furniture, soft goods and décor will be added to cabins and there will be updates to Stella Bistro, Veranda and the fitness studio.
Windstar's three Wind Class sailing ships - Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit - are currently undergoing redesigns.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
29-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Install Claude Code in Windsurf and Cursor for Seamless Coding AI Assistance
What if you could supercharge your coding environment with a tool that seamlessly integrates into your favorite platforms? Enter Claude Code—a powerful plugin designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting with Windsurf and Cursor, installing and configuring Claude Code can feel like unlocking a new level of efficiency. But here's the catch: without proper setup, you risk running into compatibility issues, installation errors, or underutilized features. The good news? With the right guidance, you can avoid these pitfalls and make the most of what Claude Code has to offer. In this comprehensive guide, Robin Ebers explains how to install Claude Code in both Windsurf and Cursor, making sure a smooth integration from start to finish. From verifying system compatibility to configuring advanced features, this report walks you through every step of the process. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot common issues and optimize performance, so Claude Code doesn't just work—it works brilliantly. Whether you're looking to enhance your development environment or explore new customization options, this guide provides the tools and insights to get you there. After all, a well-configured setup isn't just about functionality—it's about unlocking the full potential of your workflow. Claude Code Integration Guide System Compatibility: A Critical First Step Before proceeding with the installation, it is essential to confirm that your versions of Windsurf and Cursor meet Claude Code's minimum system requirements. Making sure compatibility is crucial to avoid conflicts and ensure seamless integration. Check the official documentation for specific version requirements and prerequisites. Skipping this step can lead to installation errors, reduced functionality, or performance issues later. To verify compatibility: Review the system requirements provided in the Claude Code documentation. Ensure your operating system and software versions align with the stated prerequisites. Update Windsurf and Cursor to their latest versions if necessary. Taking the time to confirm compatibility upfront will save you from unnecessary troubleshooting later in the process. Step-by-Step Installation Guide Installing Claude Code requires distinct processes for Windsurf and Cursor. Follow these detailed instructions in the video below to complete the installation successfully. Watch this video on YouTube. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Claude Code integration that you might find useful. Configuring Claude Code for Optimal Use Once Claude Code is installed, proper configuration is essential to tailor its features to your specific workflow. Both Windsurf and Cursor offer robust customization options to enhance functionality. Follow these steps to configure Claude Code effectively: Access the settings menu within Windsurf or Cursor, depending on the platform you are using. Enter API keys and authentication credentials as required. These are often provided by the Claude Code service or your organization. Adjust integration parameters to suit your needs. This may include allowing advanced features, customizing user preferences, or setting up automation workflows. Take the time to explore the available configuration options. Proper setup ensures that Claude Code aligns with your development environment and maximizes its utility. Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Issues Even with careful preparation, issues can arise during installation or configuration. Understanding common problems and their solutions can help you resolve them quickly: Installation Errors: These are often caused by outdated platform versions or missing dependencies. Ensure that Windsurf and Cursor are updated to their latest versions and that all required libraries or packages are installed. These are often caused by outdated platform versions or missing dependencies. Ensure that Windsurf and Cursor are updated to their latest versions and that all required libraries or packages are installed. Compatibility Conflicts: If other plugins or extensions interfere with Claude Code, disable them temporarily to identify the source of the conflict. Re-enable them one by one to determine compatibility. If other plugins or extensions interfere with Claude Code, disable them temporarily to identify the source of the conflict. Re-enable them one by one to determine compatibility. Authentication Failures: Double-check your API keys and credentials for accuracy. Even minor errors, such as extra spaces or incorrect characters, can prevent Claude Code from functioning properly. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consult the official documentation or seek assistance from support forums and user communities for additional guidance. Optimizing Claude Code for Enhanced Performance After installation and configuration, optimizing Claude Code ensures you get the best results. Regular maintenance and fine-tuning can significantly improve its performance and reliability. Consider the following tips: Keep Claude Code updated to access the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes. Regular updates are essential for maintaining compatibility and functionality. Monitor resource usage within Windsurf and Cursor to identify potential slowdowns or inefficiencies. Adjust settings to balance performance and resource consumption. Enable caching and configure data processing limits to improve efficiency, especially when working with large projects or datasets. By proactively managing these aspects, you can fully use Claude Code's capabilities and ensure a seamless development experience. Media Credit: Robin Ebers Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
NBC News
21-05-2025
- NBC News
OpenAI is buying iPhone designer Jony Ive's AI devices startup for $6.4 billion
OpenAI said on Wednesday that it's buying Jony Ive's AI devices startup io for about $6.4 billion in an all-equity deal that includes its current stake in the company. Ive is taking on 'deep creative and design responsibilities across OpenAI and io,' OpenAI said in a statement. The company said that it is merging with OpenAI, while Ive and his 'creative collective' called LoveFrom will stay independent. In a blog post on Wednesday from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive, the pair said that io was founded a year ago by Ive, along with Apple alumni Scott Cannon, Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, who briefly took over Ive's role at Apple after he departed. 'The io team, focused on developing products that inspire, empower and enable, will now merge with OpenAI to work more intimately with the research, engineering and product teams in San Francisco,' the post said. The purchase is by far OpenAI's largest and comes weeks after the company agreed to buy AI-assisted coding tool Windsurf for $3 billion. Prior to that, OpenAI acquired analytics database company Rockset for an undisclosed sum in 2024. Ive announced in 2019 that he was leaving Apple, where he was the longtime chief design officer, to start LoveFrom. The New York Times reported last year that LoveFrom's clients pay the firm up to $200 million a year and that its designers at the time were working on projects for Christie's, Airbnb and Ferrarri. Airbnb said in 2020 that Ive was consulting with the company on hiring and future products. Ive is responsible for designing Apple 's most iconic products, including the iPod, iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. He also helped design Apple's new Cupertino headquarters, called Apple Park, a project that began in 2004 with the campus officially opening in 2019. News of the acquisition comes as OpenAI, which was recently valued at $300 billion in a funding round led by SoftBank, is rushing to stay ahead in the generative AI race, where competitors including Google, Anthropic and Elon Musk's xAI are investing heavily and regularly rolling out new products. Part of staying ahead in that race includes shoring up its hardware operations. To further its hardware ambitions, OpenAI hired the former head of Meta's Orion augmented reality glasses initiative in November to lead its robotics and consumer hardware efforts. Caitlin 'CK' Kalinowski wrote in an announcement at the time that the role would 'initially focus on OpenAI's robotics work and partnerships to help bring AI into the physical world and unlock its benefits for humanity.' Also late last year, OpenAI invested in Physical Intelligence, a robot startup based in San Francisco, which raised $400 million at a $2.4 billion post-money valuation. Other investors included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Thrive Capital, Lux Capital and Bond Capital. The startup focuses on 'bringing general-purpose AI into the physical world,' per its website, and it aims to do this by developing large-scale artificial intelligence models and algorithms to power robots.
Geeky Gadgets
14-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan Interview : Turning GPU Startup Into an AI Coding Powerhouse
What does it take to pivot an entire company in just 48 hours? For Varun Mohan, the CEO and co-founder of Windsurf, it's a combination of bold decision-making, relentless curiosity, and a deep understanding of where technology is headed. Once a GPU virtualization startup, Windsurf now stands at the forefront of AI-powered developer tools, reshaping how software is built and maintained. This transformation wasn't gradual—it was sparked by a weekend decision to abandon their original vision and embrace the potential of AI agents. The result? A platform that's not just keeping pace with the industry but actively redefining it. What drives such audacious moves, and how does a company thrive in the chaos of reinvention? In the Y Combinator video below, Varun Mohan shares the behind-the-scenes story of Windsurf's evolution, offering rare insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a company that thrives on adaptability. Readers will discover how Windsurf's flagship IDE uses innovative technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) Parsing to tackle the most complex problems in software development. But this is more than a story about tools—it's a glimpse into the mindset of a leader who believes the future of coding belongs to AI agents. Whether you're a startup founder, a developer, or simply curious about the future of technology, Varun Mohan's journey offers lessons in innovation, resilience, and the art of betting big when the stakes are high. Windsurf's AI Transformation From GPU Virtualization to AI-Driven Tools: A Weekend Pivot Windsurf's origins trace back to its initial identity as Exofunction, a company dedicated to GPU virtualization. However, as the market for their initial business model became increasingly saturated, the team recognized the growing potential of transformer models in reshaping the software development landscape. In a bold and decisive move, the company pivoted its focus over a single weekend, transitioning to AI-powered coding tools. This shift marked the birth of Kodium, which eventually evolved into Windsurf, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with agentic capabilities. The rapid pivot underscores Windsurf's ability to identify and act on emerging opportunities. By embracing AI technologies, the company positioned itself to address the evolving needs of developers, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for adaptation. This ability to pivot quickly and effectively has been a cornerstone of Windsurf's success, allowing it to stay ahead in a competitive and fast-changing industry. What Sets Windsurf Apart in AI-Powered Development Windsurf's IDE is designed to enhance developer productivity by streamlining critical tasks such as code writing, reviewing, and debugging. The platform incorporates advanced technologies that set it apart in the competitive landscape of AI-powered development tools. Key features include: Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): This technology ensures that code suggestions are contextually relevant, improving accuracy and efficiency. This technology ensures that code suggestions are contextually relevant, improving accuracy and efficiency. Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) Parsing: Enables precise code analysis and manipulation, allowing developers to work more effectively with complex codebases. Enables precise code analysis and manipulation, allowing developers to work more effectively with complex codebases. GPU Infrastructure: Provides the computational power necessary to support large-scale enterprise use cases with efficiency and reliability. These features empower Windsurf to tackle the challenges of managing and optimizing extensive codebases, making it a valuable tool for enterprise environments. The platform's ability to deliver personalized AI solutions has attracted major clients such as Dell and JP Morgan Chase, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field. By addressing the specific needs of large-scale enterprises, Windsurf has carved out a unique position in the market. Windsurf CEO Interview on Pivoting in 48 Hours and The Future Watch this video on YouTube. Master Windsurf with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Innovation Through Rigorous Testing Windsurf's commitment to innovation is evident in its rigorous approach to testing and evaluation. The platform's adoption of agentic capabilities has enabled it to perform large-scale code modifications and automate complex migrations. For instance, Windsurf has assistd the transition of legacy systems written in COBOL to modern programming languages like Java. These capabilities not only enhance developer efficiency but also address high-value challenges within the software development lifecycle. By solving such critical problems, Windsurf has established itself as an indispensable tool for enterprises seeking to modernize their software infrastructure. Its ability to deliver measurable results underscores the importance of rigorous testing and a focus on practical, user-centric solutions. This approach ensures that Windsurf remains at the forefront of innovation in the software development industry. A Culture of Adaptability and Bold Decision-Making At the heart of Windsurf's success lies a culture that blends 'irrational optimism' with 'uncompromising realism.' This philosophy fosters an environment where innovation thrives, yet decisions remain grounded in practicality. The company's lean engineering team, combined with a strong go-to-market strategy, has enabled it to develop and deploy products with remarkable speed and efficiency. Windsurf's ability to pivot quickly and make bold decisions reflects its commitment to staying ahead in an ever-changing industry. This culture of adaptability has been instrumental in its journey, allowing the company to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. By maintaining a balance between ambition and realism, Windsurf has positioned itself as a leader in the AI-powered software development space. The Future of Software Development Mohan envisions a future where software creation becomes accessible to a broader audience, including non-technical users. Windsurf aims to reduce the time required for software development by 99%, transforming every stage of the development lifecycle—from design to debugging and testing. AI will play a central role in this transformation, allowing developers to focus on higher-value tasks while providing widespread access to software creation. This vision highlights the potential of AI to reshape the software development industry, making it more inclusive and efficient. By empowering developers and non-developers alike, Windsurf seeks to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in software creation. This forward-looking approach positions the company as a key player in the ongoing evolution of the industry. Opportunities for Startups in the AI Ecosystem The AI-driven software development ecosystem presents numerous opportunities for startups to address niche challenges. Mohan identifies several areas where startups can make a significant impact: Automated Code Migrations: Simplifying the process of transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms. Simplifying the process of transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms. Bug Resolution Tools: Accelerating the identification and resolution of software issues to improve system reliability. Accelerating the identification and resolution of software issues to improve system reliability. Alert Management: Streamlining the handling of system alerts to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. By focusing on economically impactful problems, startups can carve out a competitive edge in the AI-driven software development market. These opportunities underscore the potential for innovation and growth within the ecosystem, offering a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. Lessons in Adaptability and Innovation Reflecting on Windsurf's journey, Mohan emphasizes the importance of embracing change and adapting quickly to market shifts. He advises startups to adopt the following principles: Testing Hypotheses: Validate ideas rigorously before scaling to ensure they address real-world needs. Validate ideas rigorously before scaling to ensure they address real-world needs. Maintaining Curiosity: Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive. Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive. Delivering Value: Focus on building products that offer clear, measurable benefits to users. These principles have been instrumental in Windsurf's success and provide valuable guidance for navigating the challenges of the software development industry. By prioritizing adaptability and innovation, startups can position themselves for long-term success in a dynamic and competitive market. Media Credit: Y Combinator Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
