Celebrating One Year as Chief Commercial Officer at Windstar Cruises

Returning to work after a week off in Europe with my family, enjoying the summer offerings of the Mediterranean Sea, I find myself reflecting on my extraordinary first year at Windstar Cruises. It has been a whirlwind of adventure, filled with triumphs and splendid new connections, and I am eager to share my personal thoughts and reflections on this new chapter with my LinkedIn network.

Firstly, I must extend a huge shoutout to the phenomenal team I have the privilege of calling my coworkers. Each of you is a superstar, infusing passion and creativity into every day. Together, we've steered through the seas of change, celebrated fantastic victories, and created unforgettable experiences for our guests. Some achievements, not yet public, promise to once again surpass the ordinary. The camaraderie and collaborative spirit among our crew, both onboard and shoreside, have been incredibly inspiring, driving me daily to bring my best self to work. This is further complemented by the support from our parent company, Xanterra, as we innovate and evolve the brand, positioning Windstar for a bright future.

During my time at Windstar, I've also had the honor of establishing new relationships with remarkable individuals within the industry, as well as with our valued Yacht Club members—Windstar's loyal guests.

I would like to especially acknowledge Christopher Prelog , who has been instrumental to my professional development over the past year. Having met him only a few months before accepting his offer to join Windstar under his leadership, I am profoundly thankful for trusting my instincts and making the leap. Chris is incredibly intelligent and a positive force. His guidance and support have been a beacon, leading us through challenges and collaborating with his team to chart an exciting path for Windstar's future. Joining every meeting with a smile, his Windstar or F1/Mercedes logo polo shirt and/or ice cream! (Usually AND!)

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the travel partners, media personalities, and supporters who have become my friends over the years and have stood by me throughout my career journey. Some were familiar with Windstar before my time, and many have since become devoted fans. Together with our teams, they are working to maximize the brand's potential and prepare for a bright future, especially in small-ship cruising. According to CLIA's 2024 State of the Industry report, for the first time, one-third of the new ships being built in the next five years will have fewer than 1000 berths. In fact, the majority of ships under construction until 2028 will have fewer than 3,000 berths, presenting a tremendous opportunity for new destinations to be discovered by cruisers and for brands like Windstar to offer unique experiences that attract newcomers to cruising and convert mass-market cruisers seeking a more intimate cruising experience.

Regarding new destinations, those who read my 90-day check-in may remember the unexpected detour of our ship, the Star Legend, which was en route to its inaugural season in the Middle East last winter. Despite the sudden change of course, we embarked on an exciting new chapter, sailing the Mediterranean year-round. The Star Legend made a splash with its debut at ILTM, marking a grand entrance. We also celebrated the Star Breeze's arrival in Tahiti during a cyclone and soon announced our plans to return the sail ship to the stunning region of French Polynesia, where Windstar has sailed for over 36 years. In just a few months, the Star Breeze has left its mark, as our guests eagerly anticipate the choice between an award-winning 148-guest sail ship and the luxurious, spacious 312-guest motor yacht.

As if starting the year off with a celebration wasn't enough, we also revealed at SeaTrade Global in April the exciting addition of two new ships set to launch in 2026. This will mark our return to iconic destinations such as Alaska and Japan, where guests previously rated Windstar as the best boutique experience in the region.

This is a thrilling time for Windstar, and I am eager to witness the fruition of our meticulous planning, enhancing the joy of discovery for our guests who expect an experience that's anything but ordinary.

Now, for a dose of reality. Just as every cruise encounters its waves, corporate life brought its own set of challenges, especially concerning our reservation system upgrade. However, we view these challenges as chances to excel and unite in overcoming adversity. With improvements to our technology both ashore and aboard, we are dedicated to providing a smooth experience that will leave our guests delighted and our travel partners enthusiastic about how much easier we are to work with. The anticipation is high for the soon-to-be-announced cruise industry expert who will spearhead our technological advancements, a move that will significantly aid us in meeting the evolving expectations of our guests and preparing for what's ahead.

As I write this article, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable journey of the past year and the fantastic celebrations on the horizon. Speaking of festivities, I am thrilled about the upcoming announcement of all the activities we have planned as we approach the 40th anniversary of Windstar Cruises. It promises to be a celebration not to be missed.

To everyone who has been a part of my personal and professional journey over the last year: I extend my heartfelt thanks for your support and sailing alongside me. Here's to continued adventures and more unforgettable memories to be made.

Kindest Regards,

Janet Bava

Cruise Lover & Chief Commercial Officer

Windstar Cruises