Star Explorer will be Windstar Cruises’ second addition to the fleet in the last two years, launching in December 2026. This all-suite small ship will cruise areas that include Norway, the British Isles, Spain, and Italy. And now Windstar has announced the officers who will be part of Star Explorer’s inaugural season. Here are some facts about each.
Captain Matthew Holloway has been with Windstar for the last decade, and has also worked on a variety of vessels, including oil tankers, ferries, and cruise ships. He was born on Cyprus into a family of seafarers. Although he is British, he grew up abroad, always near the coast. He also sails in his personal time.
Captain Mark Symonds is a a U.K. native and has worked on many of Windstar’s ships, such as Star Legend, Star Breeze, and Star Pride. Most recently, he has been captain of Star Legend. He describes himself as a seasoned walker, and his family enjoys vacationing in England’s Peak District.
Nicolas Botha-Simpson, one of the Hotel General Managers is originally from Pretoria, South Africa. He began his hospitality journey in London before working in Australia and the Cayman Islands. In 2009, he moved into the cruises, discovering a passion for the small, luxury-ship environment. He joined Windstar family in April 2025, aboard Star Legend.
Richard Maier, another one of the Hotel General Managers, is originally from Austria but now lives with his wife and dog in Lisbon, Portugal. He was part of the team that brought out Star Seeker. He’s an expert in wines, especially Portuguese wines.
Matthew Mullins, a Staff Captain, is from Donegal, Ireland, and began working on cargo ships at age 16. His parents met while serving aboard the MV Doulos. After several years in the cruise industry and obtaining his Master Mariner license, he joined Windstar Cruises in 2025 as a second officer aboard Wind Surf and was later promoted to first officer.
Luca Puzzola, a Staff Captain, was born in Udine and grew up in Trieste. His life has been shaped by a seafaring family and passion for exploration. He studied at the nautical school in Trieste and then spent a decade at sea on container ships, eventually becoming Chief Officer. He moved to small ship cruising at Windstar in 2018.
Gianmaria Azzarelli, a Chief Engineer, comes from Sicily, where he lives with his wife and son. When not at sea, he works with engines and machinery, and rides his motorcycle. He joined Windstar Cruises in 2022 aboard Wind Star and has spent the last four years leading the technical department on Wind Spirit.
Rick Hopwood, a Chief Engineer, lives in the northwest of England with his wife, Lucy, their grown children, and a house full of animals. He joined Windstar as fourth engineer in 1995 in Barbados. Most recently he was part of the leadership team on Star Seeker.
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