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It’s unquestionably been an eventful three-plus years since
Christopher Prelog assumed the role of president of Windstar Cruises. Under his
stewardship, he successfully navigated the line through the pandemic, oversaw
the renovation of the Star Plus Class ships and much more.
“One of my first accomplishments – and perhaps the most
daunting – was relaunching the fleet’s operations in 2021,” said Prelog, who
was named president of Windstar in September 2020. “We were trying to figure
out how to operate safely during the pandemic, and we were coordinating with so
many different ports and regulations, as well as taking care of our crew with
the information and resources available to us. It was a puzzle, but one that we
navigated quite well in hindsight.”
“Pick Your Perk” Sale
Windstar
Cruises reprised its “Pick Your Perk” holiday season sale, which gives
travelers who book by Feb. 29, 2024, one free hotel night, which can be used
pre- or post-cruise, or up to $1,000 onboard credit for shore excursions, spa
services and more.
Premium suite guests can opt to upgrade to Windstar’s
All-Inclusive Fare, which includes all alcohol, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities.
The offer applies to sailings through spring 2026.
The overhaul of the Star Plus Class ships – Star Legend,
Star Breeze and Star Pride – added 50 more suites to each vessel, two
restaurants, expanded deck areas with new pools, and more.
“The project, which stretched the ships and inserted a new
section, is regarded as the most complex refurbishment and expansion project in
the industry, so it was an enormous undertaking during the pandemic,” Prelog
said. “It was well worth it – the yachts are wonderful and have received rave
reviews from our guests as well as our crew, because we enhanced all crew
quarters as well.”
Wind Class Redesign
And now, Windstar has embarked on a multi-year program to
redesign and update its three Wind Class sailing ships – Wind Star, Wind Spirit
and Wind Surf.
Wind Star, which at press time was in the midst of an 18-day
itinerary from Bridgetown to Puntarenas, has completed the first phase of
renovations, which included updates to its lobby, lounge, spa and fitness
center, pool deck, artwork and technology. A second stage, to be completed in
2025, will include refurbishments to staterooms and restaurants.
Wind Spirit’s renovations will be completed in 2025; and
Wind Surf ’s will take place in two phases in 2024 and 2026.
Winter Europe Cruises
Following the cancellation of its inaugural
Middle East season due to the Israeli war, Windstar replaced the
itineraries with winter Europe cruises. “In the long run, we expect winter in
the Mediterranean to be very popular and are making plans for having a ship
year-round in Europe for many years to come, as this region of the world is one
that travelers want to explore throughout the ever-changing seasons,” Prelog
said, adding that he has been “very surprised by the booking momentum” on such
short notice.
Tahaa, Tahiti with Windstar Cruises (photo courtesy Windstar)
New South America Sailings
In other deployment news, Windstar will expand its presence
to South America in December 2025 with two itineraries aboard Star Pride. The
16-day “Marvels of Latin America” cruise tour will sail between Colón and Lima,
with pre- or post-cruise tours to Machu Picchu. “And there’s an option for a
midcruise overland tour to the Galapagos Islands,” Prelog said. “For a shorter
version, an 11-day ‘Marvels of Ecuador, Peru, and the Panama Canal’ includes
the cruise and the optional Galapagos Island overland tour.”
“We’re also taking care of all the logistics with some
incredible cruise tours to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu,” he added. “A lot of
cruise lines do these sailings from Miami, but ours originate at the Panama
Canal so you can explore a lot more without spending a ton of days at sea.”
Guest Profile
“We tend to appeal to a variety of world explorers, from
active travelers to sailing sophisticates – people who love exploring the
destination or may just want to spend all day by the pool,” Prelog said. “Most
want to become more acquainted with the locals and sample the area’s food and
beverage with gusto. Our travelers really want to get to know the place, but
also have the ease of a cruise and the joy of unpacking just once. They aren’t
stuffy or pretentious, but they do expect warm and genuine service, at which
our staff excels and is renowned for.”
The Travel Advisor Factor
How important are advisors to Windstar? “Travel advisors are
absolutely vital to Windstar. They are our superheroes,” Prelog said. “They
know their customers and help match the right clients to ensure their vacation
expectations are met. They qualify them for the right vacation experience, and
we appreciate them bringing those guests that feel appreciated and valued.”
The line’s North American sales force “puts a lot of effort
into training advisors on how to sell our product,” Prelog said. “We also
invest in them with marketing tool kits to help them sell our cruises. We have
ramped up our reservations department to ensure advisors have the support they
need from Windstar, because without travel advisors, we would not be
successful.”
Predictions for 2024
Going forward, Prelog is optimistic
about Windstar’s prospects. For 2024, “we continue to see a growing number
of new travel advisors taking our fams and selling our cruises, and they are
loving our new agent-friendly promotions that give them a competitive edge to
close the deal,” he said.
“With new product launches and destinations in 2025 and
2026, we know our guests sailing in the new year will want to return over and
over again – and this is why we predict that 2024 will be our best year yet.”
Windstar's Wind Star yacht in Mykonos, Greece. (photo via Windstar Cruises) (Photo Credit: (photo via Windstar Cruises))
Sales Tips
Advisors looking to boost their Windstar business should
start by familiarizing themselves with the company’s one-of-kind offerings and
competitive advantages, suggested the line’s president, Christopher Prelog.
“Our Star Specialist program will give you in-depth knowledge of our
destinations, ships, amenities and services so you can effectively communicate
the value of booking Windstar to your clients.”
They can also take advantage of trade marketing materials,
including brochures, videos and images, which can be customized to their
agencies. “Find content and tools in our Advisor Hub online,” Prelog
recommended. “Leverage social media platforms and online travel communities to
showcase your Windstar expertise and attract potential clients.”
He also suggested that advisors connect with their regional
sales managers. “Lean on their support in answering any questions or addressing
concerns from your clients,” Prelog said. “They can provide valuable insights,
advice and assistance in closing bookings. Our team is ready to help advisors
be successful and increase their Windstar business.”
Another way in which to boost product knowledge is by
experiencing Windstar ships firsthand. “Everyone who sails has this ‘I get it!’
experience and immediately becomes passionate about the brand – and at this
level of the market you have to sell from the basis of experience,” Prelog
said. “Take advantage of ‘Sell One & Sail Free’ fam trips and travel
advisor fares.”
“Think of us for friends and family groups on a holiday
sailing or celebration voyage, foodies who like to include culinary and wine
experiences in the itinerary and adventurous solo travelers,” he added.
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