Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most sought-after destinations, announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.
Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar's headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.
"V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years," said Captain Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Windstar Cruises. "However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our award-wining product and luxurious guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features which reflect Windstar's vision of '180 Degrees from Ordinary.' We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service."
Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, Vice President of Marine Operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.
Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was recently awarded "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's 2008 Readers' Travel Awards. Windstar received the highest score of any cruise line in the poll and was also only one of three cruise lines in Conde Nast Traveller's list of the "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Celebrated Living, American Airlines' prestigious publication for first class passengers, named Windstar Cruises "Best Small-Ship/Mid-Ship Cruise Line" on their 2009 Platinum List for the third time in a row. Readers of Porthole Cruise Magazine awarded Windstar "Most Romantic Cruise Line" and "Best Tall Ship" in the 2008 10th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Windstar has also earned top honors in Travel + Leisure's World's 2008 Best Awards and was lauded among "The World's Best Small Ships" by Conde Nast Traveler.
