Windstar Cruises: Stijn Creupelandt is the new COO
Windstar Cruises has announced the promotion of Stijn Creupelandt to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Paul Barrett, Vice President of Marine and Technical Operations, has announced his decision to step down in April 2025 to retire, after a successful career in the cruise industry, culminating with Windstar Cruises.
Stijn Creupelandt, with over 20 years of experience in the luxury cruise sector, joined Windstar Cruises in 2021 as Vice President of Hotel Operations and Product Development. Prior to that, he served as Director of Hotel Services at Seabourn, where he began his career as a waiter on Seabourn Pride (now Windstar’s Star Pride) and worked his way up to the top levels of corporate leadership. Creupelandt is part of Windstar’s management team with direct onboard experience, alongside President Christopher Prelog, who also started his career as a waiter at sea, and other company leaders with backgrounds as former crew members.
Stijn Creupelandt
Creupelandt will continue to oversee leadership, management, and operations of guest experiences, hotel services, and product development, as well as manage the company’s operational functions, including marine and technical operations. Current initiatives include the design and development of two new ships, Star Seeker and Star Explorer; the development of new cruise areas for the fleet; the renovation of the interior design of all three Wind Class ships; and innovation in Windstar’s culinary offerings.
Windstar President Christopher Prelog stated that Stijn Creupelandt brings a unique combination of analytical thinking, organization, and creativity to his work. He also emphasized that Creupelandt’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the cruise industry, along with his commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to guests, make him the ideal candidate to lead Windstar’s operational strategy as the company continues to expand its fleet and enhance its offerings.
windstar Cruises
Paul Barrett, with over 30 years of experience in marine engineering and technical operations, has been responsible for all marine and technical operations, and his operational expertise has played a crucial role in the growth and success of the company. Since joining Windstar Cruises in 2017, he has led sustainability initiatives aimed at increasing the energy efficiency of the ships, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing the fleet’s carbon footprint, in line with current European Union regulations and future International Maritime Organization guidelines on the Carbon Intensity Indicator. He has also promoted improvements in training and operational skills for marine and engineering officers.
Christopher Prelog emphasized that Paul Barrett’s professional knowledge, technical insights, and contributions have been instrumental to the company’s success. He thanked Barrett for his years of service and dedication, wishing him all the best for his retirement. Meanwhile, Windstar Cruises has already begun the search for a new Vice President of Hotel Operations to join the Miami team.
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