Windstar
Cruises announced that advance bookings on 2013
sailings are 60% ahead of the prior year. Based on current pace, 2013
will mark the fourth straight year of increasing revenue for the
small-ship cruise line.
“Our
team is thrilled with the results after all the hard work and
changes.” says Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar. Brought on in 2010
to turn around the endearing, yet struggling cruise line,
Birkholz began focusing on branding, product development, sales
support and cost control.
“We
have an outstanding product today. We truly deliver a unique luxury
cruise experience
that feels like your own private yacht while immersing you in the
destination. With most of the cruise industry focusing on bigger
ships, Windstar is investing in small-ship features and intimate
yacht-style cruising.” said Birkholz.
As
part of its private yacht vision Windstar invested $18 million in a
fleet-wide renovation project, scheduled to be complete by the end of
this year. Funded by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, who
purchased Windstar Cruises in May of 2011, the 12-month
project will enhance the guest experience from stem to stern on all
three sailing yachts with updated décor, furniture,
carpeting, upholstery and
artwork in all public areas, staterooms and suites. In addition,
72,000 square feet of brand new, hand-crafted sails were replaced
fleet-wide. Renovations on the Wind Star yacht were completed in
April, while Wind Surf and Wind Spirit will complete renovation in
December.
New
and unique itineraries are also part of Windstar’s success. The
Company has revised its entire deployment over the last three years
to create new or improved itineraries with a focus on the much
desired smaller ports. “Windstar is known for visiting the hidden
harbors and secluded coves of the world. While we take our guests to
famous cities and legendary places, it’s a top priority to create
voyages to engaging destinations you can’t experience on a bigger
ship,” said Birkholz.
Smaller
ports of call are only one attribute of Windstar’s revamped
itineraries. In 2013, guests can experience exclusive,
once-in-lifetime land tours offered on select voyages. On the popular
Yachting the Riviera voyage, sailing from Rome to Nice, guests can
experience the Monaco Grand Prix highlighted by exclusive access to
Formula One’s famous race. Windstar’s Gaelic Explorers voyage,
sailing from Edinburgh to Dublin, offers guests the opportunity to
golf at five of the world’s greatest courses with the Legendary
Links package.
“The
steady and accelerating increase in bookings is validation of our
direction” says Birkholz, noting that he is especially pleased with
the dramatic increase in FIT bookings over the last two years. “Our
travel agency partners have been very supportive of our strategy with
several larger agencies generating two to three times more bookings
over the previous year. Travel agents know Windstar for our
small-ship sailing experience. After their customer sails with us,
the agent feedback is typically about our exceptional service and
private yacht style,” he said.
“Windstar
Cruises could not have come this far without the dedication from
our onboard crew members and the team in Seattle. They’ve done an
incredible job in driving demand, developing the
product, servicing the
guests and managing the business,” said Birkholz. “I want to
personally thank everyone for sticking through the challenging times
and for the dedication to our vision.”
