Windstar Also Takes Top Honors for Best Small Ship Cruises Travel Advisor Support 

MIAMI, FL, June 14, 2024 – Windstar Cruises is pleased to share that its president, Christopher Prelog, has been named a recipient of this year’s TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Award. 

TravelAge West, a leading travel industry publication serving the travel advisor community, made the announcement at its annual WAVE Awards gala on June 13 at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey, California.

In addition, Windstar won the award for Best Travel Advisor Support for Small Ship Cruises, a testament to the line’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support to travel advisors and their clients. 

Awarded to exceptional industry leaders by a panel of travel editors, the TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Award is an annual accolade given to professionals who not only demonstrate outstanding leadership, insight and innovation, but also positively impact both their own organizations and the travel industry overall.

“The award is meant to acknowledge executives who have had a major impact on travel, especially in markets that are important in the West. The editors of TravelAge West chose Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, because of his outstanding leadership of what has become an iconic brand in the industry,” shared Kenneth Shapiro, vice president and publisher/editor-in-chief of TravelAge West. 

“Prelog leads with knowledge and passion, focusing on creative innovations that benefit Windstar’s passengers as well as its team members. Under his guidance, Windstar has redefined small-ship cruising, which has become one of the most popular forms of travel for today’s travelers. With a fearless approach that has evolved from his time as a crew member himself, Chris is always ready to push for greater innovation without sacrificing the standards Windstar’s customers — and travel advisors — have come to expect.”

With nearly 30 years in the hospitality and cruise industry, Christopher Prelog began his career on cruise ships as a waiter, working his way up through the ranks. He joined Windstar in 2016 as vice president of fleet operations and was promoted to chief operating officer and later president in 2020.

As a recipient of the TravelAge West Excellence in Leadership Award, Prelog joins an esteemed group of industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the travel sector. This honor serves as a testament to Prelog’s outstanding achievements and his ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of the industry.

“I am deeply honored to receive this acknowledgement from industry professionals,” said Prelog. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication by the entire team at Windstar Cruises and our travel advisor partners. I am grateful for their support and commitment, which has been instrumental in driving our success and exceptional guest experience. I am proud to be part of an industry that continuously evolves and offers transformative experiences for travelers worldwide.”

Contacts: 

Sarah Scoltock, Director of Public Relations, Windstar Cruises / sarah.scoltock@windstarcruises.com  

Sally Spaulding, Account Director, Percepture / sspaulding@percepture.com    

About Windstar Cruises: 

With a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, each carrying between 148 to 342 guests, Windstar Cruises, voted #1 boutique cruise line, offers an intimate experience like no other. Passengers can explore enchanting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, New England, Eastern Canada, South America, and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class starting in December 2025 – the Star Seeker and Star Explorer. At Windstar Cruises, it’s not just about travel – it’s about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight. Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy that spans over a hundred years operating our country’s iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Death Valley, and many others. Xanterra Travel Collection®, is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.