Janet Bava succeeds Betsy O'Rourke as CCO at Windstar Cruises

The changes take effect July 24.

'Energizing evolution'

'This is a very comforting and energizing evolution for all of us at Windstar Cruises,' President Christopher Prelog said. 'We couldn’t be happier for Betsy and her success, and to still have access to her wisdom and counsel, while at the same time enthusiastically welcoming cruise industry veteran Janet Bava onboard, who previously worked with Betsy at Royal Caribbean.'

Bava will be responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives, leading marketing, sales, reservations and deployment teams.

Joins from AmaWaterways

She most recently has been chief marketing officer at AmaWaterways and earlier served as VP marketing (Americas) for Silversea Cruises from 2016 to 2018. Before, Bava was director CRM & customer engagement at NBCUniversal - Universal Parks & Resort in Orlando. Earlier, she worked for O'Rourke in marketing at Royal Caribbean.

'I am eager to build upon the exceptional work done by Betsy and further elevate the Windstar experience under Chris Prelog's leadership,' Bava said. 'Magnify that with the Xanterra Travel Collection and the brand will continue to provide unparalleled experiences to our guests while driving innovation and growth in this exciting sector of the cruise industry.'

O'Rourke's legacy

O’Rourke began overseeing commercial operations for Windstar in early 2020 and became full-time CCO in early 2022. She served as CCO of Xanterra Travel Collection since 2012.

At Windstar O'Rourke has led marketing, sales, revenue management and reservations while navigating the global pandemic and relaunching half the fleet following the $250m extension and update of the Star-class yachts.

Promoted Bava at Royal Caribbean

Before Xanterra, O’Rourke was SVP marketing at Royal Caribbean International where she promoted Bava, who was part of her team, to manager, direct marketing & customer experience communications. O’Rourke’s career also included leading marketing and communications teams at Wyndham Worldwide, Choice Hotels and the US Travel Association.

'I have been very fortunate to work with great brands, companies and people and worked closely with Janet Bava during our time at Royal Caribbean International, and I have witnessed firsthand her exceptional leadership and strategic vision. I am confident that she is the ideal choice to drive Windstar's commercial success and help guide the cruise line to new heights,' O'Rourke said.