In a strategic move to enhance its luxury cruise offerings, Windstar Cruises has appointed Paul Chapple as Vice President of Hotel Operations, marking a pivotal moment in the cruise line’s ambitious expansion plans. This appointment comes as Windstar prepares to launch two new all-suite vessels, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, positioning the boutique cruise operator to compete more aggressively in the ultra-luxury segment.
Industry Veteran Brings Strategic Vision to Windstar Cruises
Paul Chapple arrives at Windstar with over two decades of cruise industry experience, most recently serving as Associate Vice President of Onboard Commercial Strategy at Azamara Cruises. His proven track record in revenue optimization and guest experience enhancement makes him ideally suited to lead Windstar’s hotel operations during this critical growth phase.
“Paul’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for Windstar as we grow our fleet,” said Stijn Creupelandt, Chief Operating Officer of Windstar Cruises. “His guidance will be crucial in aligning our hotel operations with the sophisticated needs of modern travelers while retaining the intimate charm synonymous with our brand.”
Under Chapple’s direction, hotel operations will encompass all aspects of the onboard experience, including culinary programs, entertainment offerings, guest relations, and destination services. This comprehensive approach reflects the cruise line’s commitment to delivering seamless luxury experiences across its expanding fleet.
Fleet Expansion Targets Premium Market Segments
The timing of Chapple’s appointment coincides with Windstar’s most significant fleet expansion in recent years. Star Seeker, launching in December 2025, will offer guests access to diverse itineraries spanning the Caribbean’s crystal waters, Alaska’s pristine wilderness, Japan’s cultural treasures, and Southeast Asia’s exotic destinations. Following closely, Star Explorer will enhance Mediterranean offerings beginning December 2026, providing travelers with intimate access to Europe’s most coveted coastal destinations.
These new all-suite yachts represent a considerable investment in Windstar’s future, featuring enhanced amenities and expanded capacity while maintaining the cruise line’s signature intimate atmosphere. The vessels are designed to access smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach, offering guests exclusive destination experiences that align with current luxury travel trends.
Industry analysts view this expansion as Windstar’s response to growing demand for luxury cruise experiences, particularly among affluent travelers seeking alternatives to mass-market cruise offerings. The boutique cruise segment has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with travelers increasingly prioritizing personalized service and unique itineraries over traditional cruise amenities.
Elevating Guest Experience Through Innovation
Chapple’s strategic vision extends beyond operational efficiency to encompass guest experience innovation. His previous success at Azamara demonstrated his ability to develop revenue-generating programs while enhancing guest satisfaction, a dual focus that will serve Windstar well as it competes in the premium cruise market.
The appointment reflects broader industry trends toward experiential luxury, where travelers seek authentic cultural immersion and personalized service over traditional cruise amenities. Windstar’s boutique positioning allows for the flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving guest preferences, particularly in destination programming and onboard experiences.
For luxury travelers, these enhancements promise more sophisticated dining options, curated shore excursions, and personalized service standards that differentiate Windstar from larger cruise operators. The cruise line’s commitment to maintaining intimate vessel sizes while expanding its fleet allows for continued focus on individual guest preferences and customized experiences.
Future Outlook for Boutique Cruise Segment
As Windstar Cruises advances under Chapple’s leadership, the cruise line positions itself to capture increasing market share in the boutique cruise segment. With support from Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt and an experienced leadership team, Windstar is well-positioned to execute its expansion strategy while maintaining the intimate, personalized service that defines its brand identity.
For discerning travelers seeking extraordinary sea voyages through captivating global destinations, Windstar Cruises continues to redefine the boutique cruise experience, promising enhanced luxury and innovation under Paul Chapple’s dynamic leadership in the years ahead.
