For a man who doesn’t officially start his job until January, Christopher Prelog is already deep into his new responsibilities as vice president of fleet operations for Windstar Cruises.
The position brings together Prelog’s 20 years of cruise experience, most recently as vice president of hotel operations and hotel entertainment with Seabourn Cruise Line, where he worked with present Windstar president John Delaney. Windstar’s new motor yachts also have migrated from Seabourn, and the two executives are very enthusiastic about Windstar, where Prelog predicts the company will “rock the seas.”
One of the aspects of Windstar that excites Prelog most is its size as a small, nimble line. He notes that decisions can be made quickly, and creative ideas can be implemented and evaluated right away.
“This really allows change,” Prelog said. “John and I both want to get things done without getting hung up in red tape, and we share the same principals, thinking outside the box.”
Prelog’s responsibilities are enormous, spanning the entire guest experience (including culinary and entertainment services), as well as overseeing all administrative, nautical and port operations, such as purchasing and logistics.
“This is a mouthful,” he said. “I am humbled by being given the opportunity, and it really feels right. It seems like coming home. Usually when you make a big move, you wonder if you are doing the right thing. But I have no doubts about this.”
Prelog’s vision is “to create unique experiences that hit the soul of the guests that they take home and never forget,” he said. “Windstar’s platform allows us to do this.”
One of the aspects he is excited about is expanding the line’s partnership with the James Beard Foundation and its award-winning chefs. Windstar currently offers three James Beard sailings that have been highly successful and drawn exactly the guests Windstar is targeting — younger, upwardly mobile, appreciating the finer things in life without being stuffy.
Another key area Prelog believes is a natural for Windstar to develop is environmental sensibility across the board.
“The company is very much involved in sustainability,” he said, “and there are many cool things we can do.”
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Windstar Cruises
www.windstarcruises.com
