Carla Hines takes up new sales role at Windstar Cruises. * By Louisa Woolf * 16 July 2026 Windstar Cruises has appointed Carla Hines to the newly created role of Manager of Sales Operations and Enablement. Carla joins from Hurtigruten, where she was Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). She has also held senior roles at Royal Caribbean International, including Head of Sales Administration for EMEA. Reporting to Managing Director of Global Commercial Helen Beck, Carla will work across Windstar's international commercial teams to drive efficiency and support sales growth. The role has been introduced to bring greater structure to global sales operations, enabling teams to spend more time working with agents and less on administration as the cruise line expands internationally. Carla said: "Sales operations should make life easier, not more complicated. The opportunity here is to build things that people genuinely want to use, and that help our teams and partners sell with confidence without adding unnecessary layers." The appointment comes as Windstar continues to grow its fleet, with Star Seeker having joined in December 2025 and Star Explorer set to launch in December 2026. The expansion will increase capacity and create new itinerary opportunities for the trade, including a planned naming in London in June 2027. Helen said: "Carla is joining the team at exactly the right time as we grow our global footprint and I'm excited for the contributions that her experience and knowledge bring us. If we can make sales feel easier and faster for our teams and our partners, that's a big win."

Windstar Cruises opens Asia 2028/2029 season as demand surges. By TravelPress Staff July 3, 2026 Windstar Cruises is expanding its presence in Asia, driven by the strong demand for voyages in the region with the launch of its 2028/2029 Asia season aboard the 112-suite Star Seeker. As of June 2026, bookings for Star Seeker's 2027 Asia voyages have nearly doubled ahead of the same time last year, reflecting growing interest in Windstar's style of small-ship exploration and immersive cultural discovery. The new season will sail through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, combining overnight stays, extended Cruise Tours and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach. Star Seeker's size allows it to access city-centre docks and smaller regional ports, creating a more seamless and destination-focused experience throughout Asia. For a limited time, guests will also have access to a new Early Booking Offer, rewarding those who plan ahead and book early amid strong demand for Asia voyages. Guests who book by July 31, 2026 can take advantage, which includes the best stateroom selection along with a Complimentary All-Inclusive Package, $100 onboard credit per guest and 5% savings on cruise fares when paid in full at the time of booking. Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises, explained: "We're seeing extraordinary enthusiasm for Asia, with bookings significantly outpacing previous years. Travellers are looking for experiences that feel more immersive and personal." And Bava continued: "With Star Seeker, we're able to dock closer to the cultural centers of cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, visit smaller ports throughout the region, and create connections to local culture that simply aren't possible on larger ships."

Windstar increasing Asia voyages; offering Early Booking benefits for 28/29 sailings. Travel Offer Asia is one of the most popular exotic cruising destinations today, and to meet growing demand, Windstar Cruises is expanding its voyages through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore. Plus offering guests 5% savings plus other perks and benefits for booking the just-opened 2028-2029 Asia season now! The 112-suite Star Seeker's Asia voyages combine overnight stays, extended Cruise Tours, and access to destinations larger ships cannot reach. The ship's intimate size allows it to access city-center docks and smaller regional ports, creating a more seamless and destination-focused experience throughout the region. What makes Windstar different in Asia? Windstar offers a more personal way to explore Asia. Designed for destination discovery, Star Seeker features 112 spacious suites, nearly all with a private veranda or infinity window that opens to let the ocean breeze in, along with Windstar's signature yacht-style atmosphere and personalized service. The yacht's smaller size allows rare access. Star Seeker sails directly into the heart of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, unlike larger ships that dock hours away in ports such as Phu My and Laem Chabang. Star Seeker can also reach smaller destinations throughout the region, from the limestone cliffs of Krabi to the quiet beaches and local villages of Ko Yao Noi. On Ko Kood, Windstar's signature beach party features a barbecue on the sand and watersports directly from the beach. Windstar is also known for its exclusive Destination Discovery Events - curated shoreside experiences created specifically for Windstar guests. In Japan, Traditions of Tomonoura & the Inland Sea brings guests into one of the country's historic port towns through tea ceremonies, live koto music, Edo-period streets, and exclusive access to the historic Ota Family Residence. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar also brings a strong culinary focus to its Asia sailings. Guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine and destination-driven dining onboard, then dive deeper into the region's flavors through guided food tours and market visits, from Singapore's famous hawker centers to Thailand's floating markets. Windstar's 28/29 Asia voyages. 25 departures sail between September 2028 and May 2029. Choose from four core cruise-only voyages and customize your experience with longer Star Collector sailings ranging from 20 to 42 days, as well as pre- and post-cruise Cruise Tours to Hanoi, Angkor Wat, Chiang Mai, and Kyoto - creating up to 87 itinerary combinations throughout the season. Featured itineraries include: * Grand Japan (10 nights): From Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, this cruise-only sailing pairs Japan's iconic cities with smaller ports, including Karatsu, and offers scenic cruising through the Inland Sea. * Vietnam & Cambodia Revealed (10 nights): Overnights in Ho Chi Minh City and Halong Bay/Hanoi on this cruise-only voyage allow for deeper exploration of Vietnam's history and coastal landscapes, with optional overland experiences like Angkor Wat. * East Asian Legends (10 nights): Spanning Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, this cruise-only itinerary showcases East Asia's diversity with stops in Taipei, Okinawa, Amami, and Ishigaki. * Tantalizing Thailand & Sparkling Singapore (11 nights): Floating markets, hidden islands, and world-famous street food define this Southeast Asia cruise-only journey between Bangkok and Phuket, including an overnight stay in Singapore. * Legendary Temples: Chiang Mai & Angkor Wat Cruise Tour (18 nights): Pairing Southeast Asia sailings with inland exploration, this cruise includes three nights in Chiang Mai and a guided journey to Angkor Wat. * Grand Asia Explorer (41 nights): This extended Star Collector journey combines multiple Asian itineraries into a single sweeping voyage from Phuket to Tokyo. Highlights include overnight stays in four major cities, plus cruising along the Saigon and Chao Phraya rivers. Available Cruise Tours. Extend your journey beyond the ship with multi-day inland programs designed to bring you deeper into Asia's most fascinating destinations. * Hanoi: Wander the Old Quarter on guided street food tours, watch traditional water puppet performances, practice morning tai chi alongside locals, and tour landmarks including Hoa Lo Prison and Bat Trang Pottery Village. * Chiang Mai: Spend three nights immersed in Thailand's cultural capital, from mountaintop temples and bustling night markets to regional cuisine and visits to an elephant sanctuary. * Angkor Wat & Siem Reap: Witness Angkor Wat before the crowds, tour Siem Reap by tuk-tuk, and journey to floating villages along Tonlé Sap Lake. * Kyoto: Discover Japan's ancient capital through tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and guided visits to landmarks including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and the Great Buddha of Nara. Limited Time Early Booking Offer: Available Only Until July 31, 2026 Book early to get a range of benefits: * Best Selection: Book early to secure preferred itineraries, sailing dates, and suite categories before the season's most sought-after voyages begin to fill. * More Savings: Pay in full at the time of booking to receive an additional 5% savings through Windstar's "Pay Now, Save More" promotion, along with a Complimentary All-Inclusive Package and $100 onboard credit per guest. * Expanded Journey Options: Enhance your trip with extended Cruise Tours in destinations such as Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Kyoto, and Angkor Wat, which are expected to be in limited supply. *** Image: AI-generated rendering; courtesy Windstar Cruises Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.