Windstar Honors Top Virtuoso® Travel Advisors in Most Icon-ic Way Aboard Star Breeze in Tahiti

Members of Virtuoso Icons Gather Aboard Star Breeze in Tahiti Last Week

 

MIAMI, FL, July 8, 2024 – Fifty Virtuoso® Cruise Icons disembarked last week from Windstar Cruises’ 312-guest, all-suite Star Breeze in French Polynesia, completing a celebratory trip personally hosted by Windstar President Christopher Prelog aimed at relaxing, networking, and experiencing Windstar’s iconic small ship sailing style in storied French Polynesia. The Virtuoso Cruise Icons represent the top 1 percent in cruise sales for Virtuoso globally, making them the most influential advisors in the industry.  

 

Welcomed by Prelog along with Windstar’s sales team members including Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom and Director of Sales Gina McGinnis, the Icons sailed on Windstar’s weeklong Dreams of Tahiti cruise on June 20 – 27, 2024. Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years and knows the islands of French Polynesia better than any other cruise line.     

 

“There’s truly no better way to celebrate our Virtuoso Cruise Icons than in Tahiti with Windstar Cruises,” says Cheryl Bunker, Vice President, Global Member Relations for Virtuoso. “It was wonderful seeing the Windstar experience first-hand and our many preferred relationships, including The Brando. Our Virtuoso Cruise Icons are collectively a standout in the industry and we congratulate them on this well-earned recognition.”  

 

Icon guests were entertained with special celebrations including a private event at the Presidential Palace, welcome entertainment at each port, and hosted dinners and meetings to get to know each other and network alongside executives from Virtuoso, Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti Tourisme and Lux Wines, who also joined the sailing. Windstar’s signature beach barbecue on a private motu with local entertainment, swimming from Windstar’s Watersports Platform directly in the Pacific Ocean, and exploring the islands together on culturally- and ecologically-minded small group shore excursions were all part of the fun on this trip that highlighted the best of Windstar’s small ship experiences in Tahiti.  

 

“We were delighted to welcome Virtuoso Cruise Icons to one of my personal favorite destinations, French Polynesia,” said Prelog. “It was a wonderful week supporting our travel advisor community while showcasing the best of Windstar in this unique destination where we’ve been operating for more than 37 years. We are grateful for our partnership and for Virtuoso’s recent nomination for Best Small Ship Cruise Line.” 

 

The 50 Icon advisors came from Canada, the United States, Australia/New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Latin America/Caribbean regions. Icons gain access to events to help them build their business further and can offer their clients exclusive benefits through Virtuoso.   

 

Travel advisor resources are available in the Advisor Hub.  

 

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. Guests 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.   

 

About Virtuoso 

 

Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 54 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with more than 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.