Janet Bava Joins Windstar Cruises as Chief Commercial Officer

Cruise industry veteran Janet Bava will join Windstar Cruises as its new chief commercial officer, effective July 24. She takes over from Betsy O’Rourke, who is moving to a consultancy role with Xanterra (Windstar’s parent company) and its ownership, The Anschutz Corporation. O’Rourke has served as Windstar CCO since 2020 and as CCO of Xanterra Travel Collection since 2012.

Bava will be responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives, leading marketing, sales, reservations, and deployment teams to further elevate the company’s position in the global market.

“This is a very comforting and energizing evolution for all of us at Windstar Cruises,” said Christopher Prelog, who is celebrating three years as president at Windstar this September. “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 comes to Windstar from AmaWaterways, where she has served as chief marketing officer since 2018. She also served as vice president of marketing for the Americas for Silversea Cruises from 2016 to 2018.

“I am passionate to return to small ship, luxury cruising, a category that has experienced tremendous growth in demand in the last few years,” Bava said. “As the new chief commercial officer at Windstar, I am eager to build upon the exceptional work done by Betsy and further elevate the Windstar experience under Chris Prelog’s leadership.”