Windstar Cruises Appoints New VP of Sales, North America

Windstar Cruises has appointed Jennifer West as its new vice president of sales for North America, effective on June 15. 

West joins Windstar after spending more than a decade in trade sales at Norwegian Cruise Line. She has more than 15 years of cruise industry experience, including in sales strategy and travel advisor engagement.  

“Trade partnerships are earned, not assumed,” West said. “I’ve spent my career building the kind of advisor relationships that drive real commercial impact, and I’m excited to bring that focus to Windstar as the brand enters its next chapter of growth.”    

Janet Bava, chief commercial officer of Windstar Cruises, acknowledged that the company took its time filling the role because “we knew how important it was to find the right person.” 

“Jennifer brings the rare combination of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and genuine passion for the advisor community that we were looking for,” Bava said. “Her background in sales operations and enablement is especially exciting as we continue to strengthen the tools, resources, and support available to our partners. As we grow across North America – especially in the Canadian market, where we’re seeing tremendous opportunity – Jennifer will play a key role in helping advisors grow alongside Windstar.”    

West will lead Windstar’s trade sales initiatives that provide advisors with the tools, knowledge, and support to sell voyages on the cruise line’s all-suite yacht and sailing ships. Her first industry appearance in her new role will be the 15th Annual Business Travel Summit at Pebble Beach, where she’ll meet with Windstar’s top travel advisor partners alongside Joe Jiffo, director of sales. 

Windstar most recently launched Star Seeker in December 2025 and will debut Star Explorer in December 2026. The company is building upon the products that set it apart, such as year-round sailings in the Mediterranean and Tahiti.