Windstar Announces New Team Additions

Above (left to right): Windstar Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava, Vice President of Marketing Patricia Gonzalez, and Creative Director Dane Neal Cox aboard Star Legend (Windstar)

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL, December 11, 2023 – Windstar Cruises, a U.S. headquartered luxury small ship cruise line known for its yacht-like sailing vessels and all-suite ships, is pleased to announce two new additions to Windstar's commercial team. Patricia Gonzalez joins as vice president of marketing, and Dane Neal Cox assumes the role of creative director. These appointments will further strengthen Windstar's commitment to excellence and innovation while elevating the brand’s awareness and presence globally. 
 
“We are confident that Patricia and Dane’s contributions will have a significant impact on our continued success,” said Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava. “We look forward to the fresh insights, creativity, and expertise that they will bring to our team. Their appointments mark an exciting new chapter within our commercial team in our commitment to deliver on our goals and revenue expectations, while providing extraordinary experiences to our guests and further solidify our position as a leader in the cruise industry.” 

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Patricia Gonzalez - Vice President of Marketing  
Bringing nearly two decades of experience in the travel and marketing industries, Patricia Gonzalez assumes the role of Vice President of Marketing at Windstar Cruises. 
 
“I am thrilled to join the Windstar family and team up with this fantastic group of industry leaders. Together, we will continue to elevate the brand to new heights, captivate audiences globally, and redefine the standard for luxury small ship cruises,” said Gonzalez.  
 
In her recent role as Chief Marketing Officer at Share Your Heart, a high-impact community organization, Patricia led comprehensive marketing and communication strategies, focusing on media and public relations, communications, and development plans. Her strategic acumen enhanced brand visibility and drove engagement, contributing to the organization’s support for 87,000 families in need. 
 
Her extensive career includes roles at Azamara, Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises, and Unique Vacations, Inc (Sandals Resorts), where she held key positions in marketing, public relations, and customer engagement, collaborating closely with sales to elevate the brand’s presence among the travel advisor community. Patricia's wealth of experience and expertise makes her a valuable addition to Windstar Cruises. 
 
Dane Neal Cox - Creative Director  
In addition, Windstar is proud to announce the appointment of Dane Neal Cox as its new Creative Director. Dane is a creative visionary with a proven track record in designing and executing innovative marketing campaigns. He brings a fresh perspective to Windstar, infusing his creative vision to tell the compelling story of the cruise line. 

Most recently as Art Director at AmaWaterways, he procured all visual art and managed a wide range of tools to tell a story of a luxury, small ship river cruise brand across a myriad of digital and traditional channels. He has had the privilege of working alongside some of the world's leading entertainment and consumer product companies such as Disney, WB, Fox, HBO, Sony, EPIC Rights, Funimation, Mattel, and many more. 
 
By all accounts Windstar is more successful than ever in its history with a fleet of three all-suite luxury ships and three sailing yachts taking 148 to 342 guests on immersive experiences across the globe to both iconic and small ports where big ships can’t go. 

Downloadable image of Patricia Gonzalez (center) and Dane Neal Cox (right) with Janet Bava available here. 

Star Legend at ILTM Cannes 
ILTM Cannes, the world’s leading luxury travel event portfolio, celebrated its 22nd edition last week with a first-time visit from a cruise ship.  
 
Windstar Cruises’ 312-passenger Star Legend was in port in Nice for the four-day soiree welcoming media, top travel advisors, and partners aboard for a first-hand look at the all-suite yacht.  
 
“ILTM brings together the luxury travel industry in a way that no other event does,” explains Janet Bava, Windstar’s chief commercial officer. “Beyond the on-site meetings and networking, we were thrilled to ‘show and tell’ what Windstar is about by bringing one of our renovated Star Plus yachts to ILTM and inviting attendees to come aboard. Seeing is believing, and we loved being able to showcase what Windstar has to offer luxury travelers. Having a ship at ILTM is decidedly more helpful at telling our story than any brochure.”  
 
Star Legend was recently renovated to create a more elevated sailing experience by adding two unique dining options, an enlarged state-of-the art spa/fitness center, an infinity pool and spa, and 50 new spacious suites. The entire yacht was reimagined and upgraded to meet (and exceed) the standards of today’s luxury travelers. 

Star Legend is sailing a first-ever season in the Mediterranean this winter/early spring where travelers can participate in some of Europe’s most magical winter experiences in destinations like Rome, Nice, and Barcelona – all without the crowds.  
 
For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com.