Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet has announced that it will take over its shipboard management starting this September, ending its management agreement with V. Ships Leisure.

Windstar will take complete control of managing its shipboard deck, engine, and hotel operations, as well as shore-based management functions such as port operations, technical and hotel purchasing, compliance, and human resources. New positions have been created at Windstar’s headquarters in Seattle to manage the new responsibilities.

“V. Ships Leisure did a tremendous job managing our beautiful sailing vessels over the past two-and-a-half years,” said Captain Nico Corbijn, executive vice president of fleet operations for Windstar Cruises. “However, we are in a position now to control all ship operations which will allow us the opportunity to directly enhance our guest experience through implementation of new services and by evolving existing features. We look forward to working closely with V.Ships to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible and we thank them for their service.”

Corbijn will lead shipboard management along with Nick Burger and Huib van Leeuwen. Burger, vice president of marine hotel operations, will oversee hotel operations and hotel purchasing. Van Leeuwen, vice president of marine operations, will be responsible for all technical, deck and engine operations.

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts in the luxury segment of the cruise market, carrying from 148 to 312 guests, and sailing in Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.