As Windstar’s shipyard and newbuild teams prepare for the launch of Star Explorer, its second new addition to the fleet in two years, attention now turns to the leadership team responsible for making sure it is ready for its debut. Windstar has announced the slate of officers who will be part of the inaugural season.
Some of its officers played significant roles in introducing Star Seeker and others will bring their experiences with yachts such as Star Breeze, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf. Assigned are two officers in four categories, such as captain, staff captain, hotel general manager and chief engineer. They’ll have rotating schedules, just as with Star Seeker.
Captains
Captain Matthew Holloway
His story: Captain Holloway was born into a family of seafarers on the island of Cyprus, and although British, he grew up abroad by the coast, with the ocean as a constant presence shaping both his personal and professional life.
Windstar history: He’s spent the past ten years with Windstar Cruises, gaining experience across the whole fleet. Prior to joining Windstar, he worked on a variety of vessels, including oil tankers, ferries, and cruise ships.
Cocktail party conversation: His passion for the sea extends well beyond his professional role, as he continues to sail in his personal time and remain passionate to all aspects of life on the water.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “My initial introduction to Windstar came well before the decade I’ve spent here. I first experienced the cruise line during a cadet training voyage aboard the Wind Surf—an experience that confirmed my passion for sailing and set the course for my future with the company. Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the unique experience offered by smaller cruise ships and I’m thrilled to be part of the team that is bringing out Star Explorer.”
Captain Mark Symonds
His story: Captain Symonds is a U.K. native.
Windstar history: During his time at Windstar he has specialized in the fleet’s “stretched” ships, such as Star Legend, Star Breeze and Star Pride. Most recently, he has been captain of Star Legend.
Cocktail party conversation: A seasoned walker, ask him anything about England’s Peak District, where he spends most of his vacation time with wife Kerry and daughter Grace.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “It’s always a privilege to be asked to be part of a team setting up a ship for the first time. Having completed many new builds with previous companies, there’s a sense of achievement when the itinerary is completed and guests leave with smiles on their faces saying, ‘we will be back.’ Just like our cars at home, driving a classic is just fine, but when you are handed the keys to something new, it is hard to contain your excitement.”
Hotel General Managers
Nicolas Botha-Simpson
His story: Originally from Pretoria, South Africa — known as the iconic Jacaranda City — Nic began his global hospitality journey in London before expanding his experience across Australia and the Cayman Islands. In 2009, he transitioned into the cruise industry, where he discovered his passion for the small, luxury-ship environment. Over the years, Nic has built extensive experience across multiple areas of shipboard operations, including food and beverage, guest services, and human resources, ultimately achieving his goal of becoming a hotel general manager.
Windstar history: Nic joined the Windstar family in April 2025, beginning with the first Mystery Cruise aboard Star Legend. He immediately recognized the concept as both innovative and exciting, noting that he had never encountered anything similar in the industry. The experience reinforced his appreciation for Windstar’s unique approach to creating memorable guest experiences.
Cocktail party conversation: Now living near South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of his favorite places in the world, Nic enjoys being close to nature, where he can relax and unwind. A true outdoor enthusiast, he values the balance that environment offers. He is also an avid Formula 1 fan, following the sport with great enthusiasm.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Being part of a ship start-up team is always an honor. The bonds formed among the crew during this time create a unique and lasting sense of achievement. While the work can be more challenging, especially once guests are on board, that first sail-away brings an incredible sense of pride. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the crew makes it all truly worthwhile. It’s a remarkable feeling.”
Richard Maier
His story: He’s from Austria but now lives with his wife and dog in Lisbon, Portugal.
Windstar History: First ship: Star Legend and then Star Breeze in French Polynesia. His last deployment? He was part of the team that brought out Star Seeker, which was an excellent opportunity to shape the next chapter for Windstar Cruises.
Cocktail party conversation: There is nothing that Richard does not know about wine, especially Portuguese wines, since Portugal is where he spends most of his time.
What does being part of the Star Seeker leadership team mean to you? “Of course, being part of the start-up team is highly rewarding and it comes with opportunities as well. When you start a new ship everything is a learning curve. Most important is the guest flow which is decisive for schedules and timings. We now know exactly where we have to establish set ups and what we need to be able to provide the experience our guests expect, from embarking until the time of debarking.”
Staff Captains
Matthew Mullins
Matthew Mullins
His story: Matthew Mullins was born and raised in Donegal, Ireland, and began his maritime career at the age of 16 working on cargo ships. Inspired by his parents, who met while serving aboard the MV Doulos, he completed his cadetship with Maersk and studied marine operations in the U.K., qualifying as a deck officer in 2020. After several years in the cruise industry and obtaining his Master Mariner license, he joined Windstar Cruises in 2025.
Windstar history: Mullins joined Windstar Cruises in 2025 as a second officer aboard Wind Surf and was later promoted to first officer. He subsequently became part of Star Seeker’s launch team, helping bring the ship into service. In 2026, he was promoted to staff captain and is excited to help introduce Star Explorer as a member of her senior leadership team.
Cocktail party conversation: Raised in Donegal by a Dutch mother and an Irish father, Mullins grew up in a multicultural household and is fluent in Dutch, English, and Irish Gaelic. In his time off, he volunteers with maritime charities including Mercy Ships and Logos Hope, where he provides maritime training and serves as a relief deck officer. Like any true Irishman, he enjoys sharing stories and is always happy to swap tales of life at sea with guests and crew alike.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Being part of the Star Explorer leadership team is both an honor and a privilege. Having experienced the excitement of bringing Star Seeker to life, I know how special it is to build a team and culture from the very beginning. New ships create unique opportunities for officers and crew to grow, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and deliver the exceptional experiences that make Windstar so special. I’m excited to help shape Star Explorer and to welcome guests aboard for the start of another incredible chapter in Windstar’s story.”
Luca Puzzola
His story: Luca was born in Udine and grew up in Trieste, leading an adventurous life shaped by his seafaring family and a passion for exploration. After studying at the nautical school in Trieste, he spent a decade at sea on container ships, eventually becoming Chief Officer. Inspired to seek new horizons, Luca discovered his true calling in small ship cruising at Windstar Cruises, following a brief shoreside stint in 2018. His time on Wind Spirit in French Polynesia stands out—where he not only advanced professionally but also met his future wife, Slađana.
Windstar history: Over the past eight years, Luca has served on several Windstar vessels, including Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Star Legend, and Star Pride. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in launching Star Seeker’s Alaska expedition operations, which has been a a career highlight.
Cocktail party conversation: At home, Luca enjoys hiking, relaxing on the beach, and indulging in shopping trips with his wife. He’s also the proud father of a two-year-old boy and is expecting another baby boy in September.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Star Explorer represents an exciting new chapter for me and I’m proud to be part of a crew that’s setting new standards and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Chief Engineers
Gianmaria Azzarelli
His story: Gianmaria comes from the island of Sicily, where he lives with his wife and son. Family means everything to him. When he is not at sea, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones, working with engines and machinery, and riding his motorcycle — a passion he has had since childhood.
Windstar history: Gianmaria began his seagoing career at the age of 19 as a cadet on oil tankers. At 24, he transitioned to the passenger ship industry, where he has accumulated more than 30 years of experience. He joined Windstar Cruises in 2022 aboard Wind Star and has spent the last four years leading the technical department on Wind Spirit. Passionate about engineering, he is always looking for ways to improve the engine room and the overall condition of the vessel.
Cocktail party conversation: If you want to talk about engines, food, or Sicily, be prepared — you may find yourself in a much longer conversation than expected. When he is not overseeing the ship’s engineering operations, he is usually refining a project, tackling a technical challenge, or planning his next motorcycle adventure.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “After more than three decades at sea, I still enjoy every challenge that comes with this profession. Joining Windstar has been a rewarding experience, and leading the engineering team on Wind Spirit is something I am very proud of. I believe that maintaining high standards and continuously improving the ship are essential to providing our guests and crew with the best possible experience. Even under pressure, teamwork, practical solutions, and a positive attitude always make the difference.”
Rick Hopwood
His story: Rick lives on the Wirral Peninsula in the northwest of England with his wife, Lucy, their grown children, and a house full of animals.
Windstar history: Hopwood joined Wind Star as fourth engineer in 1995 in Barbados. Most recently he was part of the leadership team on Star Seeker. Before that, Star Legend, which — apart from two trips to Tahiti on the Spirit and the Breeze — was his Windstar home for almost 10 years.
Cocktail party conversation: If you have plans to tour England and want to know the best places to go for fish and chips, just ask Rick.
What does being part of the Star Explorer leadership team mean to you? “Having been involved in some way in all the new Windstar vessels since I joined the company, it makes me very proud, both professionally and personally, to be part of Star Explorer’s launch.”
