Age Policy
Windstar Cruises offers an upscale, yacht-style experience that is primarily designed for adults. Because of their intimate ship sizes and country club casual atmosphere, their age policies are stricter than those of larger, family-oriented cruise lines.
Minimum Age to Sail
- Minimum Age: Windstar typically does not accommodate children under 8 years of age.
- Infant Exception/Conflict: While some third-party sources mention a 6-month minimum, Windstar’s official terms generally state they are unable to accommodate children under 8 due to the small size and unregimented nature of the yachts.
- Environment: There are no supervised children’s programs, dedicated play areas, or childcare services on board.
Booking & Stateroom Requirements
To book a cabin, Windstar follows these rules regarding young adults:
- Under 21: Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone in the same stateroom who is at least 21 years old (some specific booking sources suggest 25, but 21 is the standard maritime contract age for Windstar).
- Married Couples: An exception is often made for legally married couples who are both at least 18 years old (proof of marriage may be required).
- Solo Travel: You generally must be at least 21 to book and occupy a stateroom alone.
Onboard Activities (Alcohol & Gambling)
- Drinking Age: The minimum age to consume or purchase alcohol on all Windstar ships is 21 years old, regardless of the destination or local port laws.
- Gambling: Guests must be at least 21 years old to play in the shipboard casinos.
Dining Information
Dining Concept & Cost
- All-Inclusive Dining: All meals at all venues—including specialty restaurants—are complimentary and included in your cruise fare.
- Open Seating: You can dine when you want and with whom you want during restaurant hours. There are no fixed early or late seatings.
- James Beard Foundation: Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, so you’ll often find menu items created by award-winning chefs.
Major Dining Venues
Amphora — Main Dining
- Flagship restaurant serving gourmet, multi-course dinners with a menu that changes daily.
Candles — Steakhouse
- Outdoor, poolside grill that transforms into a romantic steak and seafood venue at night.
- Reservations required.
Veranda — Casual/Buffet
- Open for breakfast and lunch with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Offers a full buffet as well as an à la carte menu.
Star Grill — BBQ/Grilled
- Available on Star-class ships.
- Casual outdoor dining featuring grilled favorites and rotisserie meats.
Cuadro 44 — Spanish
- Intimate specialty restaurant by Chef Anthony Sasso.
- Features modern Spanish tapas and main courses.
Stella Bistro — French
- Exclusive to Wind Surf.
- Offers French-inspired café cuisine, including escargot and bouillabaisse.
Basil & Bamboo — Fusion
- Available on Star-class ships.
- Blends Asian flavors with Mediterranean ingredients.
Important Details
- The Signature Onboard BBQ: On every cruise (weather permitting), Windstar hosts a massive deck barbecue. This is a hallmark event with a huge buffet, suckling pig, seafood, and line dancing with the crew.
- Reservations: While dining is free, specialty venues like Candles, Cuadro 44, and Stella Bistro have limited seating and require reservations. It’s best to book these as soon as you board (or via the app if available).
- Room Service: Complimentary 24-hour room service is available for those who prefer to dine in their suite.
- Dress Code: The evening vibe is Casual Elegance.
- Men: Slacks and collared shirts or polos. (Jackets and ties are never required).
- Women: Sundresses, slacks, or informal evening wear.
Note: Shorts, flip-flops, and jeans are generally not permitted in the main dining rooms after 6:00 PM.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Windstar Cruises, like most lines in the industry, maintains a policy that allows them to pass on significant increases in fuel costs to the traveler. While they do not currently have an active daily surcharge for most regions, the fine print in their Passage Contract gives them the flexibility to implement one if global oil prices spike.
The Right to Charge Clause
Windstar’s terms and conditions state that fuel surcharges may be imposed or increased over time at the company’s discretion. This means:
- Post-Booking Changes: Even if you have already paid for your cruise in full, the line reserves the right to add a fuel supplement to your booking if fuel prices exceed certain market thresholds.
- Notification: Generally, if a surcharge is implemented, it is applied as a per-person, per-day fee (typically ranging from $9 to $15 USD based on industry standards, though Windstar does not publicly lock in a specific maximum).
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard reservations require a deposit, but the specific deposit amount is not specified in the sources (Table 1.1 mentions a $50 administrative fee for cancellations 121+ days prior, but not the initial deposit amount). Final payment deadlines are implied to be 120 days prior, as penalty periods begin at 120 days. Yacht tickets are strictly non-transferable, and any name or date changes are treated legally as cancellations subject to standard penalties. The penalty calculation date begins from the start of any travel segment (air, land, hotel) booked through Windstar.
Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellation penalty rates depend strictly on timing prior to departure.
121 Days or More Prior to Travel
- Cancellation Penalty: $50 per person flat administrative fee.
- Components Retained/Forfeited: Administrative fee retained; remaining deposit refunded.
120–90 Days Prior to Travel
- Cancellation Penalty: 15% of gross fare.
- Components Retained/Forfeited: Gross cruise fare is penalized; taxes and fees are fully refunded.
89–60 Days Prior to Travel
- Cancellation Penalty: 35% of gross fare.
- Components Retained/Forfeited: Remaining balance is penalized; administrative adjustments apply.
59–30 Days Prior to Travel
- Cancellation Penalty: 50% of gross fare.
- Components Retained/Forfeited: Half of the total ticket fare is forfeited; protection plan is non-refundable.
29 Days or Less / No-Show
- Cancellation Penalty: 100% of gross fare.
- Components Retained/Forfeited: Entire booking amount is non-refundable; no Future Cruise Credit (FCC) is issued.
Smoking Policy
Windstar Cruises has a strict smoking policy designed to maintain a fresh, yacht-like atmosphere. Their policy applies to all forms of smoking, including traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and electronic cigarettes (vapes).
Where You CANNOT Smoke
To prioritize the comfort and safety of all guests, smoking is strictly prohibited in the following areas:
- All Indoor Spaces: This includes staterooms, suites, public lounges, the spa, corridors, and all dining venues.
- Stateroom Balconies: Unlike some other lines, Windstar does not allow smoking on private verandas or balconies.
- Specific Outdoor Areas: Smoking is generally prohibited near the jogging track, outdoor food service areas, and the pool (except in designated zones).
Designated Smoking Areas
Smoking is only permitted in clearly marked outdoor areas on the open decks. These areas are typically located on the following decks (though specific locations can vary slightly by ship):
- Starboard/Port Sides (Open Decks): Usually on the upper decks away from the main pool and dining areas.
- Cigars & Pipes: These are specifically limited to a single designated outdoor area on each yacht.
- The Wind Surf Exception: The Wind Surf (the largest sailing yacht) is the only ship in the fleet with a dedicated Cigar Room, though you should check the daily program upon boarding as indoor smoking options have become increasingly rare across the fleet.
Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping
Windstar treats e-cigarettes and vaporizers exactly like traditional tobacco products. They may only be used in the designated outdoor smoking areas and are prohibited in staterooms and all other public indoor spaces.
Penalties & Safety
- Cleaning Fee: If smoke or vaping residue is detected in a stateroom, Windstar reserves the right to charge a deep-cleaning fee to your onboard account (typically $250 or more).
- Fire Safety: Throwing cigarette butts or any smoking material overboard is strictly forbidden, as it is a major fire hazard and environmental violation.
- Disembarkation: Persistent violations of the smoking policy can lead to being asked to leave the ship without a refund.
Travel Protection
Windstar strongly recommends that all passengers purchase travel insurance and offers the Full Sail Travel Protection program (administered by Aon and underwritten by Arch Insurance). Plans are priced as a percentage of the total trip cost (typically 9% for Standard, and 11% for Platinum/Premium protection). Travel protection premiums are non-refundable.
Tipping Policy
Daily hotel service charges (crew appreciation) and beverage gratuities are extra. Standard daily Hotel Service Gratuity rates range from $16.00 to $18.00 per guest, per day. An automatic 18% gratuity is automatically applied to all a la carte bar purchases. Windstar offers an All-Inclusive ‘All-In’ upgrade package: priced at $89 per day in advance or $99-$109 onboard, it includes the Captain’s Exclusive Drink Package, Daily Hotel Service Gratuity, and Unlimited Wi-Fi, representing a massive daily savings compared to the standard a la carte cumulative daily cost of $156 to $158+.
Dress Code
Onboard dress reflects casual elegance, similar to an upscale resort. Daytime wear includes shorts, polo shirts, and sundresses. Evening wear is elegant casual (lightweight trousers and collared/polo shirts for men; sundresses, slacks, or informal cocktail wear for ladies). Shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are prohibited in the main restaurant during the evening, though they are accepted in Le Marché and Candles. No suits or ties are required.
Formal Nights
- Windstar Cruises has no formal nights, emphasizing casual elegance instead.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Windstar?
Intimate Small-Ship Experience
Windstar’s yachts carry far fewer guests than traditional cruise ships, creating a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere where personal service thrives.
Boutique Luxury & Casual Elegance
You enjoy luxurious surroundings without the formality, casual attire, open dining, and a laid-back vibe.
World-Class Dining
Fresh, locally inspired cuisine and menus crafted with James Beard Foundation influences make mealtime a highlight of your voyage.
Access to Hidden Harbors & Small Ports
Windstar’s small size enables access to exclusive destinations and quaint ports larger ships can’t reach.
Immersive Destination Experiences
Shore excursions and Destination Discovery Events focus on authentic cultural immersion rather than mass tourism stops.
Personalized Service
Crew members get to know you by name and go above and beyond to curate memorable experiences aboard and ashore.
Freedom & Flexibility
Windstar avoids rigid schedules and large group programs, choose how you spend your days and evenings.
Watersports & Active Fun
The Signature Watersports Platform offers complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, and more in scenic anchorages.
Quiet, Adults-Focused Atmosphere
With an age-restriction policy and a focus on adult travelers, the ambiance is sophisticated, peaceful, and ideal for couples and discerning explorers.
Great Value with Discounts
Through providers like AffordableTours.com, you can find Windstar cruises with substantial savings, onboard credits, all-inclusive upgrades, and more.
FAQ
What makes Windstar different from other cruise lines?
Windstar emphasizes small-ship luxury with fewer guests, personalized service, and itineraries focused on cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path ports.
Are meals included in the cruise fare?
Yes, dining is included, and you can enjoy flexible open-seating options with menus featuring fresh local ingredients.
Does Windstar allow children onboard?
Windstar generally restricts very young children, making it more suitable for adults and families with older teens; specific age policies vary by itinerary.
What type of entertainment can I expect?
Entertainment is tailored to the intimate experience, think live music, themed evenings, trivia, lectures, and cultural performances rather than large Broadway-style shows.
How are shore excursions organized?
Windstar offers both complimentary Destination Discovery Events and small-group excursions that explore culture, history, and local life in depth.
Can I participate in ship activities like watersports?
Yes. Windstar’s Signature Watersports Platform allows guests to enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in scenic locations.
What is Windstar’s dining style?
Dining is casual yet refined with emphasis on fresh, locally inspired selections. Special diets can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
Are there Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities included?
These vary by fare type; many sailings can be booked with all-inclusive packages that include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities for one flat price.
What is the dress code onboard?
Windstar promotes casual elegance, meaning smart casual during the day and relaxed evening attire — formal wear is generally not required.
Can I get special offers when booking Windstar?
Yes, travel providers like us Top Cruise Deals often feature promotions like up to 30–80% discounts, onboard credits, reduced supplements, and all-inclusive upgrades.
