Low Prices On All Windstar Cruises

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

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.

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).

Windstar Cruises operates with a structured payment schedule and a tiered cancellation policy. Like most luxury lines, the closer you get to your sail date, the higher the penalty for canceling.

Payment Schedule

To secure your yacht-style getaway, Windstar requires a deposit followed by a final payment:

• Deposit: Typically 15% of the total cruise fare is required at the time of booking to reserve your stateroom.
• Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

Note: For certain special promotions or last-minute bookings (within 90 days), full payment is usually required immediately.

Cancellation Fees & Refunds

Refunds are processed based on how far in advance you cancel. Windstar calculates the fee as a percentage of your total fare (excluding taxes and port fees, which are generally refunded).

Pro-Tip: The $50 administrative fee for early cancellations can often be applied as a credit toward a future cruise if you book within a certain timeframe (usually 12 months).

Name Changes & Rebooking

• Name Changes: Windstar generally treats a name change as a cancellation of the original booking and a new booking for the new guest. This can trigger the cancellation fees listed above, especially if done within the 90-day window.
• Future Cruise Credits (FCC): If your cruise is canceled by Windstar (e.g., for technical or weather reasons), they typically offer a 100% refund or a 110%–125% Future Cruise Credit as an incentive to rebook.

Travel Protection (The Cancel for Any Reason Option)

Windstar offers a Travel Protection Plan that includes a Cancellation Fee Waiver.

• Cash Refund: If you cancel for a covered reason (like illness or injury), you get a cash refund for the non-refundable portion.
• Any Reason Credit: If you cancel for a reason not covered by the policy, Windstar provides a Future Cruise Credit worth 90% of the cancellation penalty. This is a great safety net if you simply change your mind.

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.

Windstar offers a comprehensive program called the Full Sail Travel Protection Plan. It is a hybrid product consisting of a Cancellation Fee Waiver (provided by Windstar) and Travel Insurance Benefits (underwritten by Arch Insurance).

The Cancel For Any Reason Benefit

This is the standout feature of Windstar’s protection. If you need to cancel for a reason not covered by the standard insurance policy (e.g., you simply changed your mind or have a work conflict), you aren’t totally out of luck:

• Reimbursement: You receive 90% of the cancellation fee back in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
• Eligibility: You must cancel before the ship departs.

Standard Cancellation Waiver (Cash Back)

If you cancel for a covered reason—such as a sudden illness, injury, or death of a family member—the plan provides a 100% cash refund of the non-refundable portion of your cruise fare.

Medical & Travel Insurance Benefits

While the waiver covers you before you leave, the insurance portion covers you during the trip.

Key Rules & Deadlines

• When to Buy: You must purchase the plan at the time of your initial deposit or, at the latest, before or with your final payment (usually 90 days before sailing).
• Pre-existing Conditions: To get a waiver for pre-existing medical conditions, you typically must purchase the plan within 14 days of making your initial deposit.
• Non-Refundable: The cost of the Travel Protection Plan itself is non-refundable once purchased.
• Residency: These plans are generally available for U.S. residents; international guests may need to seek third-party insurance.

Windstar Cruises uses a service charge model rather than traditional tipping. While they market a no tipping required environment to maintain a relaxed yacht-style atmosphere, they do automatically add daily charges to your account unless you have booked an all-inclusive rate.

Daily Service Charges (Gratuities)

If you book a standard Cruise Only fare, the following charges are automatically added to your shipboard account:

• Standard Amount: $16.00 per person, per day.
• Scope: This covers your cabin stewards, dining room servers, and behind-the-scenes crew members.
• Adjustments: If you feel the service was not up to par (or if it was exceptional), you can adjust this amount upward or downward by visiting the Guest Services desk before the end of your cruise.

Beverage & Spa Service Fees

Regardless of your daily service charge, specific purchases incur their own automatic tips:

• Bar Drinks: An 18% service charge is automatically added to all individual glass and bottle purchases.
• Spa Services: An 18% service charge is typically added to spa and salon treatments.

The All-In & Promotional Exception

Windstar is currently leaning heavily into all-inclusive pricing.

• All-In Package: For $99 per person, per day (if booked pre-cruise) or $109 (if booked onboard), you can upgrade to a package that includes Wi-Fi, unlimited beer/wine/cocktails, and all gratuities.
• Current 2026 Promotion: Many 2026–2027 sailings currently include a complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade if booked during specific windows. If your booking includes this, you will see $0 in daily service charges on your folio.

Additional Tipping Etiquette

Even though the daily charge covers the basics, there are a few scenarios where additional small cash tips are common:

• Exceptional Service: It is not uncommon for guests to leave an extra $20–$50 in an envelope for a specific steward or server who went above and beyond.
• Shore Excursions: Outside guides and drivers are not Windstar employees. It is customary to tip $5–$10 for a half-day tour and $10–$20 for a full-day tour per person.
• Room Service: While the delivery is free, many guests give the person delivering the tray a small cash tip ($2–$5).

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.

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.