Windstar Cruises will be restarting cruise operations in a phased schedule beginning in June. The initial sailings will have reduced guest occupancy, modified itineraries, and enhanced health and safety protocols. However, due to the current COVID-related travel restrictions, some sailings have also been postponed.
New timeline for resumption of operations:
- Star Breeze – June 19, 2021 – Caribbean
- Wind Star – June 19, 2021 – Mediterranean
- Wind Spirit – July 15, 2021 – Tahiti
- Wind Surf – August 8, 2021 – Mediterranean
- Star Legend – September 4, 2021 – Northern Europe
- Star Pride – November 3, 2021 – Caribbean
Due to the cancellations, Windstar is offering a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 125 percent of monies paid to Windstar Cruises. Guests will have 24 months from the issue date of the FCC to sail with their FCC. Given the volume of cancellations, please allow up to four weeks to receive FCC certificates. Guests may request a cash refund once the FCC certificate is received. Windstar will deactivate the FCC valued at 125 percent and process the refund to the original form(s) of payment at 100 percent of the monies paid to Windstar Cruises. Guests will have 24 months from the issue date of the FCC to request the refund. Keep in mind that Windstar does not reimburse third party (non-Windstar) travel expenses or fees.
In addition, as of Jan. 5, 2021, travelers who cancel a 2021 cruise booking at least 48 hours prior to departure will receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of the cancellation fees collected excluding fees collected for air, transportation, and hotels. All Future Cruise Credits must be used within 24 months of issuance on another Windstar departure
The cruise line continues to review and update their health and safety practices including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, additional medical staff on board, flexible indoor and outdoor dining, and crew training. The new Beyond Ordinary Care program is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect circulated air, plus electrostatic sprayers to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yachts.
Windstar continues to monitor local regulations for all countries and ports they visit and as sailing dates approach, the line will notify guests of any local requirements.
For more information, windstarcruises.com.
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