Unique Features

Windstar Cruises pride themselves in offering a one-of-a-kind experience. Not only is each ship small enough to feel homely, but the moment you step onboard, it feels like your own private yacht.

Guests With Disabilities

Windstar does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. There are no elevators on Wind Star and Wind Spirit nor were the ships originally constructed to be wheelchair accessible. As a result, these ships may be unsuitable for people relying solely on wheelchairs. The other yachts are equipped with elevators, but staterooms on Wind Surf are not wheelchair accessible. Also note, there is no elevator access to board the ship. Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend have modified wheelchair accessible suites available.

Certain ports require the ship to anchor; in this case guests must be ferried into port. Service Dogs are permitted onboard ships if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In limited situations where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. It is essential that Windstar is notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have at the time of booking.

Age Restrictions

Windstar Cruises is unable to accommodate children under eight (8) years of age. All Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Parents, guardians, and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the onboard conduct of minors. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21.

For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for at least one person in each stateroom is 18 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent, guardian or chaperone.

Dress Code

The less you bring the better. We suggest clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. You may wish to bring warmer clothing (layers are best), if you are traveling on an Ocean Crossing or an autumn Mediterranean cruise.

The Dress Code - from 7 am - 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.

In the evening - after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men - nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-coloured are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women - nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-coloured or having holes. Blazers are optional.

No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.

For those guests traveling to Alaska, it’s important to wear the right gear. We have partnered with the leading expedition outfitter to offer an online Alaska clothing and accessories service that ships directly to your ship. You’ll find all the right gear for Alaska, packing lists, clothing tips and our limited-edition Alaska inaugural season jacket here..

Premium Beverage Package

While all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, you may enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail under the setting sun or a champagne toast at the evening Sail Away with our beverage packages for wine, beer, cocktails and more. Find the perfect wine pairing with your meal and then end the night sipping scotch as you contemplate the stars.

Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package - $49 per person per day An extensive package of diverse and intriguing wines from traditional European winegrowing terroirs to New World regions. Includes domestic and imported beer and 33 varieties of wine by the glass.

Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package - $59 per person per day The ultimate beverage package and the perfect way to try new drinks for a bit of added adventure. Includes all domestic and imported beers and 33 varieties of wine/sparkling/champagne by the glass PLUS cordials, liqueurs, apertifs, cocktails and even mini bar items. (Cocktails based on house & select brands)

The All-In Package - From $79 per person per day. Have it all by making it an all-inclusive voyage with unlimited beer, wine & cocktails, unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities, including the 15% beverage service charge. A convenient bundle that saves time and money, pays most of your expenses upfront and avoids the European VA Tax when pre-purchased. The All-In Package is sold per person and must be purchased up to 7 days prior to departure at $79.

The Topmast, Captain’s Exclusive and $89 All-In Packages are sold per person and must be purchased in advance or during the first 2 days of your cruise and for the full duration of the cruise. Prices for the Topmast and Captain’s Exclusive Packages do not include the standard 15% beverage service charge. Package prices are inclusive of applicable taxes. The minimum drinking age aboard Windstar Cruises is 21 years old.

Your Windstar Voyage Includes

• All meals in all venues at all times, including room service menu available 24 hours

• All non-alcoholic beverages, including cappuccino, espresso, and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks
• Welcome cocktails at reception
• All onboard entertainment
• Unlimited use of Fitness Center
• Unlimited use of all water sports equipment
• Informative nightly port talks and destination briefings

Personal Onboard Laundry Service

Laundry service is provided on board at a nominal charge. Dry cleaning is not available. Laundry Service Packages must be added by the first day of the cruise and will be priced by the total number of cruise days. Pricing is inclusive of applicable taxes.

Food Allergies and Special Dietary Needs

Here at Windstar we are committed to offering our guests healthy food selections. We offer vegetarian selections and lighter fare options, seeking to provide the freshest, top quality foods handled with the utmost care. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, there are several ways to notify us prior to boarding the ship.

It’s important to let us know about your special request when you book your cruise to help us plan and prepare for your meals. Your travel professional will enter this information in Special Requests. It is then noted on your booking and your ship will be notified, although it will not appear on your invoice or in My Windstar.

Special Request Dietary Needs include:

• Alcohol Free
• Celiac
• Dairy Free
• Diabetic – Diet Controlled
• Diabetic – Insulin Controlled
• Food Allergy
• Gluten Free
• Lactose Intolerant
• Low Carbohydrate
• Low Cholesterol
• Low Protein
• Low Sodium
• Other Dietary
• Sugar Free
• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Wheat Free Diet

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate Kosher or Halal meals. If you have specific dietary needs– such as – lactose intolerant requiring almond milk – please complete a Special Requirements Information Form. Return this information via:

1. Mail to Windstar Vacation Planning at 2101 4th Ave., Suite 210, Seattle WA 98121

2. Fax to 206-733-2790

3. Call 866-568-0982 to speak with a Vacation Planner in person

4. Send an email to [email protected]

When you embark the ship please feel free to ask to speak with the Executive Chef about your specific request.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please call us during business hours at 866-568-0982.

Smoking Policy

Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any of the staterooms, suites, or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking and vaping is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only. Smoking cigars is permitted in a specific designated area on each yacht, however, only sold on board the Cigar Room of Wind Surf.

Internet Access & Usage Plans

As part of our onboard service we offer internet access on our ships. We recently modified our internet usage packages from minutes to the amount of data used.

How does internet access at home differ from access at sea?

As with all ship communications, the internet service is operated through satellites. While you are most likely used to a fast internet connection at home, in hotels or other local Wi-Fi spots, internet at sea can be slow, and at times, disruptive. The only option available is satellite connection, which is costly and limits the amount of data used. The connection is also influenced by weather, the movement of the ship, and in the case of our sailing ships, blockage from our sails passing in front of the satellite dish.

It is not recommended for downloading movies or large files due to system speed. In some areas the service can be interrupted by weather or the ship's position. We recommend that guests use the service only for emails or small files.

Why did the Internet Usage Plan change from minutes to megabytes?

Windstar modified the Internet Usage Plan in order to provide guests with the ability to access the same number of sites and/or read the same number of emails, regardless of connection speed. The previous plan was based on the number of minutes the guest was accessing the internet, regardless of connection speed. At times, factors like bad weather, ship speed, overcast conditions, all contributed to slow and/or disrupted connections.

What is a megabyte (MB)?

Any file, whether it’s a spreadsheet, word document, or email, takes up electronic storage space, otherwise known as bytes. The larger the file, the greater the number of bytes. The standard increment of measurement is bytes, kilobytes (1000 bytes), megabytes (1,000,000 bytes) and gigabytes (1,000,000,000, bytes).

As a frame of reference, an 80-word email is around 10 kilobytes, while a typical web page is approximately 1 megabyte.

What type of Internet Usage Plans are available?

The Email Plan $60

This plan gives you 200 MB of data to use during your cruise. This plan is recommended for people who will be checking email and doing very limited browsing. The estimated minutes range from 15 to 60.

The Surfing Plan $120

This plan gives you 500 MB of data to use for additional browsing and small file transfers (such as posting pictures to a social media site). The estimated minutes range from 90 to 360 (approximately 5 hours).

The Unlimited Plan -

Unlimited Internet Package

• 7 Day Cost $245
• 8 Day Cost $280
• 9 Day Cost $315
• 10 Day Cost $350
• 11 Day Cost $385
• 14 Day Cost $490
• 15 Day Cost $525

This plan gives you unlimited internet access. You have no worries about how much time you spend on the internet.

How can I get internet access on board?

Guests can purchase Internet Usage Plans prior to their cruise through a Vacation Planner or on board at Reception. These plans can be used on personal laptops or smart devises that are Wi-Fi enabled.

Computers for public use are available on board.

* Please Note: All packages only allow for one device at a time to be connected to the internet.

Please contact a Vacation Planner if you have questions.