Windstar Cruises announces the resumption of its operations, beginning with the Wind Spirit, following the suspension of its services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wind Spirit will resume sailing to Tahiti on its inaugural cruise departing on September 3, 2020.
“We have taken extraordinary measures to operate our yachts safely,” commented Xanterra and Windstar Cruises CEO Andrew Todd. “We look forward to welcoming guests back on board, but we believe extending the suspension of our operations is a responsible action we must take. We have established plans for the resumption of our cruises starting in September.”.
- Wind Spirit resumes sailing on September 3, 2020 in Tahiti.
- Wind Surf will return on November 29, 2020, sailing through the Caribbean before heading to the Mediterranean in April 2021.
- Wind Star resumes sailing on January 16, 2021 with cruises to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, then heads to the Mediterranean in April 2021.
- Star Breeze, due to a shipyard delay in Italy, is canceling its voyages to Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, but will begin sailing on October 27, 2020, in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean in December 2020. During this time, it will operate scheduled itineraries for Star Legend and Star Pride, as well as some new Caribbean itineraries, until June, when it will depart for Alaska. On June 3, 2021, it will sail the 10-day Alaska Splendors itinerary, after which it will resume its previously scheduled Alaska itineraries.
- Star Legend, due to a delay at the shipyard in Italy, is canceling some cruises, which will be operated by Star Breeze instead. Star Legend will begin sailing on March 1, 2021, in the Mediterranean and will operate some cruises previously scheduled for Star Pride.
- Star Pride, due to a delay at the shipyard in Italy, is canceling some cruises, which will be operated by Star Breeze instead. Star Pride will begin sailing on July 5, 2021, in Northern Europe.
Customers with canceled cruises will receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at 125% of the paid reservation amount. Customers who prefer a refund can request their Future Cruise Credit and redeem it for a refund equal to the amount paid on their Windstar booking. Customers will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their Future Cruise Credit. Windstar Cruises will protect travel agent commissions on affected bookings according to its normal policy for canceled reservations.
The Windstar reservations team is reviewing all affected bookings and will notify customers of canceled cruises and ship changes, and appreciates the patience and understanding of customers and travel agents while they work through this process.
Windstar's booking policy allows travelers to cancel their cruise up to 15 days before departure and receive a future cruise credit of 100% of the booking to be used on any departure through December 31, 2021.
The health and well-being of passengers, crew, employees, and destinations are always a top priority. During this temporary pause in operations, Windstar staff are reviewing and updating their health and safety practices, including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, additional medical personnel on board, extended meal times with al fresco dining, and crew training.
Windstar operates a fleet of six small yachts that carry from 148 to 342 passengers and is known for visiting exclusive small ports around the world.
