The US-based company Windstar Cruises is changing the way it sells cruises. Previously, the small-ship line offered a basic cruise fare, with the option to add extras such as alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and other onboard services. “In an effort to be more in line with other luxury offerings in the cruise industry, particularly with the launch of our recently transformed, all-suite Star Plus Class yachts, we are now offering an all-inclusive pricing option for all our voyages,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We didn’t want to take away the à la carte option from guests who enjoy going that way. We want our guests to be able to choose based on their preferences, their onboard needs, and their overall vacation philosophy.”
All-inclusive prices are listed on the Windstar website, alongside the basic cruise fares. All-inclusive on Windstar includes unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as Wi-Fi and gratuities. The new fare is also available for Wind-class yachts.
“We initially considered offering the all-inclusive fare only on our Star Plus class yachts,” said Prelog. “But after speaking with and listening to our regular customers and travel agents, we realized that some customers prefer to go à la carte and purchase services as they go. After internal discussions, we all came to the same conclusion: why not offer both on all our yachts? We offer a choice between sailing yachts and all-suite yachts, and now either à la carte or all-inclusive. That seems to fit the Windstar brand.”.
Windstar's Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety plan requires COVID-19 vaccination for guests and crew. Starting January 1, the line includes a complimentary pre-embarkation COVID-19 antigen test. To facilitate the return home after the cruise, passengers can also purchase antigen or PCR tests before their cruise or onboard to take before the yacht departs. Any additional tests required by specific ports during the cruise can be purchased onboard for guests' convenience.
