Can I change my dining time after booking a Windstar Cruises?

ow modifications in many cases, but there are important policies, timing requirements, and fees that you should understand before proceeding. This comprehensive, 3000-word guide explores how to change your Windstar Cruises destination, what to expect in terms of flexibility, and how to avoid penalties or complications.Understanding Windstar Cruises’ Change PolicyWindstar Cruises aims to provide flexibility for its guests while maintaining operational efficiency. Their change policy is designed to balance passenger convenience with logistical considerations such as cabin availability, itinerary planning, and port scheduling.

General Rule

You can usually change your cruise destination — meaning the itinerary, sailing date, or region — provided that your request is made before the final payment deadline and subject to cabin availability.

After final payment, changes become more restricted and may incur change fees or fare differences.

Key Points:

Changes are permitted before final payment.
After final payment, modifications are subject to penalties.
Availability on alternative itineraries must exist.
Any fare increase must be paid by the guest.
Travel insurance can cover some costs if the change is due to covered reasons.

What Does “Changing a Cruise Destination” Mean?

Changing your Windstar Cruises destination typically involves one of the following:

Switching to a Different Itinerary: For example, changing from a Caribbean cruise to a Mediterranean voyage.
Changing Sailing Dates: Selecting a different date for the same or similar itinerary.
Changing Embarkation Port: Moving from one departure city to another within the same region.
Extending or Shortening Your Cruise: Selecting a longer or shorter version of your chosen voyage.

Each of these changes follows different rules depending on timing, cabin type, and fare code.

When You Can Change Your Windstar Cruises Destination

1. Before Final Payment

This is the most flexible period to make any changes. You can:

Switch to another destination or itinerary without a fee.
Apply your existing deposit toward the new cruise.
Choose from available sailings with minimal restrictions.

Example:If your final payment date is June 1 and you request a change on May 15, Windstar will typically accommodate the change as long as there’s availability on the desired cruise.

2. After Final Payment

Once full payment has been made, the change process becomes more limited. You may still change your destination, but:

Change fees apply.
The fare difference must be paid.
Some fares may be non-changeable.
Cabin availability is limited.

In certain situations, cancellation and rebooking may be required, leading to potential loss of part of your fare.

Fees for Changing a Windstar Cruises Destination

The amount you pay depends on the timing and reason for the change:

Timing of ChangeType of FeeNotes

Before final paymentNoneFull credit applied to new cruise

After final payment$100–$350 per guest (approx.)Varies by fare type

Within 30 days of departure50%–100% of cruise fareMay require full cancellation

Tip: Always review your specific booking confirmation or contact Windstar’s Guest Services for the exact change fee applicable to your fare.

How to Change Your Cruise Destination

Changing your Windstar Cruises destination can be done in several ways.

1. Contact Windstar Cruises Directly

Phone: 1-800-258-7245 (U.S. & Canada)
Email: info@windstarcruises.com
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT

A representative will verify your booking, check availability on alternative itineraries, and process your change.

2. Through Your Travel Advisor

If you booked via a travel agency, your advisor can handle the change on your behalf. They can also help compare itineraries and advise on any financial implications.

3. Online via Guest Account

For certain bookings, you may view and manage reservations on the Windstar Cruises website. While full destination changes may require customer service, this portal allows you to review availability and promotions before finalizing your decision.

What Happens to Your Payments When You Change Destinations

When you change your Windstar Cruises destination, your payments are usually applied toward the new booking, but certain rules apply:

Deposits: Typically transferred to the new cruise if changed before final payment.
Fare Differences: If the new cruise costs more, you pay the difference. If it costs less, you may receive credit or refund, depending on timing.
Promotional Offers: Discounts or offers from your original booking may not transfer.

Exceptions and Restrictions

Windstar Cruises occasionally offers non-refundable promotional fares or special limited-time offers. These may have strict rules:

No destination changes allowed.
Fare forfeited if canceled.
No transfer of deposit to another cruise.

Always read the fare conditions before booking.

Using Travel Insurance to Protect Your Investment

If you need to change your cruise destination for an unexpected reason (medical emergency, work obligation, family illness, etc.), travel insurance can help.

Windstar Cruises recommends purchasing comprehensive coverage. Insurance may reimburse you for:

Change or cancellation fees.
Unused non-refundable portions of your trip.
Additional expenses due to rescheduling.

Always review your policy for “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) clauses if flexibility is important to you.

Alternatives to Changing a Destination

If your main concern isn’t the destination but the dates or length, consider these options:

1. Date Change Only

Rebook the same itinerary on different dates — often less complicated and cheaper.

2. Upgrade or Downgrade Cabin Type

Stay on the same cruise but move to a different stateroom category.

3. Future Cruise Credit

Cancel your current booking and apply funds toward a future cruise with Windstar.

How Windstar Handles Itinerary Changes

Sometimes, Windstar Cruises must make operational itinerary adjustments due to weather, port restrictions, or geopolitical concerns. In such cases:

Windstar may substitute ports or adjust itineraries.
Guests are notified in advance.
Refunds are not typically issued unless the change is significant.

However, if you wish to cancel or rebook due to a major itinerary change, Windstar may offer credits or flexibility depending on the situation.

Common Reasons Passengers Change Destinations

Scheduling Conflicts – Work or family obligations.
Health Concerns – Medical issues requiring a different itinerary.
Weather Preferences – Choosing a warmer or cooler destination.
Special Occasions – Anniversary or birthday trips rescheduled for convenience.
Group Coordination – Matching itineraries with friends or family members.

Understanding your reason helps determine whether Windstar will accommodate your request without heavy penalties.

Tips for Smoothly Changing Your Destination

Act Early: The earlier you request a change, the easier and cheaper it will be.
Compare Itineraries: Look for similar cruise lengths and price categories.
Check Availability First: Popular routes fill quickly, so confirm space before canceling your existing booking.
Ask About Promotions: Sometimes new destinations offer discounts that offset change fees.
Document Everything: Keep written confirmation of your change to avoid future disputes.

Example Scenarios

Example 1: Early Change (No Fee)

You booked a Windstar cruise from Rome to Venice for August 2025 but want to switch to a Caribbean itinerary in December 2025. Since your final payment isn’t due until June, Windstar allows the change without penalty, applying your deposit to the new cruise.

Example 2: Late Change (Fee Applied)

You paid in full for your Tahiti cruise and need to move to a later sailing. Since the change occurs after final payment, Windstar charges a $200 per-person change fee plus any fare difference.

Example 3: Last-Minute Change (Cancellation Required)

You try to switch destinations just two weeks before departure. Windstar treats this as a full cancellation, meaning you lose 75–100% of your fare unless covered by insurance.

How to Avoid Losing Money When Changing Destinations

Book flexible fares whenever possible.
Consider Windstar’s Travel Protection Plan or third-party coverage.
Avoid last-minute changes.
Consult with your travel agent for backup options.

Contact Information for Destination Changes

For all changes and rebooking requests:

Windstar Cruises Guest ServicesPhone: 1-800-258-7245Email: info@windstarcruises.comHours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. PT

Mailing Address:Windstar Cruises Headquarters2101 4th Avenue, Suite 210Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Website: www.windstarcruises.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my Windstar Cruises destination after paying in full?

Yes, but change fees and fare differences will apply.

Q2: Will my onboard credit transfer if I change cruises?

In most cases, no. Credits and promotions are tied to the original booking.

Q3: Can I transfer my booking to another person?

No. Reservations are non-transferable to another name or passenger.

Q4: Can I change from one region to another, like Europe to Tahiti?

Yes, provided you meet all payment and fare conditions.

Q5: What if Windstar cancels my cruise?

You’ll be offered a full refund, credit, or alternate cruise options.

Windstar Cruises cruise destination

Changing your is entirely possible, provided you understand the policies and act within the right timeframe. The key is timing — changes made before final payment are generally easy and cost-free, while post-payment modifications may involve fees or fare differences.

To minimize stress and financial loss, always verify your options early, maintain communication with Windstar Cruises or your travel advisor, and consider travel insurance for added protection. By doing so, you can enjoy complete peace of mind as you set sail on your new dream destination with Windstar Cruises.