Can I move my Windstar Cruises cruise to a different date?

Travel plans are rarely set in stone. Work commitments, family obligations, or unexpected events may force you to reconsider your vacation plans. For travelers who booked a Windstar Cruises sailing, the question often arisesThe good news is yes, you can move your Windstar cruise to a new date — but the process, cost, and flexibility depend on several factors. This comprehensive guide covers:

• Windstar’s date change policies

• How to determine if you can move your cruise

• Fees and penalties

• Timing considerations

• Flexible fare and promotional programs

• Using Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

• Travel insurance and protection

• Step-by-step instructions for moving a cruise

• Expert tips to minimize cost and maximize flexibility

By the end, you will know exactly how to move your Windstar cruise and what costs to expect.

1. Windstar Cruises Date Change Policy Overview

Windstar Cruises allows travelers to move their sailing to a different date, but the rules depend on:

• Whether final payment has been made

• The type of fare booked (standard vs. promotional)

• Cabin category and availability

• Any flexible booking options or travel protections purchased

Essentially, moving your cruise can be treated either as a modification of your original booking or as a cancellation and rebooking, depending on when you request the change.

2. When You Can Move Your Cruise Date

A. Before Final Payment

If you request a date change before final payment, you often have maximum flexibility:

• Date changes may be free or incur minimal administrative fees

• Cabin upgrades or changes are allowed with payment of fare difference

• Passenger substitutions are generally allowed at no additional cost

This is the ideal time to move your sailing for minimal fees.

B. After Final Payment

Once the final payment is made:

• Date changes are usually treated as a cancellation and rebooking

• Cancellation penalties may apply based on the time before sailing

• Fare differences for the new sailing are payable

Important: Fees increase as the sailing date approaches.

C. During Flexible or Promotional Periods

Windstar sometimes offers Book with Confidence or similar flexible promotions:

• Rebook up to 48 hours before sailing without penalties

• Receive Future Cruise Credit (FCC) if you cancel for personal reasons

• Maintain cabin category or booking incentives

These promotions are ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Move a Windstar Cruise

The cost depends on timing and fare type:

• Early changes (before final payment) are usually free

• Changes within 120–90 days may incur modest fees ($100–$200 per person)

• Changes within 30 days of sailing may require up to 100% of the fare

Approximate Fee Table:

Days Before SailingEstimated Date Change Cost

>120 daysOften free

119–90 days$100–$200 per person

89–60 daysUp to 25% of fare

59–30 daysUp to 50% of fare

29–15 daysUp to 75% of fare

<14 days100% of fare

Note: Fees vary depending on promotional restrictions, cabin category, and itinerary. Always verify with Windstar Reservations.

4. Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

If you need to move your sailing close to departure:

• Windstar may provide a Future Cruise Credit instead of a cash refund

• FCCs can be applied toward a new sailing within the allowed timeframe

• They preserve the value of your original payment for future bookings

Advantages of FCCs:

• Minimize financial loss

• Retain booking perks or promotions

• Flexibility to select a new itinerary or cabin

5. Fare Differences

Even with FCCs, any fare increase for the new date must be paid:

• Higher-cost sailings require paying the difference

• Lower-cost sailings may leave a credit balance for future use

• Promotional fares may restrict fare adjustments

6. Flexible Fares and Travel Protection

Windstar’s flexible fare options reduce the cost and hassle of moving a cruise:

• Book with Confidence allows changes up to 48 hours before sailing with no penalty

• Travel insurance may cover fees if rescheduling is necessary due to a covered reason

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance provides maximum flexibility

7. Travel Insurance Considerations

Travel insurance can protect your investment if plans change:

• Covers trip cancellation or interruption

• Reimburses rebooking fees for covered reasons

• Provides coverage for medical emergencies or flight delays

• Optional CFAR coverage allows rescheduling for any reason

Tip: Always read the fine print to confirm coverage for cruise date changes.

8. Step-by-Step Guide to Move Your Cruise

Step 1: Review Your Reservation

• Check your fare type, final payment status, and cabin category

• Note any promotions or flexible booking options

Step 2: Contact Windstar Reservations

• U.S./Canada: 1-888-526-2803

• International: Refer to Windstar regional contacts

Step 3: Provide Booking Details

• Reservation number

• Passenger names

• Desired new sailing date

Step 4: Confirm Fees and Availability

• Review administrative fees and fare differences

• Verify cabin availability for the new date

Step 5: Receive Updated Confirmation

• Ensure all new dates, cabin assignments, and excursions are reflected

• Confirm FCC application or any additional payment

Step 6: Adjust Travel Plans

• Flights, transfers, and excursions may need to be updated

• Notify travel agents, airlines, or local transport providers

9. Special Considerations

A. Group Bookings

• Rebooking may require Windstar group department approval

• Individual passengers may have limited flexibility

B. Cruise + Air Packages

• Air tickets booked through Windstar may have separate change fees

• Airline rules apply for ticket modifications

C. Shore Excursion Adjustments

• Excursions can be rebooked with the cruise, subject to availability

10. Timing Tips to Reduce Cost

• Book early: Changes made >120 days before departure are often free

• Use flexible promotions: Book with Confidence offers reduced fees

• Apply FCCs strategically: Offset fare differences for more expensive sailings

• Avoid last-minute changes: Fees rise sharply in the final 30 days

11. Comparing Windstar Date Changes with Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineFlexibilityNotes

WindstarModerateFees vary by timing; FCCs available

SeabournModerateCruise credits often available

SilverseaModerateRebooking with penalties

AzamaraFlexibleLimited Book with Confidence promotions

Regent Seven SeasVery FlexibleLuxury, late changes permitted

Windstar is competitive among small-ship luxury lines but less flexible than ultra-luxury cruise lines like Regent.

12. Expert Tips to Move Your Cruise Smoothly

1. Act early: Moving dates before final payment avoids high fees

2. Purchase travel insurance: Protects against unforeseen rescheduling

3. Document everything: Emails, receipts, and confirmations

4. Consult a travel agent: Agents can negotiate rebooking fees or advise on the best new dates

5. Consider cabin options: Changing to a higher-tier cabin incurs additional cost

6. Check promotional restrictions: Some fares may limit flexibility

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I move my Windstar cruise to a different date?

A: Yes, Windstar allows date changes subject to timing, fare type, and cabin availability.

Q2. Are there fees for moving my cruise?

A: Fees depend on when you request the change; early changes may be free, while last-minute changes can cost up to 100% of the fare.

Q3. Can I use a Future Cruise Credit for a date change?

A: Yes, FCCs can often be applied to a new sailing within the allowed timeframe.

Q4. Do I have to pay the fare difference if the new cruise costs more?

A: Yes, any fare difference must be paid to confirm the new date.

Q5. Are there exceptions for group bookings?

A: Group bookings must coordinate changes with Windstar’s group reservations department.

Q6. Does travel insurance cover moving a cruise date?

A: Many policies cover date changes for covered reasons; CFAR coverage provides maximum flexibility.

14.Moving your Windstar cruise to a different date is possible and can be straightforward if you understand the rules and costs.

• Before final payment: Maximum flexibility, often free or minimal fees

• After final payment: Changes are treated as cancellations and rebookings, with fees based on timing

• Flexible fares and Book with Confidence: Minimize or eliminate fees

• Future Cruise Credits: Useful if canceling close to departure

• Travel insurance: Protects against unexpected events

By planning carefully, communicating early with Windstar, and leveraging flexible fare options or FCCs, travelers can successfully move their cruise dates while continuing to enjoy the luxury and intimate experience Windstar Cruises is known for.