Can I reschedule my Windstar Cruises?

Windstar Cruises offers a luxurious small-ship cruising experience that combines personalized service, unique itineraries, and intimate onboard ambiance. But what happens when your travel plans change? Life events, health concerns, or unexpected commitments can sometimes force you to reschedule your Windstar cruise.

The good news is that Windstar provides a flexible system for rescheduling bookings, allowing travelers to adjust sailing dates, itineraries, or cabins under certain conditions. However, it’s essential to understand the rules, timelines, and potential fees involved before making changes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to reschedule your Windstar Cruises voyage, outline applicable fees and policies, and share expert tips to make the process smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

1. Understanding Rescheduling on Windstar Cruises

Rescheduling means changing the sailing date or itinerary of your existing cruise booking. This process allows travelers to postpone their trip to a later date or switch to a different cruise route, depending on availability and fare conditions.

Why Passengers Reschedule:

• Personal schedule changes (work, family, or health issues)

• Travel restrictions or emergencies

• Desire to sail a different itinerary or season

• Weather-related concerns or global events

Windstar understands that plans can evolve, which is why the cruise line provides flexible rebooking policies — particularly for guests who inform the company well in advance of their scheduled departure.

2. Key Rescheduling Policies

Before initiating the rescheduling process, it’s crucial to understand Windstar’s official policies regarding changes to your booking.

A. Timing Matters

Windstar applies different policies depending on how close to your departure date the rescheduling request is made.

• Early reschedules (before final payment): Usually allowed with minimal or no fees.

• Late reschedules (after final payment): May incur change or cancellation fees.

B. Fare Type

Your fare type determines your flexibility:

• Standard Fares: Usually offer reasonable flexibility with standard fees.

• Promotional Fares or Special Offers: May have restricted change policies.

• Group Bookings: Often governed by specific terms set by the group contract.

C. Cabin Availability

Rescheduling depends on cabin availability for your new desired sailing date. Suites and premium cabins fill quickly, so it’s wise to plan early if rescheduling is necessary.

3. When Can You Reschedule a Windstar Cruise?

Windstar allows rescheduling in most cases, provided the request meets the company’s deadlines and availability criteria.

A. Before Final Payment

• Easiest and most flexible time to reschedule

• No penalties, only fare differences apply

• You can change dates, itineraries, or cabins

B. After Final Payment

• Changes may incur fees or fare adjustments

• Subject to Windstar’s cancellation and rebooking policy

• New sailing must typically occur within a specific time window

4. Step-by-Step Process to Reschedule Your Cruise

Rescheduling your Windstar cruise involves a few key steps.

Step 1: Review Your Booking Details

Before reaching out, review:

• Your booking confirmation number

• Sailing date and itinerary

• Fare rules and deadlines listed in your confirmation

Step 2: Contact Windstar Guest Services

You can contact Windstar directly through:

• Phone: Call Windstar’s reservations team during business hours

• Email: Send a written request with your booking details and preferred new dates

• Travel agent: If you booked through an agent, they’ll manage the process for you

Step 3: Discuss Options

The Windstar representative will provide details on:

• Available sailings

• Fare differences between old and new dates

• Applicable change or service fees

Step 4: Confirm Your New Sailing

Once you’ve selected your new itinerary:

• Pay any additional fare differences

• Review the updated terms and conditions

• Receive your new cruise confirmation

Step 5: Update Travel Arrangements

After rescheduling your cruise, don’t forget to adjust:

• Flights and hotel bookings

• Shore excursions

• Travel insurance dates

5. Rescheduling Fees and Fare Differences

While Windstar strives to maintain flexibility, certain fees and policies apply depending on timing and fare type.

A. Standard Fees

• Early reschedules: Typically free or low cost

• Late reschedules: May include change fees or rebooking charges

B. Fare Differences

• If your new cruise is more expensive, you’ll need to pay the difference.

• If it’s cheaper, the difference may be issued as a future cruise credit, depending on fare terms.

C. Non-Refundable Promotions

Some promotional fares may not allow rescheduling, or they may require forfeiture of deposits.

6. Travel Agent Assistance

If you booked through a travel agent, all rescheduling must go through them.

Benefits of Using an Agent:

• They handle all communication with Windstar

• May offer exclusive deals or waived fees

• Can assist with rebooking flights, transfers, and excursions

Travel agents can also help compare fare differences and secure the best available cabins on your new sailing.

7. Rescheduling After Final Payment

Once you’ve made your final payment, the flexibility decreases.

Options After Final Payment:

• You can change your sailing for a fee plus fare difference.

• If the change occurs too close to the sailing date, it may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking.

Timeline and Fee Examples:

While exact fees vary, as a general industry guideline:

• More than 120 days before sailing: Minimal or no fees

• 90–119 days: Small change fee

• Less than 60 days: May forfeit deposit or partial fare

(Always confirm Windstar’s latest terms directly when rescheduling.)

8. Rescheduling Group Bookings

If you’re traveling as part of a group, the group contract terms govern rescheduling policies.

• Some group fares are locked, meaning no date changes are allowed.

• Others allow limited flexibility depending on group size and booking date.

• Group leaders or travel agents usually manage these adjustments.

9. Travel Insurance and Rescheduling Protection

Travel insurance is vital when planning any cruise, especially when rescheduling is possible.

Why It Matters:

• Covers unexpected medical issues or emergencies

• May reimburse change or cancellation fees

• Provides protection if flights or transfers are affected

Types of Coverage:

• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Most flexible — allows changes for personal reasons

• Standard Cruise Insurance: Covers illness, weather, and emergencies

Having proper insurance ensures your rescheduling costs remain manageable.

10. Tips to Reschedule Smoothly

1. Act Early: The earlier you reschedule, the lower the fees.

2. Stay Flexible: Being open to different itineraries and dates increases your options.

3. Keep Records: Save all communication and updated booking confirmations.

4. Verify Fare Differences: Ensure you understand any additional costs before confirming.

5. Check Promotions: New sailings might have special offers you can take advantage of.

6. Coordinate Flights and Hotels: Don’t forget to adjust all associated travel plans.

11. Common Scenarios for Rescheduling

A. Illness or Medical Emergency

Windstar may accommodate medical reschedules with documentation, often waiving or reducing fees.

B. Weather Disruptions

Severe weather can sometimes force rescheduling, and Windstar typically offers flexible rebooking options.

C. Family or Work Emergencies

With advance notice, Windstar may allow movement to another sailing, especially if cabins are available.

D. Travel Restrictions

In case of government-imposed travel restrictions, Windstar usually provides credit or rebooking options.

12. Comparing Rescheduling vs. Cancelling

Sometimes, passengers debate whether to reschedule or cancel.

ActionFlexibilityFinancial ImpactBest For

ReschedulingModerate to highLow to medium feesTravelers who still plan to cruise later

CancellingLowHigh (possible forfeiture)Those unable to travel at all

Rescheduling is often the more cost-effective and flexible choice, especially if your goal is to sail with Windstar at a later date.

13. Managing Airfare and Excursions After Rescheduling

Changing your cruise dates often means updating flights, pre/post hotels, and excursions.

Flights:

• Contact your airline or Windstar Air Department if booked through the cruise line.

• Some airline tickets may incur change fees or fare differences.

Shore Excursions:

• Excursions tied to your original sailing will be automatically canceled and can be rebooked for your new cruise.

Hotels and Transfers:

• Adjust or rebook hotels, especially if arranged via Windstar’s pre/post packages.

14. Rescheduling Multiple Cabins

If you’ve booked multiple cabins or a family group, it’s best to:

• Reschedule all cabins at once to maintain coordination.

• Confirm availability for all guests before finalizing.

• Consider group rebooking options if large parties are involved.

15. How COVID-19 Changed Rescheduling Policies

During the pandemic, Windstar implemented temporary flexible booking policies, allowing guests to change or cancel with minimal penalties.

While policies have since normalized, the company continues to emphasize guest-friendly options to support flexibility.

Always check Windstar’s latest “Book with Confidence” updates for current policies.

16. Contact Details for Rescheduling

• Windstar Cruises Reservations: +1-206-552-0402

• Toll-Free (U.S. & Canada): 1-888-526-0370

• Email: info@windstarcruises.com

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)

Tip: Have your booking number and preferred new dates ready for faster service.

17. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I reschedule my Windstar cruise without penalty?

• If done before final payment, yes. Afterward, fees or fare differences may apply.

Q2: Can I move my booking to a different itinerary?

• Yes, subject to availability and fare adjustments.

Q3: How many times can I reschedule?

• Typically once, but additional changes may incur extra fees.

Q4: Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

• Windstar may allow name transfers in limited cases — contact Guest Services.

Q5: Will I lose my deposit if I reschedule?

• Usually not, if the booking is transferred to a new date within the allowed window.

18. Advantages of Rescheduling

• Preserves your cruise investment

• Allows flexibility for changing life circumstances

• Offers potential to upgrade cabins or itineraries

• Helps avoid full cancellation penalties

19. Disadvantages of Rescheduling

• May involve fare differences or fees

• Availability on preferred dates may be limited

• Promotional fares may have restricted flexibility

20. Expert Tips to Maximize Value

1. Monitor New Offers: Your new sailing might come with better deals.

2. Reschedule During Off-Peak Times: Availability and lower fares improve flexibility.

3. Stay Proactive: Contact Windstar early to discuss options.

4. Use Future Cruise Credits Wisely: Learn how to reschedule your Windstar Cruises booking easily. Explore policies, fees, timelines, procedures, and expert tips to modify your luxury cruise without stress.