Does Windstar Cruises charge for children?

For many families, a cruise vacation is the perfect blend of travel, adventure, and relaxation. Luxury small-ship lines like Windstar Cruises offer a unique experience: intimate yachts, personalized service, and immersive itineraries. But families often ask:

“Does Windstar Cruises charge for children?”

Unlike large family-oriented lines such as Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, Windstar Cruises has a very adult-focused environment, which impacts their policies for children.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know:

• Windstar Cruises’ child age policy

• Whether children pay full fares

• Pricing differences for teens and minors

• Minimum age and supervision rules

• Family accommodations and stateroom arrangements

• Onboard amenities for children

• Tips for families traveling on Windstar

By the end, you’ll understand exactly how Windstar handles children and how to plan a family cruise wisely.

1. Windstar Cruises: An Adult-Focused Cruise Line

Windstar Cruises is primarily designed for adult travelers. Their fleet, including ships like Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Wind Surf, typically hosts 148–342 guests, providing an intimate luxury experience.

Key Points About Windstar’s Adult Orientation:

• No kids’ clubs or youth programs

• No babysitting services

• Gourmet dining with sophisticated menus

• Quiet onboard ambiance

Because of this adult orientation, Windstar’s policies regarding children are stricter than on mainstream family cruises.

2. Minimum Age to Sail

Before discussing charges for children, it’s crucial to understand the minimum age policy:

• Minimum age: 8 years old

• Children under 8 are not allowed to sail

• Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult aged 25 or older

• Solo travelers under 18 are not permitted

This age policy ensures both safety and comfort, as Windstar’s ships are not equipped with childcare facilities, childproof cabins, or kid-friendly amenities.

3. Do Children Pay Full Fare on Windstar Cruises?

Unlike some mainstream cruise lines, Windstar Cruises does not offer discounted fares for children under 18.

Pricing Highlights:

• Children 8–17 years: Pay the full adult fare

• No special “child pricing” or reduced rates

• No third or fourth berth discounts, as most staterooms accommodate 1–2 passengers

This policy reflects Windstar’s focus on adult travelers and ensures the onboard atmosphere remains sophisticated and tranquil.

4. Teen Travelers and Pricing

Teens (13–17 years old) are welcome on Windstar cruises, but there are no discounts or special pricing:

• Teens must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 25 or older

• They pay the same fare as adults

• Teen-focused amenities, activities, or entertainment are not offered

Windstar is best suited for families with older, mature teens who can appreciate fine dining, cultural excursions, and destination-focused adventures.

5. Infant and Toddler Policy

Windstar Cruises does not allow children under 8 years old, which means infants and toddlers cannot board under any circumstances.

Implications:

• No infant pricing exists because children under 8 are not permitted

• Families with babies or toddlers must consider alternative cruise lines, like Disney or Royal Caribbean

This rule is enforced for safety reasons, as Windstar’s small-ship tender system and cabin layout are not suitable for very young children.

6. Family Accommodation and Cabin Arrangements

While Windstar does not target families, it is possible for older children to sail if parents plan carefully.

Cabin Guidelines for Families:

• Guests under 21 must share a cabin with an adult 25+

• Cabins are generally designed for 1–2 passengers; some can accommodate three with a sofa bed

• Connecting cabins may be limited; early booking is essential for families

• Full fare applies regardless of age

Families traveling with teens should request adjacent or connecting staterooms to ensure comfort.

7. Dining Policies for Children

Windstar Cruises provides elegant, adult-oriented dining:

• No dedicated kids’ menu

• No buffet-style “family-friendly” casual dining

• Children can request simpler dishes, such as pasta or grilled chicken, if notified in advance

Parents must manage expectations — younger guests may not find the dining options as playful as mainstream family cruises.

8. Shore Excursion Policies for Children

Windstar’s excursions are designed for mature travelers and can involve:

• Walking tours

• Wine or olive oil tastings

• Snorkeling or kayaking

• Cultural experiences

Child Restrictions:

• Minimum age varies by excursion (typically 8–12 for water sports)

• Parental supervision is mandatory

• Teens can usually participate in adventure activities with parental consent

Families should review excursion details carefully before booking.

9. Alcohol Policies and Age Restrictions

All passengers must follow Windstar’s alcohol rules:

• Legal drinking age: 21 years

• No exceptions, even for international itineraries where local drinking ages are lower

• Minors may be present in public areas but cannot consume alcohol

Parents should ensure teens are aware of these regulations to avoid issues onboard.

10. Health and Safety Policies by Age

Windstar Cruises enforces health and safety policies for children and adults:

• Medical documentation may be required for minors

• Children must be supervised at all times

• Life jackets are available for children 8+

• Shore excursions may require minimum age for safety purposes

These policies help ensure the wellbeing of all passengers while preserving the adult-focused cruise atmosphere.

11. Tips for Traveling with Children on Windstar

While Windstar is adult-oriented, families can still enjoy a luxurious experience if planned carefully:

1. Book early: Cabins suitable for teens are limited.

2. Request dining accommodations: Notify culinary staff of child-friendly options in advance.

3. Choose age-appropriate excursions: Select tours that children can comfortably enjoy.

4. Bring personal entertainment: Tablets, books, and games may be necessary due to lack of kid-specific programs.

5. Supervise teens: There is no staff-provided child supervision.

12. Comparing Windstar to Other Cruise Lines for Children

Cruise LineMinimum AgeChild PricingKids’ ProgramsNotes

Windstar Cruises8+Full fare applies NoneAdult-focused, luxury small ships

Disney Cruise Line6 months+Reduced fares ExtensiveFamily-oriented

Royal Caribbean6 months+Reduced fares ExtensiveLarge ships, family focus

Seabourn6 months+Full fare NoneLuxury, adult-oriented

Oceania Cruises6 months+Full fare NoneMature travelers, upscale experience

As the table shows, Windstar is one of the most adult-oriented cruise lines, and children pay full fare if permitted on board.

13. Pricing Examples for Children

Example 1: Mediterranean Cruise

• Adult fare: $5,000 per person

• Teen fare (13–17 years): $5,000 (full adult fare)

• Child under 8: Not permitted

Example 2: Caribbean Sailing

• Family of four (two adults, two teens)

• Total fare: 4 x $4,200 = $16,800

• No child discount applied

These examples illustrate that Windstar does not provide financial incentives for children, unlike family-focused cruise lines.

14. Travel Insurance for Children

Parents are encouraged to purchase travel insurance for children:

• Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and interruptions

• Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) policies can reimburse prepaid fares, including child fares

• Ensures financial protection since children pay full adult fares

Travel insurance adds peace of mind for families sailing on adult-oriented ships.

15. FAQ Section: Children on Windstar Cruises

Q1. Are children allowed on Windstar Cruises?

A: Yes, children 8 years and older may sail if accompanied by an adult 25+.

Q2. Do children pay full fare?

A: Yes, all children pay the same fare as adults; no discounts.

Q3. Are there kids’ clubs or programs?

A: No. Windstar Cruises does not offer child-specific entertainment or supervision.

Q4. Can teens travel alone?

A: Teens under 21 must share a cabin with an adult 25+; solo travel for minors is not permitted.

Q5. Is there a dining option for children?

A: Windstar can accommodate simple meals upon request but has no dedicated kids’ menu.

Q6. What is the minimum age for excursions?

A: Varies by activity, typically 8–12 years for water or adventure excursions.

Q7. Can children drink alcohol onboard?

A: No, the legal drinking age is 21 years for all passengers.

16. Why Windstar Charges Full Fare for Children

Windstar charges children full fare for several reasons:

• Small-ship luxury requires consistent revenue per cabin

• The onboard experience is adult-focused with no child-specific amenities

• Limited staterooms make discounted child

17. Planning a Family Cruise on Windstar

While Windstar is not a typical family cruise, families with older children can still enjoy:

• Luxury cabins and suites

• Fine dining with simplified meal requests

• Cultural, adventure, and educational shore excursions

• Intimate small-ship experience

Tips:

• Book connecting cabins early

• Plan excursions suited to children’s abilities

• Bring entertainment and activities for downtime

18   Children under 8: Not allowed

• Children 8–17: Allowed but pay full adult fares

• No kids’ clubs or supervised activities

• Teens under 21 must share a cabin with an adult 25+

• Alcohol consumption age: 21+

Windstar Cruises caters to families with older children who are mature enough to enjoy a refined, culture-focused, small-ship environment. However, parents should be aware that children do not receive fare discounts and must follow adult-oriented policies.

For families seeking luxury travel, Windstar offers an exclusive, serene, and personalized experience — but only for children who meet the minimum age and supervision requirements.