How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Windstar Cruises?

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes the cruise you booked for months in advance needs to be rescheduled. Whether it’s a family emergency, work conflict, or a change in travel plans, knowing the cost to change a cruise date with Windstar Cruises is essential.

Windstar Cruises, known for its luxury small-ship itineraries and intimate voyages, has clear policies regarding date changes. However, fees can vary depending on timing, fare type, promotions, and whether travel insurance or flexible booking options were purchased.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore:

• Windstar Cruises’ date change policies

• How fees are calculated

• Timing and penalty schedules

• Flexible fare options

• Future Cruise Credits

• Travel insurance considerations

• Step-by-step process for changing your cruise date

• Expert tips to minimize costs

By the end, you’ll have a complete roadmap for rescheduling your Windstar cruise without unnecessary stress.

1. Understanding Windstar Cruises Date Change Policy

Changing a cruise date with Windstar Cruises is often treated as a booking modification, but the exact cost and process depend on several factors:

• Timing relative to final payment

• Fare type (promotional vs. standard)

• Cabin category and availability

• Travel insurance or flexible fare options

Windstar provides several options for date changes, including direct rescheduling, cancellation with Future Cruise Credit (FCC), or booking a new sailing.

2. When You Can Change a Cruise Date

A. Before Final Payment

Before the final payment due date, Windstar typically allows:

• Free date changes or minimal administrative fees

• Cabin upgrades or changes (payable fare difference only)

• Passenger substitutions with limited restrictions

This is the most cost-effective time to adjust your cruise date.

B. After Final Payment

Once final payment is made:

• Changing a cruise date is usually treated as cancellation of the original booking and rebooking.

• Fees increase as the departure date approaches.

• Fare differences for the new sailing are payable.

C. During Special Flexible Periods

Windstar occasionally offers Book with Confidence or promotional fares:

• Rebook with minimal or no fees up to 48 hours before sailing

• Receive Future Cruise Credit if you need to move your reservation

• Maintain cabin category and booking incentives

These programs are ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules.

3. How Windstar Calculates Date Change Costs

The cost to change a cruise date depends on:

• Timing: How many days before departure you request the change

• Cabin fare differences: Any increase in price for the new sailing

• Promotion restrictions: Certain discounted fares may be non-changeable

• Administrative fees: Standard fee applied per passenger

Typical Fee Structure (Approximate):

Days Before SailingDate Change Cost

More than 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 days or less100% of fare (full penalty)

Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary by itinerary, promotions, and cabin category. Always confirm with Windstar Reservations.

4. Future Cruise Credits (FCCs)

If you must cancel and reschedule:

• Windstar issues Future Cruise Credits equivalent to the amount paid

• FCCs can be applied to another sailing within a specified timeframe

• FCCs help avoid cash loss for date changes close to departure

Benefits of FCCs:

• No immediate out-of-pocket fee for cancellation

• Maintain booking incentives or perks

• Flexible application to different itineraries or cabins

5. Fare Differences

Even with FCCs, fare differences may apply if the new sailing is more expensive:

• You pay the difference for higher-cost cabins

• Lower-cost sailings may result in partial credit balance for future use

• Promotional fares may limit fare adjustments

6. Flexible Fares and “Book with Confidence” Programs

Windstar’s flexible booking options reduce date change costs:

• Book with Confidence: Change dates up to 48 hours before sailing with no penalty

• Travel Insurance Add-ons: Cover fees for rescheduling for covered reasons

• Ideal for travelers with uncertain schedules or international flights

7. Travel Insurance Considerations

Purchasing travel insurance can significantly reduce the financial impact of changing your cruise date:

• Covers trip cancellation or interruption

• Reimburses rebooking fees under covered reasons

• Protects against medical emergencies

• Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage provides maximum flexibility

Tip: Review policies carefully to confirm date change coverage.

8. Step-by-Step Process to Change Your Cruise Date

Step 1: Review Your Booking

• Check fare type, payment status, and current itinerary

• Confirm any promotional restrictions or flexible booking options

Step 2: Contact Windstar Reservations

• U.S./Canada: 1-888-526-2803

• International: Refer to Windstar’s regional contact numbers

Step 3: Provide Booking Details

• Reservation number

• Passenger names

• Requested new sailing date

Step 4: Confirm Fees and Fare Differences

• Ask for a breakdown of administrative fees and fare differences

• Confirm cabin availability for the new date

Step 5: Receive Updated Confirmation

• Ensure all new dates, cabin assignments, and excursions are updated in your confirmation

• Verify any FCC application or new payment

Step 6: Adjust Travel Plans

• Flights, transfers, and shore excursions may need updating

• Notify travel agents, airlines, or local transport providers as needed

9. Rebooking Special Situations

A. Group Bookings

• Rebooking may require approval from Windstar’s group department

• Individual passengers in a group may have limited flexibility

B. Cruise + Air Packages

• Air tickets booked through Windstar may have separate change fees

• Airline policies apply for ticket modifications

C. Shore Excursion Adjustments

• Excursions can be rebooked alongside the cruise if availability allows

10. Timing Tips to Minimize Cost

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

• Consider flexible promotions: Look for Book with Confidence fares

• Use FCCs strategically: Apply credit toward more expensive future sailings

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

11. Comparing Windstar Date Change Costs with Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineCost to Change DateFlexible Programs

WindstarModerateBook with Confidence, FCCs

SeabournModerateCruise credits for rebooking

SilverseaModerateRebooking with penalties

AzamaraFlexibleLimited Book with Confidence options

Regent Seven SeasVery FlexibleLuxury, late changes allowed

Windstar’s policies are competitive in the small-ship luxury segment but less flexible than ultra-luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas.

12. Expert Advice to Minimize Date Change Costs

• Act early: Move dates before final payment to avoid penalties

• Purchase travel insurance: Helps cover fees for unforeseen changes

• Keep all communications documented with Windstar

• Consult a travel advisor: Agents can navigate complex rebooking policies and negotiate fees

• Consider cabin selection: Changing to a higher-tier cabin incurs additional costs

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much does it cost to change a Windstar cruise date?

A: Costs vary based on timing and fare type. Early changes may be free, while changes within 30 days of departure can cost up to 100% of the fare.

Q2. Can I change my cruise date without paying a fee?

A: Yes, if done before final payment or under a flexible promotion like Book with Confidence.

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

A: Yes, FCCs can often be applied to reschedule a sailing.

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

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

Q5. Are there exceptions for group bookings?

A: Group bookings must coordinate changes through Windstar’s group department, with limited flexibility.

Q6. Does travel insurance cover date changes?

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

14. Changing a cruise date with Windstar Cruises is possible, but the cost depends on timing, fare type, cabin selection, and booking flexibility.

• Before final payment: Changes are usually free or minimal

• After final payment: Penalties apply based on days before sailing

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

• Future Cruise Credits: Preserve value if cancellation is necessary

• Travel insurance: Provides protection for unexpected changes

By understanding Windstar’s policies and planning proactively, travelers can confidently adjust cruise dates while enjoying the luxury, intimate, and personalized experiences that Windstar is known for.