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When planning a luxury voyage with Windstar Cruises, flexibility is an important factor. While travelers look forward to the intimate yacht-style experiences Windstar is known for, sometimes plans change unexpectedly. Illness, emergencies, or shifting schedules can force you to reconsider your trip — and that’s when understanding Windstar Cruises’ cancellation policy becomes crucial.
As of 2025, Windstar Cruises continues to offer a structured but traveler-friendly cancellation policy designed to balance guest flexibility with business commitments. Whether you’ve booked directly through Windstar or via a travel advisor, it’s essential to know your options, deadlines, and refund eligibility before making any changes.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore:
Whether Windstar Cruises currently allows cancellations
How the policy works for different fare types
Refund timelines and cancellation fees
How to rebook, postpone, or transfer your cruise credit
Key tips to protect your money and maximize flexibility
Let’s dive in.
Yes, as of 2025, Windstar Cruises is allowing cancellations for all guests, but the specific refund or penalty depends on when you cancel and how you booked your cruise.
Windstar follows a tiered cancellation schedule — meaning, the closer you get to your sail date, the higher your penalty will be. This approach ensures fairness to both guests and the cruise line, as last-minute cancellations are harder to resell.
While policies can vary slightly by fare type or promotion, the general rules are:
Cancellations made far in advance (90+ days) – Usually qualify for a full refund minus deposit or full refund depending on fare rules.
Cancellations made within 89–60 days – Subject to a 25–50% penalty.
Cancellations made within 59–0 days – Subject to higher penalties or total loss of fare.
The exact timing and refund percentage depend on your itinerary, booking channel, and any special offers applied at the time of purchase.
As a general guideline, Windstar applies the following standard cancellation schedule (subject to change and confirmation upon booking):
Days Before DepartureCancellation Fee
121+ daysDeposit only
120–90 days15% of fare
89–60 days25% of fare
59–30 days50% of fare
29–0 days100% of fare
This means if you cancel 4+ months in advance, you’ll likely lose only your deposit. However, if you wait until the final month before sailing, you could lose the full cost.
Pro Tip: Always confirm your exact fare conditions before booking. Promotional or discounted rates sometimes carry stricter terms with reduced flexibility.
In response to recent global travel disruptions, Windstar introduced Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) to give guests more flexibility. If you cancel within a certain period or under extenuating circumstances, Windstar may offer an FCC instead of a refund.
FCCs are:
Valid typically for 12–24 months from issue date.
Can be applied toward any future Windstar cruise.
Non-transferable and non-refundable once reissued.
This is an excellent way to postpone your cruise rather than lose your funds altogether.
If you’re unsure about when you can sail again, a refund is the safest route (when eligible). However, if you already have your eyes on another itinerary or expect to rebook soon, accepting an FCC can be advantageous — particularly if Windstar offers additional incentives such as bonus credits or onboard spending money.
Guests who booked directly with Windstar Cruises can easily cancel by contacting the company through one of the following channels:
Phone: Call Windstar Cruises’ Guest Services or Reservation line at 1-800-258-7245 (U.S. & Canada).
Email: Write to info@windstarcruises.com or your assigned vacation planner.
Website Form: Log into your Windstar account and submit a cancellation or modification request under “Manage My Booking.”
When you call or email, have your booking number, sailing date, and guest details ready.
If your reservation was made through a travel advisor or agency, you must contact them directly. Travel agents manage cancellations, rebookings, and refunds on your behalf.
Windstar will process the refund or FCC only through your original booking channel, so it’s important not to bypass your agent.
If you booked via an online travel platform (like Expedia, CruiseDirect, or VacationsToGo), reach out to their customer support team. Each third-party seller has unique refund handling timelines and administrative fees.
Windstar typically processes refunds within 30–60 days of receiving your cancellation request. However, depending on your payment method and bank, it could take slightly longer for funds to appear on your account.
If you receive an FCC, expect to get a confirmation email within 7–14 business days detailing your credit balance, validity period, and how to apply it to your next booking.
Windstar is compassionate about genuine emergencies. If you or an immediate family member experiences a medical condition, injury, or death preventing travel, Windstar may consider waiving part of the cancellation penalty.
You’ll need to submit:
A medical certificate from a licensed practitioner
Proof of relation (if applicable)
A formal written request to Guest Services
Approval is at Windstar’s discretion, but in many cases, they provide a Future Cruise Credit as goodwill.
If Windstar cancels your cruise (due to weather, mechanical issues, or operational changes), guests are typically entitled to:
A full refund of the paid fare, or
A Future Cruise Credit (FCC) with added onboard credit incentives
Windstar will communicate directly via email or your booking agent, explaining your compensation and rebooking options.
If government or port regulations prevent your cruise from sailing, Windstar generally offers rebooking options or FCCs rather than automatic cash refunds. The specific policy depends on the destination and timing of the disruption.
To safeguard your travel investment, Windstar highly recommends purchasing travel insurance — either their in-house protection plan or a third-party policy.
Travel insurance typically covers:
Cancellations due to illness, injury, or death
Job loss or work conflicts
Flight delays or missed departures
Medical emergencies during travel
Windstar’s own Vacation Protection Plan offers reimbursement for covered reasons and may include partial refunds even under normally nonrefundable circumstances. Always read your policy carefully before purchase.
If you’re hesitant about losing money but unsure about your current sailing date, you can reschedule your cruise instead of cancelling entirely.
Windstar’s Change Policy allows:
One complimentary change (if made before final payment deadline).
Subsequent changes with a small administrative fee.
Fare difference adjustments if your new cruise costs more or less.
This option provides maximum flexibility, especially if your schedule is uncertain but you still intend to sail in the future.
Book Early with Flexible Fares: Windstar occasionally offers “Book with Confidence” or “Risk-Free” promotions — take advantage of these for lenient cancellation terms.
Pay Attention to Final Payment Dates: If you’re unsure, avoid paying the full amount too early. Deposits are smaller and more flexible.
Use Travel Insurance Wisely: Opt for a “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) plan for ultimate protection.
Stay Informed: Policies evolve; always confirm the most recent rules before cancelling.
Contact Guest Services Quickly: The earlier you act, the higher your refund eligibility.
Situation: A guest booked a Mediterranean voyage but needs to cancel 130 days before sailing.Outcome: The guest loses only their deposit and receives the rest of the payment refunded.
Situation: A traveler cancels two months before departure due to a work schedule change.Outcome: Windstar deducts 25–50% of the fare as a cancellation fee.
Situation: A family emergency forces a last-minute cancellation.Outcome: The booking is nonrefundable, but the guest may receive a Future Cruise Credit if documentation is provided.
If you received an FCC from Windstar, here’s how to use it:
Log in to your Windstar account or contact Guest Services.
Choose your new itinerary – FCCs can apply to any destination or sailing.
Provide your FCC code (from your confirmation email).
Apply it at checkout or through your travel advisor.
You can combine FCCs with additional payments or promotions, though certain restrictions may apply.
For any cancellation or policy questions, you can reach Windstar Cruises directly:
Phone (U.S. & Canada): 1-800-258-7245
International: +1-206-292-6000
Email: info@windstarcruises.com
Mail: Windstar Cruises, 2101 4th Avenue, Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
Website: www.windstarcruises.com
Customer service hours are typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (Pacific Time).
If you booked as part of a group cruise, cancellation policies may differ slightly. Group fares often include different deposit structures and specific group terms.
In many cases, Windstar provides more leniency for group organizers, but penalties for last-minute individual cancellations can still apply. Always verify your group agreement for exact details.
Yes, but refund eligibility depends on timing. With a “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance plan, you can cancel at any time and still recover part of your fare.
Yes, but cancellation fees increase significantly after the final payment date.
In most cases, yes — Windstar allows name changes or booking transfers up to 30 days before sailing for a small administrative fee.
Yes, deposits are typically nonrefundable unless covered by specific promotions or insurance.
Windstar will notify you directly if you qualify for an FCC or if one is automatically applied after your cancellation.
Yes — absolutely. However, the level of refund or flexibility depends heavily on when and how you cancel.
Windstar’s current 2025 cancellation policy remains one of the more straightforward and guest-friendly among luxury cruise lines. Guests who plan ahead, read the fine print, and use travel insurance can protect their investment and sail with confidence.
Whether you choose to cancel, reschedule, or accept a Future Cruise Credit, Windstar ensures that every traveler has options. The key is timing — act early, communicate clearly, and know your rights.
With the right preparation, your Windstar experience remains flexible, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to your needs.
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