What is considered a group booking on Windstar Cruises?

Sailing with Windstar Cruises is all about small-ship luxury, personalized service, and immersive travel experiences. With only 148 to 342 guests onboard, each voyage feels intimate, exclusive, and elegant — the kind of setting where travelers can truly connect with destinations and each other.

But what if you’re planning to travel with family, friends, colleagues, or a club? That’s when group bookings come into play.

Whether it’s a family reunion, a corporate retreat, a wedding at sea, or a group of friends celebrating a milestone, Windstar offers unique group programs designed for shared experiences without compromising its signature luxury.

So, what exactly counts as a group booking on Windstar Cruises? How do you qualify, and what special perks come with it?

This comprehensive 2025 guide explains everything — from group booking requirements and benefits to policies, payments, and insider tips to make your voyage smooth and memorable.

1. What Is a Group Booking on Windstar Cruises?

A group booking on Windstar Cruises is defined as a reservation involving multiple staterooms booked together under one group contract or number, with shared benefits and coordinated arrangements.

Generally, Windstar considers a booking a “group” when it includes at least 8 guests occupying 4 or more staterooms on the same sailing.

Official Definition:A Windstar Cruises group booking typically starts at 4 double-occupancy cabins (8 guests) booked under a single group code, qualifying for special amenities, discounts, and onboard benefits.

However, larger groups (10+ cabins or 20+ guests) often receive additional incentives, such as bonus amenities, reduced deposits, or tour credits.

2. Why Windstar Cruises Is Perfect for Group Travel

Windstar’s small-ship style makes it ideal for group travel — especially for those who prefer sophistication over crowds. Unlike massive ships carrying thousands, Windstar’s fleet offers an intimate, relaxed, and highly customizable group experience.

Key Reasons Groups Love Windstar:

1. Intimate Ships:With fewer passengers, your group can easily gather, dine, and socialize without chaos.

2. Personalized Service:Windstar’s crew-to-guest ratio ensures every group member receives exceptional attention.

3. Private Events:Groups can arrange private cocktail parties, dinners, or shore excursions.

4. Unique Itineraries:From the Mediterranean to Tahiti, Windstar sails to ports that larger ships can’t reach.

5. Luxury and Comfort:Every stateroom offers high-end amenities, ocean views, and fine dining experiences curated by world-class chefs.

6. Perfect for Special Occasions:Ideal for weddings, anniversaries, corporate retreats, alumni gatherings, or themed trips.

3. How Many People Make a Group on Windstar Cruises?

Windstar defines a group primarily by the number of cabins, not just passengers.

Minimum Group Size Requirement:

• 4 double-occupancy cabins (8 guests) minimum

• Must all be booked under the same group number or group ID

• Must sail on the same ship and sailing date

That’s the threshold for qualifying as a group booking and unlocking Windstar’s group amenities program.

However, Windstar recognizes larger groups in tiers:

Group TypeCabins/GuestsTypical Benefits

Small Group4–7 cabins / 8–14 guestsBasic amenities, 1 complimentary credit

Mid-Size Group8–14 cabins / 16–28 guestsAdded perks, tour credits, cocktail party

Large Group15+ cabins / 30+ guestsExtra incentives, customized events

Note: Windstar may offer flexibility for special-interest groups or incentive travel programs, even if you have slightly fewer than the required cabins.

4. Types of Group Bookings Windstar Supports

Windstar Cruises welcomes a variety of group types, each with unique benefits and customization options:

A. Family and Friends Groups

Perfect for reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations.Benefits include:

• Coordinated dining

• Group photos

• Private celebrations

B. Corporate and Incentive Groups

Windstar’s elegant ships are excellent for executive retreats, sales incentives, or team-building events.You can host meetings, private dining, and excursions tailored to your company’s goals.

C. Wedding and Vow Renewal Groups

Windstar offers destination wedding packages and romantic venues onboard for small, private ceremonies or vow renewals.

D. Affinity and Hobby Groups

From wine enthusiasts and yoga clubs to alumni associations, Windstar can organize themed cruises or group-specific activities.

E. Charter Groups

For very large groups or exclusive experiences, Windstar allows full-ship charters. This means your group can book the entire ship and completely personalize the voyage itinerary, menu, and entertainment.

5. Benefits of a Group Booking on Windstar Cruises

Booking as a group unlocks exclusive rewards and privileges that individual reservations don’t qualify for.

Key Perks Include:

A. Group Amenity Points (GAP)

Windstar’s signature GAP program rewards group organizers with amenity points that can be exchanged for benefits like:

• Onboard credit

• Cocktail parties

• Wine or beverage packages

• Private dining events

• Shore excursion discounts

Each group earns a specific number of points depending on size, cruise duration, and fare type.

B. Discounted Group Rates

Group fares often include discounts compared to individual prices, especially for early bookings or off-peak sailings.

C. Reduced Deposits

Groups may enjoy lower per-person deposits, making it easier to confirm multiple cabins early.

D. Flexible Payments

Windstar offers extended payment schedules for group bookings, giving organizers time to collect funds from participants.

E. Complimentary Cabins or Berths

Large groups may qualify for Tour Conductor Credits (TCCs) — essentially free berths for every certain number of paid passengers (commonly one free berth per 9 or 10 paid).

F. Priority Group Dining

Windstar arranges group seating at specialty restaurants or private sections for communal dinners.

G. Private Events

Groups can reserve lounges, deck spaces, or restaurants for private cocktail parties, meetings, or celebrations.

H. Personalized Support

Each group is assigned a dedicated Windstar Groups Coordinator to manage logistics, dining, amenities, and special requests.

6. Group Booking Process: Step-by-Step

Organizing a Windstar group is straightforward when following these steps:

Step 1: Contact Windstar or a Travel Advisor

Reach out to Windstar’s Group Sales Department or your preferred travel advisor. Discuss your group type, size, travel dates, and destination preferences.

Step 2: Receive a Group Proposal

You’ll get a customized proposal outlining cabin options, pricing, deposit requirements, and amenity points.

Step 3: Place a Group Hold

A group hold secures a limited number of cabins at a guaranteed rate for a set period (often 30–60 days).

Step 4: Collect Deposits

Each participant pays a deposit to confirm their stateroom under the group booking.

Step 5: Finalize Group Amenities

Work with Windstar’s coordinator to select amenities using your group points — such as onboard credit, private events, or beverage packages.

Step 6: Submit Final Payment

Usually due 90–120 days before sailing, depending on the itinerary.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Voyage

Windstar ensures seamless check-in, group seating, and coordination during the cruise.

7. Deposit and Payment Policies for Group Bookings

Windstar’s group payment terms are slightly more flexible than individual bookings.

Typical Deposit Structure:

• Initial Group Deposit:

  • Small groups: $250 per person (varies by itinerary)

  • Large groups: Negotiable, sometimes reduced for early bookings

• Final Payment:

  • Due 90–120 days before sailing

Payment Benefits for Groups:

• Time to collect deposits from participants

• Option to adjust or release unsold cabins before final payment

• Possibility of reduced cancellation penalties during the early booking window

8. Group Cancellation and Adjustment Policy

Groups can release unsold cabins or adjust their group size before the final payment date without penalty.

After final payment, cancellations or name changes follow Windstar’s standard terms, which may include:

• Partial forfeiture of deposits

• Name change or substitution fees

• Adjustment of earned amenity points if the group size decreases

Pro Tip:

Keep track of your group’s confirmed count. If the number of paid cabins drops below four, you may lose group status and related benefits.

9. Onboard Experience for Groups

Windstar ensures your group experience is smooth from embarkation to disembarkation.

Group Check-In

Group travelers may enjoy coordinated check-in and embarkation assistance, especially for large or chartered groups.

Private Events

Reserve spaces such as:

• The Lounge (for presentations or receptions)

• Yacht Club Café (for coffee meet-ups)

• Open decks (for sunset parties or celebrations)

Group Dining

Windstar can seat groups together or in smaller clusters. Special menus or wine pairings can be arranged.

Excursions

Groups can request customized shore excursions or private tours, tailored to their interests and pace.

10. Special Perks for Group Leaders and Travel Agents

Group organizers, tour leaders, or travel agents receive exclusive rewards:

Tour Conductor Credit (TCC)

Earn one free berth for every 9 or 10 full-fare guests, depending on the itinerary.

Commission Bonuses

Travel agents may receive enhanced commissions for group sales.

Complimentary Perks

For larger groups, Windstar may offer:

• Complimentary upgrades

• Free onboard credit

• Welcome gifts for guests

11. Themed or Affinity Group Cruises

Windstar supports custom-themed voyages, where groups can bring their own experts, entertainment, or hosts onboard.

Examples include:

• Wine or Culinary Cruises with guest chefs or sommeliers

• Wellness or Yoga Cruises

• Cultural Immersion Voyages

• Photography or Art Workshops

• Alumni or Educational Groups

Windstar’s staff helps coordinate onboard activities, marketing materials, and private spaces for your group’s theme.

12. Private Ship Charters

For the ultimate group experience, Windstar allows full ship charters.

This gives you total control over:

• Itinerary

• Menus

• Entertainment

• Branding and décor

Charters are popular with corporations, universities, incentive travel groups, or families seeking complete exclusivity.

Pricing varies by ship and itinerary but typically includes:

• All cabins

• Crew services

• Meals and beverages

• Full use of facilities

13. Benefits of Booking Early as a Group

Booking early ensures:

• Best cabin selection

• Access to group amenities before they sell out

• Locked-in rates before price increases

• More time for members to plan and pay

Windstar often releases group promotions or bonus amenity points for early organizers.

14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the minimum number of cabins for a group booking?

At least 4 double-occupancy cabins (8 guests) traveling on the same sailing.

Q2: Can I combine individual bookings into a group later?

Yes, but only if all cabins are on the same sailing and fare codes match. Contact Windstar early to consolidate.

Q3: Are group deposits refundable?

Deposits are generally refundable until the final payment date, following Windstar’s policy.

Q4: What are GAP points?

Group Amenity Points are rewards Windstar grants groups to redeem for perks like onboard credit, private events, or beverage packages.

Q5: Can group members pay separately?

Yes, each cabin can make payments individually while remaining part of the same group.

Q6: Can we book shore excursions privately?

Absolutely. Windstar can organize exclusive private tours tailored to your group.

Q7: Can we combine a wedding or event with a group cruise?

Yes. Windstar offers wedding-at-sea packages and supports onboard or portside ceremonies.

Q8: What if our group size drops below the minimum?

You may lose group benefits or pricing if fewer than four cabins remain confirmed.

15. Pro Tips for Successful Group Bookings

1. Start Planning Early:Group availability on small ships fills quickly.

2. Appoint a Group Leader:Designate one main contact for communications.

3. Use a Professional Travel Advisor:They handle logistics, payments, and negotiation of perks.

4. Track Payments Carefully:Keep a spreadsheet of deposits, balances, and deadlines.

5. Stay Organized:Request regular status updates from Windstar’s Group Coordinator.

6. Choose Off-Peak Dates:Shoulder season sailings may offer better pricing and availability.

7. Customize Your Voyage:Use GAP points for cocktail receptions or onboard credits to enhance the experience.

16.Group booking on Windstar Cruises

A group booking on Windstar Cruises begins with just four cabins or eight guests — the perfect size for families, friends, or small organizations seeking an exclusive, personalized cruise experience.

From flexible payments and group discounts to special onboard perks and private events, Windstar’s group program makes it easy to celebrate, connect, and explore the world together.

Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, a corporate getaway, or a themed voyage, Windstar’s dedicated team ensures every detail is handled with elegance and care.

With their intimate ships, luxurious accommodations, and customizable itineraries, your group will enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey that combines adventure, comfort, and togetherness — the true essence of sailing with Windstar.