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Windstar Cruises is renowned for its luxurious small-ship voyages that explore hidden harbors, exotic coastlines, and iconic destinations with personalized service and elegance. However, like any cruise line, life happens — and sometimes plans need to change.
Whether you want to adjust your sailing date, modify your itinerary, upgrade your stateroom, or change passenger details, understanding Windstar Cruises’ change fees and policies is essential to avoid unexpected costs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
What counts as a booking change on Windstar Cruises
The cost of making changes before or after final payment
Name-change policies
How to modify cruise dates or itineraries
Windstar’s “Book with Confidence” and flexible change options
Travel insurance considerations
Expert tips to minimize or avoid change fees
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to handle any modifications to your Windstar booking confidently and cost-effectively.
When you book a Windstar cruise, your reservation is governed by the Windstar Cruises Terms & Conditions, which outline the procedures and fees associated with modifying your trip.
Windstar’s booking structure divides changes into two main categories:
Before final payment date: You have greater flexibility and minimal or no change fees.
After final payment date: Changes are more restrictive and may incur significant fees.
Let’s explore what qualifies as a “change” and how Windstar handles them.
Windstar considers the following as booking changes:
Date change: Moving your cruise to another sailing date.
Itinerary change: Switching from one route to another (e.g., from a Mediterranean to a Caribbean sailing).
Guest substitution: Replacing one traveler’s name with another.
Cabin upgrade/downgrade: Changing stateroom category or ship section.
Cruise-tour adjustments: Modifying pre- or post-cruise hotel or land packages.
Even small changes — such as swapping passenger names or adjusting your cabin — can incur fees depending on when and how the change is made.
If you haven’t reached your final payment due date, Windstar Cruises is relatively flexible.
Typically, you can modify your booking with little to no penalty if:
You’re switching to a different sailing of equal or greater value.
You’re staying within the same calendar year or promotional period.
Your booking was made directly with Windstar (not through a third-party travel agent).
Date changes: Often free if done before final payment.
Name changes: Usually allowed without penalty before tickets are issued.
Upgrades: You can upgrade your stateroom by paying the fare difference.
Price drops: If your fare decreases before final payment, you may be eligible for an adjustment (check with Windstar or your agent).
This flexibility makes early planning less stressful, especially for travelers uncertain about exact vacation dates.
Once you’ve made your final payment, Windstar’s change policies become stricter. Any alterations are subject to cancellation and rebooking procedures, meaning you may lose part of your fare depending on when the change is requested.
Up to 120 days before sailing: No penalty for minor changes.
119–90 days before sailing: A service charge may apply (typically $100–$200 per person).
89–60 days before sailing: Up to 25% of the fare may be forfeited.
59–30 days before sailing: Up to 50% penalty.
29–15 days before sailing: Up to 75% penalty.
14 days or less: 100% cancellation fee (no refund).
If you change your sailing after the final payment window, it’s usually treated as a cancellation and rebooking rather than a “simple change.”
This policy is standard among luxury cruise lines, as cabins are perishable inventory that become harder to sell closer to departure.
Windstar allows name substitutions in limited cases.
Before final payment: You can often change a traveler’s name without penalty, provided the booking remains under the same reservation number.
After final payment: Name changes are treated as cancellations and rebookings. A fee of around $100 per guest may apply, plus any fare differences.
For group bookings, Windstar may allow substitutions for one or more travelers if done before ticket issuance.
Pro Tip: Always double-check that your passport and reservation details match exactly — small spelling errors can sometimes count as “name changes” and result in extra costs.
Sometimes, your travel schedule shifts, or a different itinerary catches your eye. In such cases, you may want to move your cruise to another sailing date.
Windstar offers a few options:
Before final payment: Switch dates easily, usually without penalties.
After final payment: You’ll likely need to cancel and rebook under the new date, following the cancellation policy.
Flexible Fare Promotions: Some special promotions include free date changes or Future Cruise Credits (FCCs).
If you anticipate needing flexibility, book a fare with “Change Protection” or purchase Windstar’s Travel Assurance Plan to cover modifications due to emergencies.
In recent years, Windstar Cruises introduced its “Book with Confidence” initiative, designed to offer more flexibility for travelers affected by global events or uncertain schedules.
This policy has allowed passengers to:
Change sailings up to 48 hours before departure in exchange for a Future Cruise Credit.
Reschedule to any future date within 12–24 months.
Avoid traditional change or cancellation penalties.
While specific terms may vary by season or promotion, it demonstrates Windstar’s commitment to passenger peace of mind.
Always verify if your booking qualifies for this program before confirming your reservation.
Many Windstar itineraries include pre- or post-cruise extensions, such as hotel stays, transfers, or guided land tours.
Changes to these arrangements often follow the same timeline as cruise fares:
Before final payment: Adjustments are free or subject to minimal service fees.
After final payment: May incur a flat fee per person, or full forfeiture if suppliers are prepaid.
Windstar works with local tour partners, and their policies may dictate how flexible modifications can be.
If you’ve booked air travel through Windstar Cruises’ air program, change fees depend on airline policies and ticket class.
Before ticketing: Windstar can modify flight details easily.
After ticketing: Airline penalties apply, typically ranging from $150–$400 per person, plus fare differences.
Nonrefundable fares: May not be changeable at all.
Windstar’s air department can assist in rescheduling or rebooking flights, but all additional costs are passed to the traveler.
To protect yourself from unexpected change or cancellation fees, Windstar strongly recommends purchasing Travel Protection Insurance.
Coverage may include:
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses nonrefundable costs if you must cancel for covered reasons (illness, family emergency, etc.).
Trip Delay: Covers additional expenses due to delayed travel.
Change Fee Reimbursement: Some plans even reimburse airline or cruise line change fees up to a certain amount.
If you book Windstar’s own protection plan, claims are handled through its insurance partner, which simplifies the process.
You can request modifications to your reservation in several ways:
By phone: Call Windstar Cruises’ reservations department.
U.S. & Canada: 1-888-526-2803
International: Check Windstar’s contact page for regional offices.
By email: Send a detailed message to info@windstarcruises.com (include your booking number and requested change).
Through your travel agent: If you booked via an agency, all changes must go through them — Windstar will not modify directly.
Online account: Some minor details can be updated through the My Windstar portal.
When contacting Windstar, be ready with:
Your reservation/confirmation number
Full passenger names
Desired modification details (date, itinerary, cabin, etc.)
Reason for the change (optional but helpful)
Windstar may waive or reduce change fees in special cases, such as:
Medical emergencies verified by documentation.
Flight cancellations or travel disruptions.
Operational changes made by Windstar (e.g., itinerary changes, port closures).
Global events or health advisories (like COVID-19 disruptions).
In such instances, Windstar typically offers Future Cruise Credits or free rebooking options to affected guests.
Book Early, But Flexibly: Choose refundable or “Book with Confidence” fares when available.
Purchase Travel Insurance: Especially plans that include “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) coverage.
Double-Check Passenger Info: Avoid costly name corrections.
Plan Flights Carefully: Opt for flexible airfares if your cruise dates aren’t fixed.
Contact Windstar Promptly: The sooner you notify them of needed changes, the lower the penalty.
Work with an Experienced Travel Advisor: They can navigate fare rules and advocate for fee waivers.
Compared to other luxury lines, Windstar’s change fees are moderate:
Seabourn: Charges up to 50% for post-payment date changes.
Silversea: Offers slightly more flexible rebooking options.
Azamara: Similar penalties but allows name changes before ticket issuance.
Windstar strikes a fair balance between flexibility and policy enforcement, particularly when booked under promotional fares or flexible programs.
You booked a Windstar Mediterranean cruise for July but want to move it to August.
If it’s before final payment: No penalty, just pay any fare difference.
After final payment: Treated as cancellation; you may lose up to 25–50% depending on timing.
You need to replace one traveler with another.
Before tickets are issued: Free or small fee ($50–$100).
After final payment: Cancellation/rebooking fee applies.
You bought the Air + Cruise package and want to change your flight.
Before ticketing: Free.
After ticketing: Airline change fee ($150–$400) applies.
Q1. Can I change my Windstar cruise online?
A: Minor updates can be made online, but most booking changes require contacting Windstar directly or through your travel agent.
Q2. Do promotional fares have higher change fees?
A: Yes. “Nonrefundable” or heavily discounted promotions usually have stricter change rules.
Q3. What if Windstar cancels my cruise?
A: You’ll receive a full refund or Future Cruise Credit, depending on your preference.
Q4. Can I transfer my booking to another person?
A: Possibly, if done before final payment; otherwise, fees may apply.
Q5. What if my destination country changes entry requirements?
A: Windstar often allows flexible rebooking or credit options in such cases.
Before final payment: You can usually adjust dates, names, or itineraries without much cost.
After final payment: Fees increase progressively, potentially up to full forfeiture near sailing.
Best protection: Book flexible fares and consider travel insurance to cover unexpected changes.
Windstar Cruises aims to balance flexibility with operational integrity, ensuring travelers can make adjustments while maintaining fair policies.
If you’re unsure about your specific booking situation, it’s always best to contact Windstar Cruises’ customer service directly for clarification.
With careful planning and awareness, you can enjoy the smooth sailing experience Windstar is famous for — even if your plans need a little adjusting along the way.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
