Windstar Cruises is taking a phased approach to resuming operation, with some ships not returning to service until 2021. “We have taken extraordinary measures to operate our yachts safely,” said Xanterra and Windstar Cruises CEO Andrew Todd. “While we look forward to welcoming guests aboard again, we believe this further suspension of operations is the responsible action to take.”
The 148-guest Wind Spirit is the first slated to resume planned itineraries in Tahiti, with its first cruise departing on September 3. Wind Surf returns November 29, sailing in the Caribbean on previously scheduled itineraries before heading to the Mediterranean in April, 2021.
The 312-guest Star Breeze will begin sailing October 27 in the Mediterranean, at the end of a drydock to lengthen the ship. It moves to the Caribbean in December to pick up sailings from Star Legend and Star Pride, which are due to receive the same lengthening and upgrades.
The 148-guest Wind Star resumes sailing January 16, 2021 with Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings and then heads to the Mediterranean in April 2021.
When Star Legend leaves the shipyard in Italy March 1, 2021, it will begin Mediterranean cruises. Finally Star Pride is due to begin a Northern Europe season in July, 2021 after renovation.
Guests on cancelled cruises will receive a Future Cruise Credit valued at 125 per cent of all monies paid on the booking to Windstar Cruises. Guests who prefer a refund can request their FCC be converted to a refund equal to the amount paid on the Windstar booking once they receive their FCC.
Guests will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their FCC. Windstar Cruises will protect travel advisor commissions on the affected bookings following the normal policy for cancelled bookings.
