Most people don’t read cancellation policies. Not because they don’t care—just because they’re caught up in the excitement of planning. You’re thinking about the itinerary, the ship, the ports. The idea of canceling doesn’t even cross your mind. But sometimes it needs too when plans shift unexpectedly, the Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy becomes more than just fine print. But the last thing you want is to be surprised by fees or fine print. Windstar Cruises spells out their cancellation terms clearly, but it’s easy to miss the details if you’re not looking for them. This isn’t about being overly cautious—it’s about being prepared. A quick read now can save you time, money, and stress later.
Windstar Cruises Cancellation Fees Based on Timing
Windstar Cruises uses a tiered system for cancellations, and timing is everything. Here’s how it works:
- 121+ Days Before Departure
Cancel in writing at least 121 days before your trip, and you’ll get a full refund—minus a $50 per person cancellation fee. Airfare and Travel Protection costs are non-refundable.
- 120–90 Days Before Departure
You’ll lose 15% of your total fare, including hotel and transfer costs.
- 89–60 Days Before Departure
The cancellation fee jumps to 35%.
- 59–30 Days Before Departure
You’ll be charged 50% of the total fare.
- 29–0 Days Before Departure
Unfortunately, you’ll forfeit 100% of your fare. No refund.
Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy – Why These Fees Exist
Windstar explains that once a booking is canceled, it’s tough to resell that space. The cancellation fees aren’t random—they’re a fair estimate of the financial hit Windstar takes when a guest backs out. Even if your spot gets resold, the fees still apply.
Windstar’ Refund Limitations and Third-Party Fees
- Windstar only refunds what they’ve actually received.
- If you booked through a travel agency, they might tack on their own cancellation fees.
- Those agency fees? They’re between you and the agency. Windstar doesn’t touch them.
Which Changes Does Windsor Regard As Cancellations?
Changing your name or travel date isn’t just a tweak—it’s considered a cancellation and rebooking. That means cancellation fees apply. Also, any changes must be approved by Windstar, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
Windstar Cruises’ Travel Protection Plan: Your Safety Net
If you purchased Windstar’s Optional Travel Protection Plan, you’ll need to file a claim with the plan administrator to recover cancellation fees. Just make sure your reason for canceling fits within the plan’s terms and exclusions. Guests in the United States and Canada, can buy and add travel protection to their reservation around 90 days before their vacation begins. Windstar’s travel protection covers trip interruptions, trip delays, medical expenses, alongside other protections.
Windstar Cruises’ Shore Excursion Cancellation Policies
Shore excursions are often the highlight of any cruise, but they come with their own cancellation rules. Before you book, it’s worth knowing what happens if you change your mind—or your plans.
Standard Shore Excursions
Prices and descriptions may change. If you cancel after the booking deadline listed onboard, you’ll be charged 100%—no exceptions. Services and transportation are already locked in by then.
“Beyond Ordinary” Shore Excursions
These unique tours are non-refundable once confirmed, unless Windstar says otherwise in the tour description. If you’ve got Travel Protection, you’ll need to pay extra to insure these excursions.
Windstar Cruises Cancellation Terms Related to Taxes, Fees & Surcharges
If Windstar Cruises increases your fare due to rising costs before departure, you have the option to cancel without paying a cancellation fee. However, if additional charges—like fuel or security surcharges—are added later, the Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy does not allow cancellations under those circumstances. So while some price changes give you an out, others don’t. Always check the latest terms before finalizing your booking.
Windstar Cruises Promotional Offers: What to Know Before You Book
Windstar Cruises rolls out limited-time deals from time to time, but each comes with its own set of rules. Whether you’re traveling solo or jumping on a last-minute fare, here’s what you need to know—without the fine-print fatigue.
Reduced Single Supplement
Bookings under this offer are non-transferable, and name changes aren’t allowed. You can’t apply the deal retroactively, and if you cancel, fees may apply. Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy outlines the specifics, so it’s best to check their website before finalizing your plans.
One Week Special
This promotion follows the same rules—new bookings only, no retroactive applications, and no name changes. Cancellation fees may apply depending on timing, and the Cancellation Policy will determine how much you’ll owe if you back out.
Last Minute Cruise Deals / Flash Fares
Flash Fares are tempting, but they come with strict terms. Once booked, they’re locked in—no transfers, no name swaps, and no retroactive discounts. If you cancel, expect fees. The Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy spells out the details, so read it carefully before jumping on a last-minute deal.
Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policies: What You Need to Know
Before you lock in your plans, it’s smart to understand how cancellations are handled. Windstar’s policies vary by offer and excursion type, and missing the fine print could cost you.
Star Collector Cruises
If you cancel a Star Collector Cruise, standard cancellation fees may apply. The offer is valid only on new bookings and cannot be transferred or applied retroactively. Name changes aren’t allowed, and Windstar reserves the right to modify or withdraw the offer at any time. For full cancellation fee details, guests are advised to check Windstar’s website.
Land Tours
Cancellation fees may apply to land tour bookings. Like other offers, these are non-transferable and cannot be retroactively applied. Fuel surcharges may increase over time, and Windstar can withdraw or change the offer at their discretion. All cancellations are subject to the terms outlined in the Passage Contract.
Shore Excursions
- General Cancellation Policy: If you cancel a shore excursion more than 5 business days before your cruise departs, Windstar will refund the amount to your credit card.
- Late Cancellations: If you cancel within 5 days of departure, you won’t get a credit card refund. Instead, the refund (minus any cancellation fee) will be applied as onboard credit. If you don’t use it during the cruise, the remaining balance will be refunded to your card by the ship’s purser.
- Missed Booking Deadline: If you cancel after the onboard booking deadline listed in the Shore Excursion Booking Form, a 100% cancellation fee applies—transportation and services will already be arranged.
Cancelling an All-Inclusive Booking: What to Expect
Bookings made under Windstar’s All-Inclusive Upgrade are non-transferable and locked in once confirmed. Name changes aren’t allowed, and the offer can’t be applied retroactively. If you decide to cancel, standard fees may apply depending on timing and fare type. The Policy outlines the exact terms, so it’s worth reviewing before finalizing your plans—especially since this offer is capacity controlled and subject to change.
Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy for Canadian Residents Offer
This promotion is valid only for new bookings made by Canadian residents and cannot be transferred or applied retroactively. If you cancel, penalties may apply depending on timing and fare type. Before you finalize your plans, it’s a good idea to read through Windstar’s cancellation policy, they’re pretty specific. Especially, since this offer is capacity controlled and subject to change.
What Happens If You Cancel a 2026/2027 Early Booking
Bookings under this promotion are non-refundable, so think carefully before locking it in. If you cancel 121 days or more before departure, Windstar will issue a Future Cruise Credit—but they’ll deduct a $250 rebooking fee per person. Cancel within 120 days, and the standard Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy applies. Either way, you won’t get cash back, so it’s smart to read the fine print before you commit.
How to Cancel a “Ways to Winter” Booking?
If you book under Windstar’s “Ways to Winter” promotion and later decide to cancel, standard cancellation fees may apply depending on timing and fare type. The offer is non-transferable, and name changes aren’t allowed—so once it’s booked, it’s locked to you. You also can’t apply the deal retroactively or combine it with other promotions. For full details on how cancellations are handled—including refund eligibility and fee breakdowns. It’s always smart to review the cancellation policy before finalizing your plans, especially with capacity-controlled offers like this one.
Windstar Cruises’ Refunds for Delayed or Cancelled Cruises
If Windstar Cruises cancels your trip or delays it by more than three days—and you choose not to travel—you’re entitled to a refund. That includes your cruise fare, port fees, taxes, and any other charges paid directly to Windstar. To request a refund, you’ll need to submit your booking confirmation, proof of payment, and the cancellation notice within 90 days of your original embarkation date.
Refunds are processed based on your original payment method, but timing and method may vary. For full instructions and eligibility, the Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy lays out everything you need to know.
Conclusion
The Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy isn’t just fine print—it’s the stuff that can make or break your travel plans. Whether you’re booking a flash fare, an early bird deal, or a luxe all-inclusive upgrade, the rules around cancellations vary, and some are stricter than others. You might get a refund, a Future Cruise Credit, or nothing at all, depending on timing and terms. So before you hit “confirm,” take a breath and read through the policy. It’s not thrilling, but it’s necessary. Better to know now than scramble later. Travel smart, and don’t let surprises mess with your cruise.
FAQs:
Yes, but it depends on when you cancel and what kind of fare you booked. Windstar’s standard cancellation policy allows for partial refunds if you cancel early enough. Some promotional fares are non-refundable, so you might only get a Future Cruise Credit instead of cash back. Always check the specific terms tied to your booking.
If you booked a non-refundable deal; like certain early booking offers, you won’t get a cash refund. However, if you cancel 121 days or more before departure, Windstar will issue a Future Cruise Credit for the full amount paid, minus a $250 rebooking fee per person. Cancel within 120 days, and their standard cancellation fees kick in.
Not at all. Windstar’s cancellation fees vary depending on the type of offer. Flash Fares, All-Inclusive upgrades, and early booking deals often come with stricter terms. Some allow Future Cruise Credit, others don’t. The Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy spells out the differences, so it’s worth reviewing before you book.
Yes—if you cancel more than five business days before your cruise departs, Windstar will refund your credit card. If you cancel within five days, the refund shows up as onboard credit. Cancel after the onboard deadline, and you’ll lose the full amount due to a 100% cancellation fee.
Nope. Windstar reserves the right to add or increase fuel surcharges at any time, and those charges are non-refundable—even if you cancel your cruise. It’s one of those fine-print things that can sneak up on you.
Unfortunately, No. Windstar bookings are non-transferable, and name changes aren’t allowed. This applies across most offers, including promotional fares and group bookings. If you need to cancel, you’ll have to go through the standard cancellation process.
If Windstar raises the fare before your departure due to cost changes, you’re allowed to cancel without paying a cancellation fee. But if they add surcharges later—like fuel or security fees—you can’t cancel because of those. The Windstar Cruises Cancellation Policy makes that distinction pretty clear.
Yes. Windstar offers travel protection plans that include cancellation fee waivers and trip interruption coverage. Depending on your reason for canceling, you might get a cash refund or Future Cruise Credit. It’s optional, but definitely worth considering if your plans aren’t rock solid.
You’ll find it on Windstar’s official website under their General Information and Terms & Conditions pages. It’s not thrilling reading, but it’s the best way to avoid surprises later.
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