Star Explorer

Windstar does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. We seek, to the extent feasible, to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. There are no elevators on Wind Star and Wind Spirit nor were the ships originally constructed to be wheelchair accessible. As a result, these ships may be unsuitable for people relying solely on wheelchairs. The other yachts are equipped with elevators, but staterooms on Wind Surf are not wheelchair accessible. Also note, there is no elevator access to board the ship. Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend have modified wheelchair accessible suites available.

Certain ports require the ship to anchor; in this case guests must be ferried into port. Service Dogs are permitted onboard ships if prior arrangements have been made at time of booking. In limited situations where an individual with a disability would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we may find it necessary to ask the individual to make alternative travel arrangements. It is essential that Windstar is notified of any special medical, physical or other requirements you may have at the time of booking.

Windstar Cruises is unable to accommodate children under eight (8) years of age. All Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old. Parents, guardians, and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the onboard conduct of minors. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21.

For family groups booking multiple staterooms, the minimum age for at least one person in each stateroom is 18 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent, guardian or chaperone.

The less you bring the better. We suggest clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. You may wish to bring warmer clothing (layers are best), if you are traveling on an Ocean Crossing or an autumn Mediterranean cruise.

The Dress Code – from 7 am – 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.

In the evening – after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men – nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-colored are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women – nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-colored or having holes. Blazers are optional.

No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.

For those guests traveling to Alaska, it’s important to wear the right gear. We have partnered with the leading expedition outfitter to offer an online Alaska clothing and accessories service that ships directly to your ship. You’ll find all the right gear for Alaska, packing lists, clothing tips and our limited-edition Alaska inaugural season jacket here..

Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any of the staterooms, suites, or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors. Smoking and vaping is permitted on the outside decks in designated smoking areas only. Smoking cigars is permitted in a specific designated area on each yacht, however, only sold on board the Cigar Room of Wind Surf.

As part of our onboard service we offer internet access on our ships. We recently modified our internet usage packages from minutes to the amount of data used.

How does internet access at home differ from access at sea?

As with all ship communications, the internet service is operated through satellites. While you are most likely used to a fast internet connection at home, in hotels or other local Wi-Fi spots, internet at sea can be slow, and at times, disruptive. The only option available is satellite connection, which is costly and limits the amount of data used. The connection is also influenced by weather, the movement of the ship, and in the case of our sailing ships, blockage from our sails passing in front of the satellite dish.

It is not recommended for downloading movies or large files due to system speed. In some areas the service can be interrupted by weather or the ship’s position. We recommend that guests use the service only for emails or small files.

Why did the Internet Usage Plan change from minutes to megabytes?

Windstar modified the Internet Usage Plan in order to provide guests with the ability to access the same number of sites and/or read the same number of emails, regardless of connection speed. The previous plan was based on the number of minutes the guest was accessing the internet, regardless of connection speed. At times, factors like bad weather, ship speed, overcast conditions, all contributed to slow and/or disrupted connections.

What type of Internet Usage Plans are available?

The Email Plan $60

This plan gives you 200 MB of data to use during your cruise. This plan is recommended for people who will be checking email and doing very limited browsing. The estimated minutes range from 15 to 60.

The Surfing Plan $120

This plan gives you 500 MB of data to use for additional browsing and small file transfers (such as posting pictures to a social media site). The estimated minutes range from 90 to 360 (approximately 5 hours).

The Unlimited Plan –

• Unlimited Internet Package
• 7 Day Cost $245
• 8 Day Cost $280
• 9 Day Cost $315
• 10 Day Cost $350
• 11 Day Cost $385
• 14 Day Cost $490
• 15 Day Cost $525

This plan gives you unlimited internet access. You have no worries about how much time you spend on the internet.

How can I get internet access on board?

Guests can purchase Internet Usage Plans prior to their cruise through a Vacation Planner or on board at Reception. These plans can be used on personal laptops or smart devises that are Wi-Fi enabled.

Computers for public use are available on board.

* Please Note: All packages only allow for one device at a time to be connected to the internet.

Please contact a Vacation Planner if you have questions.

Laundry service is provided on board at a nominal charge. Dry cleaning is not available. Laundry Service Packages must be added by the first day of the cruise and will be priced by the total number of cruise days. Pricing is inclusive of applicable taxes.

Animals or pets are not allowed with the exception of qualified Service Dogs for guests with disabilities. Please notify your travel professional at time of booking if you intend to board with a Service Dog.

What is a Service Dog?

At Windstar Cruises a Service Dog is defined as a dog that is personally trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a guest with a disability. There are many different acceptable conditions for using a service dog such as guiding a blind person, pulling a wheelchair, or alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, and other special tasks as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Service Dog is not a pet.

Are pets, Service Dogs in Training or Emotional Support Dogs considered Service Dogs?

No. Service Dogs do not include pets or Service Dogs in Training. Nor are Emotional Support Dogs considered Service Dogs based on a decision by the U.S. Department of Justice. None of these animals will be able to sail with Windstar Cruises.

What do guests need to do to meet the requirements to bring a Service Dog on board a Windstar yacht?

• Allow at least a year of planning in order to get a Service Dog certified, especially if the guest is visiting more than one country.
• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) they will be visiting for information on the policies and requirements of the country.
• Contact the Department or Ministry of Agriculture in their destination country (including U.S. travel) as many ports of call have strict entry requirements for animals.
• Obtain health and rabies certificates from their veterinarian. Have these documents notarized and certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Similar authority in residing country.
• Obtain a good health letter from their veterinarian on letterhead stating their Service Dog is in good health and current on all vaccines.
• Obtain a letter from their personal physician also on letterhead, stating that they require the assistance of a Service Dog and for what reason(s).
• Outfit their Service Dog with recognizable gear as a way to let people know that their dog is an official Service Dog. For example a jacket or vest or guide dog-type harness with words on the side like Service Dog or Guide Dog.
• Make sure they hand carry all these documents, not pack them in their luggage. They will be asked to submit these records prior to boarding.
• All guests traveling with service animals must book at least 60 days in advance to allow time for Windstar Cruises to review documents and approve the Service Dog request in writing.

What additional information do guests need to know?

• Only one Service Dog can be accommodated per (suite/stateroom) or (person).
• The dog’s breed and the size restrictions of our ships may limit the Service Dogs we can accept.
• A sand/ relief box will be provided.
• Windstar Cruises will do our best to assist guests and they should contact our Reservation Department at 1-877-203-5279 to make sure both they and Windstar Cruises have all the additional information needed.

What happens on board?

• Service Dogs are permitted to accompany guests with a disability in all public areas, including dining venues.
• Service Dogs must be on a leash, harness or other restraining device in public areas.
• Service Dogs are not permitted in pools, whirlpools or spas.
• The care and supervision of Service Dogs is the sole responsibility of the owner. Ships are not required nor do they have the capacity to provide food or care for Service Dogs.
• Owners may bring a reasonable quantity of food and bowls for their Service Dog at no additional charge.
• If a guest wishes to disembark at a port that does not allow their Service Dog, the guest must make arrangements for the dog on board to ensure the dog is cared for. The ship’s staff is not able to care for the dog and the Service Dog may not be left unattended in the guest’s suite/stateroom.
• Owners of Service Dogs are responsible for the behavior or damage caused by their Service Dog. A cleaning fee may be assessed if necessary.
• If a Service Dog’s behavior creates a distraction, such as growling, barking excessively, initiating unsolicited contact, biting, failing to use the designated relief area, sitting on furniture, eating from the table, etc., the dog may be denied boarding or removed from the ship along with the owner, at the owner’s expense.

The less you bring the better. We suggest clothes that are light, cool, and made of natural fabrics like cotton and silk. You may wish to bring warmer clothing (layers are best), if you are traveling on an Ocean Crossing or an autumn Mediterranean cruise.

The Dress Code – from 7 am – 6 pm guests are welcome to dress as they please with the exception of no swimwear in all public lounges and restaurants and no clothing with offensive language or graphics that distract from the comfort and well-being of others. The general shipboard style is elegant, but relaxed including jeans and Bermuda/ walking shorts.

In the evening – after 6 pm when dining in Amphora, Stella Bistro or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, the dress code is country club-type clothing. For men – nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, shoes other than athletic shoes. Designer denim jeans without rips or holes or are multi-colored are also acceptable. Sport coats are optional. Ties are not needed. For women – nice pants, skirts, tops, casual dresses, sundresses, nice sandals or casual shoes and designer denim dress jeans not ripped or multi-colored or having holes. Blazers are optional.

No assigned seating in Amphora or Veranda restaurants. And what can be more casual than merely signing for onboard purchases? You will feel like this is your ship, your personal yacht. The environment inspires the attitude. Reservations are required for Candles and can be made on board.

A doctor and limited medical facilities are available on board. However, if you take special medications, please bring an adequate supply with you together with a copy of the prescription from your doctor; it may not be available on board. Medical services and all medicines (except acetaminophen, aspirin, and seasickness pills) dispensed by the ship’s doctor will be charged to your onboard account. If you become ill during the voyage and the physician is unable to care for your needs on board, you will be transferred to medical facilities on shore. Shoreside medical care and/or evacuation are not charged to your onboard account. You will be responsible for paying all of these charges.

If you will require a special medical apparatus or assistance on board or have any special medical, physical or other requirements, please contact our Vacation Planners Department at 1-888-260-6159. Due to limited medical facilities, we will not accept reservations for children under 8 years of age or women who are 24 or more weeks pregnant at the time their travel with Windstar concludes.

Here at Windstar we are committed to offering our guests healthy food selections. We offer vegetarian selections and lighter fare options, seeking to provide the freshest, top quality foods handled with the utmost care. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, there are several ways to notify us prior to boarding the ship.

It’s important to let us know about your special request when you book your cruise to help us plan and prepare for your meals. Your travel professional will enter this information in Special Requests. It is then noted on your booking and your ship will be notified, although it will not appear on your invoice or in My Windstar.

Special Request Dietary Needs include:

• Alcohol Free
• Celiac
• Dairy Free
• Diabetic – Diet Controlled
• Diabetic – Insulin Controlled
• Food Allergy
• Gluten Free
• Lactose Intolerant
• Low Carbohydrate
• Low Cholesterol
• Low Protein
• Low Sodium
• Other Dietary
• Sugar Free
• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Wheat Free Diet

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate Kosher or Halal meals. If you have specific dietary needs– such as – lactose intolerant requiring almond milk – please complete a Special Requirements Information Form. Return this information via:

1. Mail to Windstar Vacation Planning at 2101 4th Ave., Suite 210, Seattle WA 98121
2. Fax to 206-733-2790
3. Call 866-568-0982 to speak with a Vacation Planner in person
4. Send an email to info@windstarcruises.com

When you embark the ship please feel free to ask to speak with the Executive Chef about your specific request.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please call us during business hours at 866-568-0982.

While all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, you may enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail under the setting sun or a champagne toast at the evening Sail Away with our beverage packages for wine, beer, cocktails and more. Find the perfect wine pairing with your meal and then end the night sipping scotch as you contemplate the stars.

Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package – $49 per person per day An extensive package of diverse and intriguing wines from traditional European winegrowing terroirs to New World regions. Includes domestic and imported beer and 33 varieties of wine by the glass.

Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package – $59 per person per day The ultimate beverage package and the perfect way to try new drinks for a bit of added adventure. Includes all domestic and imported beers and 33 varieties of wine/sparkling/champagne by the glass PLUS cordials, liqueurs, apertifs, cocktails and even mini bar items. (Cocktails based on house & select brands)

The All-In Package – From $79 per person per day. Have it all by making it an all-inclusive voyage with unlimited beer, wine & cocktails, unlimited Wi-Fi and gratuities, including the 15% beverage service charge. A convenient bundle that saves time and money, pays most of your expenses upfront and avoids the European VA Tax when pre-purchased. The All-In Package is sold per person and must be purchased up to 7 days prior to departure at $79.

The Topmast, Captain’s Exclusive and $89 All-In Packages are sold per person and must be purchased in advance or during the first 2 days of your cruise and for the full duration of the cruise. Prices for the Topmast and Captain’s Exclusive Packages do not include the standard 15% beverage service charge. Package prices are inclusive of applicable taxes. The minimum drinking age aboard Windstar Cruises is 21 years old.