SETTING
SAIL
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
The Windstar
Experience
2
Pre-Departure
Information
4
Departure &
Embarkation
6
Dining with
Windstar
8
Special Services
On Board
10
Windstar
Disembarkation
13
2
Welcome
As your journey with Windstar Cruises draws near and your
excitement becomes anticipation, these tips from our expert staff
will help you to best enjoy your time aboard one of the finest
ships at sea. There are many elements common to a vacation,
but few things as uncommon as a Windstar cruise. So, as you
prepare for your voyage, our friendly, gracious crew is preparing
for your arrival, ensuring everything is in place for the perfect
cruise vacation. The only thing missing? You.
Casual Elegance
Cruise past the formal nights, dinner jackets, and dry-clean-only
atmosphere of larger, traditional cruise ships and find yourself
fitting in with the casual elegance of your Windstar ship. Relax
and sleep all day without fear of overzealous activity directors,
or wander the streets of one glittering port after another. Your life
may have to be lived by a schedule but your vacation doesn’t.
Watersports Platform and
Shipboard Activities
A wonder unique to vessels our size, all Windstar ships are
equipped with a private marina (our Watersports Platform)
that deploys from the aft deck while the ship is at anchor and
conditions permit. You may choose to take advantage of our
Watersports Platform, where a range of activities is available:
• Snorkeling equipment, water skiing, and wakeboarding are
available free of charge.
• Swimming, water toys, and floats are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Availability varies per ship and itinerary.
• Guest's surfboards can be brought onboard as well.
Note: The Watersports Platform cannot be deployed when the
ship is docked, or where conditions or local regulations prohibit
such activities.
THE WINDSTAR
EXPERIENCE
3
Shore Excursions
Windstar Cruises hand selects the best excursion partners
available in each of our destinations. Our optional shore excursion
programs give you access to highlights, hidden gems, and historical
secrets about the cities you’ll visit.
Shore excursions may be booked online by visiting My
Windstar (www.windstarcruises.com/voyage-plan/). Information
regarding price, capacity, durations, and difficulty of the excursion
is included for your convenience. For further assistance in pre-
booking your shore excursions, contact Destination Manager
at 800-258-7245.
There will also be a shore excursion planning form in your
stateroom or suite upon your arrival. You can reserve available
tours when you arrive by visiting the Voyage Leader or inquiring
at Reception.
Note: Shore excursion reservations are processed in the order
received, so pre-booking online or over the phone is strongly
encouraged. Though Windstar will attempt to add additional
departures to popular excursions, we are limited by availability.
Some of the most popular tours may reach capacity prior to
embarkation. Visit My Windstar (passengers.windstarcruises.com/
Account/LogOn) or contact Voyage Services at 800-258-7245 at
least 7 days prior to sailing. Otherwise available shore excursions
will have to be booked on board.
All-In Package
The Captain’s Exclusive package with unlimited cocktails,
unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry service, and gratuities are offered all in
one convenient package. A wonderful savings of $20 per day
with a variety of amenities. Place your order prior to the cruise
at https://www.windstarcruises.com/voyage-plan/gifts-services/
or contact your Vacation Planner to schedule the package at
800.258.7245.
What to Pack
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 a Transatlantic voyage or an autumn Mediterranean
cruise. The tone for dinner and evening aboard is one of “casual
elegance.” Imaginative, yet relaxed. Stylish, yet comfortable.
For ladies, sundresses, slacks, and informal evening wear are
appropriate. For gentlemen, we suggest slacks and collared shirts
or polos. There are no formal nights, no costume parties, no
requirements for suits and ties (however, if your cruise takes you
to Monte Carlo, please note that many casinos require men to
wear both a jacket and tie). Our only restriction is that shorts, jeans,
hats, flip flops, and t-shirts not be worn in Amphora Restaurant,
Stella Bistro, or public rooms during the evening. Country Club
casual is also acceptable for Candles.
Personal Laundry Service
Personal Laundry Service is provided on board at a nominal
charge. Information and pricing is available in the Onboard
Guest Packages, Gifts & Services form included with your
travel documents. Dry cleaning is not available, but we do offer
pressing services as ironing is not allowed in staterooms or
suites for safety reasons
Customs Registration
We recommend that you register any foreign manufactured items
such as cameras, lenses, jewelry, watches, binoculars, etc. with
the Customs officials in your country prior to taking them out of the
country. Otherwise, you may be required to supply proof of purchase
or to pay duty on these items upon returning home. This cannot be
done at the pier prior to departure.
Immigration
All guests must carry a valid passport. In addition, certain
countries may require entry visas. U.S. Department of State
regulations require all passports to be valid for at least 6 months
beyond your intended stay. You are responsible for securing
proper documentation for the countries visited on your cruise.
Boarding may be denied or fines may be levied against those
guests without proper documentation. Payment of any fines
levied is the responsibility of the individual guest. Furthermore,
visiting certain foreign countries may require that you be
inoculated prior to leaving the U.S. Please check with the nearest
office of U.S. Customs or the U.S. Department of State in order
to determine whether you will need a visa and/or inoculations.
PRE-DEPARTURE
INFORMATION
4
The Russian Federation requires visas for visiting American
and Canadian visitors; however, there is an exception made
for guests traveling with an escorted tour group. If you plan to
explore St. Petersburg on your own, a visa is required and must
be obtained before departure. If you have chosen to take part in
one of our shore excursions, a visa is not required.
For non-U.S. citizens who have previously been admitted to the
United States for permanent residence and who make the entire
cruise without transshipment or stopover en route, no reentry
permit is required, but you must carry your passport and your
Alien Registration Receipt Card, Form I-151. Resident aliens not in
possession of this form should obtain one at the nearest office of
the U.S. Immigration Service.
Please visit www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport
Information Center at 877-487-2778 for more details. Foreign
nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain
details regarding current passport requirements.
Immunizations
We strongly recommend all guest consider their personal
health history regarding immunizations and recommend you
consult your personal physician as to which immunizations,
if any, you require based on your own unique medical history.
Shipboard Account and Currency
Exchange
Our cashless society is designed to make your life on board
as simple as possible. When you board the yacht, your account
will already be active. You may make purchases by simply
showing your guest identification card and signing a receipt.
On embarkation day, you will need to register your credit card
(American Express®, Discover Card®, Visa®, or MasterCard®) in
order to use your onboard account for shipboard purchases. We
do not accept debit cards or prepaid cards. Your card will be pre-
authorized for USD $600 per guest for your cruise. An incremental
authorization will occur mid-cruise if your current balance exceeds
the $600 per person initial authorization. At the end of the cruise
you will receive a final statement, and your card will be charged
only for the actual amount of your purchases.
Please inform your credit card issuer in advance that your card
will be used on a Windstar ship. This will help prevent delays in
obtaining pre-authorization on board. Products and services on
board are in USD. Windstar is not liable for any foreign exchange
fees imposed by your card issuer, and there are no currency
exchange services offered on board.
Payment On Shore
You may save money by using the local currency. Most locations
will accept major credit cards and some will accept U.S. dollars.
5
DEPARTURE &
EMBARKATION
Airline Reservations
Please review your air and cruise documents to ensure that your
tickets are correct. We recommend that you call the airline 72 hours
prior to your departure time to reconfirm your flight (departure times
may change without prior notice). Plan to check in at the airline
ticket counter at least 3 hours before flight time for international
passport/security checks. For post-cruise departure flights, please
allow at least 4 hours between the ship's debarkation and flight
departure when booking your flights.
Airline Tax
Some countries impose an arrival or departure tax which cannot
be included on an air ticket. In most cases this is paid by each
guest upon airport check-in and may be due in either U.S. dollars
or local currency.
Airline Delays
If you believe a delay will cause you to arrive in the port of
embarkation less than 2 hours before the ship's scheduled
departure, call us at 800-258-7245 or 206-733-2704. Air/Sea
representatives are available 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, or Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Outside of these hours and during holidays, call 206-733-2991*.
*This number is for emergency use only; please do not call
unless you are experiencing a travel delay or other emergency
of an urgent nature.
Baggage
All checked baggage must be tagged with your name, address,
and phone number. Please refer to your Cruise Contract for the
Windstar baggage policy.
Carry-On Baggage
We suggest that you hand-carry the essentials: air and cruise
documents, passports, visas, medications, eyewear, electronic
devices, credit cards, cash, jewelry, and cameras. All carry-on
baggage must fit either under the seat or in an overhead storage
compartment on the airplane.
6
Transfers
Windstar Cruises Hotel Packages:
If you have purchased or received a hotel stay as part of your
Windstar Cruises vacation, your transportation between the hotel
and ship (or reverse) is included. A voucher has been included
with your travel documents.
Purchasing Transfers:
Complimentarily transfers are only provided in conjunction
with hotel packages. Otherwise, transportation can be purchased
separately for the following routes:
• Transfer from Airport to Pier
• Transfer from Airport to Hotel
• Transfer from Pier to Airport
• Transfer from Hotel to Airport
Group or private car transfers may be purchased until
7 days prior to departure by calling Voyage Services
at 800-258-7245 or 206-733-2704.
Embarkation
Embarkation time is generally 1:00 p.m. time may vary,
depending on itinerary, check your cruise documents for exact
embarkation time. All guests should be on board no later than
1 hour before departure. Passports are collected upon embarkation
and held safely by the Purser’s Office until the end of the cruise.
Disembarkation time is generally 8 a.m., but time may vary.
Alcohol On Board
For voyages of 7 or fewer days, guests may bring aboard
2 bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom for their
enjoyment on board. For voyages of 8 or more days, guests
may bring 3 bottles on board per stateroom or suite. All additional
alcohol, including those bottles purchased at ports of call along
the cruise route, will be kept by the ship’s purser and delivered to
your room the last evening of the voyage. Guests may consume
the outside beverages in the dining room, but a small corkage fee
will be applied to their onboard account.
7
Breakfast
It’s morning. You awake to hear the gentle trade winds and
think – breakfast – alfresco, full service, or buffet-style. The smell
of freshly brewed coffee and buttery croissants lures you topside
to Veranda. Full continental breakfast is available starting at 6:00
a.m. by the pool on Wind Star and Wind Spirit, and at Compass
Rose on Wind Surf. At the Yacht Club on Star Pride, Star Breeze,
and Star Legend, you can find light breakfast fare and freshly
brewed coffee when you’re ready. No need to hurry. Or if you
prefer, linger over a continental breakfast served in the privacy of
your stateroom or suite. After all, this is what the good life is all
about: doing what you please, when you please.
Lunch
Again, the choices are many in Veranda. Choose the
sumptuous, seemingly endless buffet. Or order from the lunch
menu. On Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend
sandwiches and snacks are also available throughout the day
from the Yacht Club, and can be enjoyed anywhere on the ship.
Dinner
In the evening, we turn the spotlight to the elegant Amphora
Restaurant. Here, the dining room manager seats you. There are
no pre-assigned tables or first or second sittings. When you dine,
and with whom, are entirely up to you (seating usually begins at
7:00 p.m. and will be printed in the daily program). On Wind Surf,
you can enjoy the intimate dining venue, Stella Bistro, featuring
contemporary fare with a French twist and a wine list to match.
Candles offers an alfresco dining experience with a set menu of
grilled seafood and steak.
Windstar Cruises is committed to offering our guests healthy
food selections and has eliminated trans fats from all menus. We
offer vegetarian options, specially created by our chefs on board.
In addition, our Executive Chef on board is available to help you
choose light fare upon request. If you have food allergies, please
notify us 7 days before sailing.
Note: Kosher and Halal meals are not available on Windstar.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Note: Guests who have other specific dietary needs should
submit a Special Requirements Information (SRI) form at least
30 days prior to sailing.
DINING WITH
WINDSTAR
8
Room Service
Noon or midnight, or any time in between, we offer 24-hour
service for sandwiches, selected canapés, coffee, and tea.
Smoking/Vaping Policy
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any of the staterooms,
suites, or public spaces, including all restaurants and corridors.
Smoking and vaping are permitted on the outside decks in
designated smoking areas only.
Hotel Service Charge and
Beverage Service Charge
Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of
your cruise meets the highest standards. This includes those
crew members who serve you directly, such as wait staff,
beverage servers, and the stewards who service your stateroom
or suite each day. There are also many others who support their
efforts whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry
staff. To ensure that the efforts of all of our crew members are
recognized and rewarded, a Hotel Service Charge of $14.50 per
person per day is automatically added to each guest’s onboard
account. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations,
you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. In
addition, a 15% Beverage Service Charge is automatically added
to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. These charges
are paid entirely to Windstar crew members, and represent an
important part of their compensation.
In terminals, airports, ports of call, and on shore excursions,
we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary
local practices.
9
Medical Services
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, although 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 require a special medical apparatus or assistance on
board or have any special medical, physical, or other requirements,
please contact Voyage Services at 800-258-7245. There are
elevators available on Wind Surf, Star Pride, Star Breeze, and
Star Legend. Due to limited medical facilities, we will not accept
reservations for women who are 24 or more weeks pregnant at
the time their travel with Windstar concludes.
Electric Appliances
Voltage is standard 110/220 on all Windstar ships. Special
converters are needed using the Europlug (two round pins)
standard. Guests will need to bring their own travel adaptors as
they are not available on board. For your convenience, there is
a hair dryer in each stateroom or suite. There are only 110v US
plugs on Wind Spirit.
Valuables
Each stateroom or suite is equipped with a built-in safe for
storing valuables and important documents.
SPECIAL SERVICES
ON BOARD
10
Special Occasions On Board
Windstar Cruises will be happy to help you plan an onboard
celebration. You may call Voyage Services at 800-258-7245
to make arrangements. If you should decide to give an
impromptu party during the cruise, contact the Hotel Manager
for onboard assistance.
Onboard Guest Packages,
Gifts & Services
Friends may wish to send a gift directly to your stateroom or
suite. They should include your stateroom or suite number, the
name of your ship, and your departure date.
To order a gift, friends and family may contact Voyage Services
at 800-258-7245. Our order form includes a variety of alcoholic
and nonalcoholic beverages, flowers, and other gifts. Orders must
be prepaid and received 7 or more days before sailing. Gift orders
may be charged to American Express®, Visa®, Discover Card® or
MasterCard®. Depending on the country of embarkation, flowers
may not be available 1 to 2 weeks prior to departure.
For more information or to add an onboard package or service
to your booking, please call Voyage Services at 800-258-7245
or visit our website www.windstarcruises.com Plan Your
Voyage section.
Communications
Mail:
Guests are discouraged from receiving mail on board. If you
plan to ship something to be delivered to you on board the ship,
it should be addressed to you c/o the appropriate Port Agent.
Use airmail only and allow 20 days for delivery. For questions,
please call Voyage Services at 800-258-7245.
Internet Access:
Windstar Cruises offers satellite internet capabilities on board
available in a choice of internet packages. However, service can
be unreliable or may not be available depending on the course
and position of the ship. Wireless Internet service is available
on all our ships. Wi-Fi access is possible in most public areas,
staterooms, and suites. Internet packages can be purchased prior
to your cruise by contacting Voyage Services at 800-258-7245 or
on board at the Reception Desk.
11
Emergency Phone Numbers
During regular business hours please call 800-258-7245 or
206-733-2704 (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. Saturday, Pacific time). Outside of these hours and during
holidays, call 206-733-2991*.
*This number is for emergency use only; please do not call
unless you are experiencing an emergency of an urgent nature.
Cell Phone Service
In order to maintain Windstar’s atmosphere of casual elegance
and intimate retreat, we ask guests to consider the following cell
phone courtesy guidelines:
• Cell phone service is intended primarily for guests’ use in the
privacy of their own stateroom or suite.
• Talking on cell phones is discouraged in public areas such as
dining areas or lounges, and guests are asked to set their
phone’s ringer to vibrate when in public areas.
• Guests can now access cell phone service both at sea and
in port. At sea, both GSM and CDMA maritime roaming is
available. Be sure to contact your mobile provider prior to
embarking to ensure your account is authorized to roam
internationally and to confirm maritime roaming pricing or
see about the availability of an international package. All
roaming charges will be included in your monthly bill by
your home carrier.
Service Animals
Animals or pets are not allowed with the exception of qualified
service animals for guests with disabilities. Guests requesting
to bring a service animal on board are required to submit a
Service Requirement Information (SRI) form 30 days prior to
sailing date. Please notify Voyage Services immediately if you
did not identify your service animal when you booked your
cruise by calling 800-258-7245.
12
Duty-Free Allowance
Upon your return to the U.S., you must declare all
merchandise purchased outside of the U.S., including items
purchased in duty-free shops on board or ashore.
Please pay particular attention to the import of animal
by-products (furs, belts, shoes, etc.). A complete list of banned
imports is available from U.S. Customs at www.cbp.gov.
All guests should check with their local Customs agencies in
their home country for allowances information before departure.
Customs and Immigration
You will be advised of current requirements and be given
complete instructions on disembarkation procedures during
your cruise.
We look forward to welcoming
you on board!
WINDSTAR
DISEMBARKATION
13
Ships’ Registry: Bahamas Printed in the U.S.A. 19-0452/11.11.19
2101 4Th Avenue | Suite 210 | Seattle, WA 98121
WINDSTARCRUISES.COM