Windstar Cruises Coronavirus Booking & Health Policies

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of six boutique all-suite and sailing yachts carrying 148-342 guests. Small ship cruises sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Asia, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada and New England, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Mexico and U.S. Coastal, Australia and New Zealand.

Windstar launched the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to transform three Star Class ships with new suites, restaurants, and a world-class spa and fitness center. The award-winning line is known for immersive experiences, destination authenticity, port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation.

Windstar’s small cruise ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port, so you can see the world from new perspectives. Whether you prefer watersports, exploring ports, or activities on board, you’ll discover plenty of ways to find your bliss on a Windstar cruise.

The health and safety of everyone on board and in communities visited is a top priority for Windstar Cruises. They are connected to industry experts and following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The team at Windstar is implementing additional technologies that go beyond the requirements as part of the “Beyond Ordinary Care” program.

What is Windstar Cruises Beyond Ordinary Care Program?

They are making a multi-million dollar investment in their fleet to provide a healthy environment aboard a Windstar yacht. Hospital-grade high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters paired with a UV-C air zapping process (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) are being installed. The hospital grade UV-C light process has been previously proven to kill coronaviruses, along with microbes like mold, bacteria and fungi. After moving through the HEPA filter, the air is zapped by the light and any microbes not caught in the filter are destroyed. All yachts will have these significant upgrades completed to their HVAC system prior to sailing. This extra measure is another example of Windstar’s commitment to safety and providing a 180 degree from ordinary experience.

Beyond Ordinary Care program is a multi-layered strategy with key hospital-grade elements: HEPA filters and UV-C ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to filter and disinfect the air, plus EvaClean with PurTab to sanitize all surfaces throughout the yacht. These EPA-approved, hospital-grade sanitizers utilize a safe and effective formula for disinfecting all type s of hard & soft surfaces. Backpack sprayers will be used to sanitizer guest rooms, crew spaces, public spaces & the entire ship at the beginning of each cruise, as well as during sailing in key areas of the ship. Windstar has also partnered with the epidemiology department at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center to investigate appropriate layers of protection to create a safer experience for guests.

“Windstar’s holistic approach has multiple layers of safety at hospital grade standards, and when combined with responsible hygiene practices from guests, it’s the safest environment achievable with tech and science as we know it today,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, Medical Director of Infection Prevention at University of Colorado Hospital and Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, at University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center.

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS ON WINDSTAR’S MULTI-LAYERED BEYOND ORDINARY CARE PROGRAM

Pre-boarding

• Receive updated communications about COVID policies from Windstar
• Wear masks during travel to ship
• Present a negative COVID-19 test at terminal before boarding yacht
• Health screening at terminal prior to embarkation
• Staggered arrivals and embarkation

On board

• HEPA filters and UV-C lights in HVAC system are a double whammy to clean the air of microbes on board ships
• Electrostatic sprayers sanitize spaces and surfaces with a powerful, EPA-approved, hospital-grade sanitizing solution
• Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing public spaces and high-touch points
• Diners spaced apart in dining venues
• Additional medical staff on board
• Masks worn indoors in public spaces and on deck as needed
• Crew undergo regular testing

Shore excursions

• Tenders, motor coaches and smaller boats will operate at reduced capacity and will be sanitized between each use
• Shore excursions to operate at reduced capacity; guests must wear masks as needed
• Staggered arrivals and departures in ports

In order to prepare all of the yachts, Windstar cruises canceled all departures through the end of 2020. Windstar cruises 2021 and 2022 are open for reservations. The Star breeze will start sailing on January 2, 2021, in the Caribbean.

Windstar Travel Assurance Booking Policy

Windstar’s interim Travel Assurance Booking Policy is effective beginning February 27, 2020 and automatically applies to new and existing cruises departing through December 31, 2021. Travelers who cancel a 2021 cruise booking at least 48 hours prior to departure will receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of the cancellation fees collected excluding fees collected for air transportation and hotels. All Future Cruise Credits must be used within 24 months of issuance on another Windstar departure.

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