Will vaccination be a requirement to embark on a Windstar Cruise?
Yes, Windstar has implemented a vaccine mandate until further notice, requiring all guests to have completed an initial COVID-19 vaccine series at least 14 days before embarkation and meet the requirements for the country they are cruising in. We also highly recommend you receive your booster for extra protection if you are eligible at least one week before you depart from home.
Why is Windstar requiring vaccinations?
Windstar has made this decision based on our concern for the health and safety of for our guests, crew members, and the communities we visit on our cruises.
What is considered to be “fully vaccinated”?
Fully vaccinated means to have completed the prescribed quantity of injections and elapsed time according to the vaccination brand’s specifications. For example, Pfizer and Moderna both require two injections, Johnson and Johnson requires one injection. The typical guidance is full efficacy is reached 14 days after the applicable quantity of injections.
Will the crew be vaccinated?
Windstar’s crew is 100% vaccinated. The majority of crew have also received booster shots.
Will proof of a vaccine be required for guests to board?
Yes, proof of vaccination will be required during check in. Proof includes the original vaccination record document or digital certificate issued by either (1) the country’s health authority that administered the vaccination (e.g., U.S. CDC's Vaccination Record Card) or (2) the guest's medical provider that administered the vaccination, or the appropriate documentation issued by the public health authority in the nation of residence of the individual.
Are COVID tests still a requirement for vaccinated guests?
Yes. Science shows that the vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of getting COVID-19, but they do not reduce the risk 100%. The presentation of a negative COVID-19 test result taken prior to boarding is required for the health and safety of our guests, crew members and the communities we visit on our cruises (See Pre-Cruise section above). Home test kits (including telemedicine) are NOT accepted.
Are there any exceptions for individuals who cannot take a vaccine?
We are not currently making any exceptions to the vaccination policy. This group of guests would not be
permitted to sail at this time.
Are there any exceptions for unvaccinated individuals under the age of FDA vaccine approval?
We are not currently making any exceptions to the vaccination policy, and so unvaccinated children would
not be permitted to sail at this time.
What about guests who do not want to be vaccinated?
For guests not yet booked: the vaccination mandate is in effect until further notice; we will be happy to welcome these guests aboard when they are ready to sail with us and abide by this mandate.
For guests with existing bookings: these guests may take advantage of our
TABP (Travel Assurance Booking Policy) policy for cruises departing through June 30, 2022 or cancel according to our cancellation policy for their sailing dates to receive a refund.
What if a guest has a booking with plans to be vaccinated but one or more of the guests in the party are unable to meet the vaccine mandate prior to the sailing?
No exceptions will be made for guests to be vaccinated. If the guest is unable to meet the requirement they may cancel according to our cancellation policy.
Are there COVID-19 vaccines (i.e. AstraZeneca or from other countries) that are not acceptable?
Windstar will accept proof of vaccination for any vaccine that has been approved for use by the U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency (EMA) or is on the WHO Emergency Use Authorization list and in the guest’s home country and accepted by the location the ship is sailing in.