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 be fully
vaccinated with a current COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before embarkation.
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, AstraZeneca, and Moderna all require 2 injections, Johnson and Johnson requires 1 injection. The typical guidance is full efficacy is reached 14 days after the applicable quantity of injections.
Will the crew be vaccinated?
The crew will be vaccinated as soon as vaccinations are available to them.
Will Windstar sail if all crew members have not been vaccinated?
Windstar’s intent is for the crew to be vaccinated as soon as vaccinations are available to them. Not all crew
may have access to vaccines by the time we resume sailing. Whether vaccinated or not, crew will wear masks,
socially distance, and go through regimented COVID-19 related surveillance continuously and be COVID-19
tested weekly
Will proof of a vaccine be required for guests to board?
Yes, proof of vaccination will be required at check in on the pier. Proof includes the original vaccination
record document issued by either (1) the country’s health authority that administered the vaccination (i.e. U.S.
CDC's Vaccination Record Card) or (2) the guest's medical provider that administered the vaccination.
Are masks still a requirement for vaccinated guests?
Yes, since our itineraries navigate to many different countries with different regulations, it is Windstar’s
policy that all guests and crew, regardless of vaccination, follow mask mandates.
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%. Pre-embarkation testing will be required for the health and safety of our guests,
crew members and the communities we visit on our cruises. (See Pre-Cruise section above.)
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 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 and it is within 60 days of the sailing then the TABP policy will apply.
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 in the guest’s home country.
What if I have been vaccinated but am exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
Guests will be allowed to embark if:
- they have a vaccine series completed at least 14 days prior to embarkation;
- their COVID-19 test at embarkation is negative; and
- they pass the pre-embarkation health screening.