Windstar Pauses Caribbean Sailings

In a sign that 2022 isn’t starting the way many travelers had hoped, more cruise cancelations have been announced.

Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog sent a letter to its Yacht Club members detailing a new pause to cruises as the Omicron variant spreads around the world.

The cruise line has canceled all sailings through January 28, 2022, on board Star Legend, Wind Surf and Wind Star in the Caribbean and Panama/Costa Rica.

In the letter, Windstar noted that “with the surge and rapid spread of the Omicron variant, paired with port restrictions in the region, we simply can’t offer our hallmark Windstar sailing experience right now.”

Travelers headed to Tahiti will not be affected by this latest pause, according to the letter. Star Breeze will continue to sail in Tahiti where Omicron isn’t spreading as rapidly.

Windstar noted that they have had very few positive cases due to the cruise line’s layered approach, but they are “operating in a confusing, complex and ever-changing international travel environment.”

Following the pause until January 28, the cruise line has a more positive outlook, noting that, “the worst of Omicron will be behind us.”

Given the uncertainty, the cruise line has extended its Travel Assurance Booking Policy through June 30, 2022, allowing guests to cancel up to 48 hours prior to departure. Windstar has also extended its final payment and cancellation policy for sailings through June 30, 2022, to 60 days prior to sailing.