Windstar Cruises Cancels Fall Asia Season, Adds Tahiti Sailings

Windstar Cruises has canceled its season of Asia cruises that was scheduled for this fall, citing the continued uncertainty regarding ports reopening in the region.

“As Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and South Korea are all currently still closed to cruising, Windstar joins several other cruise lines in making this decision to cancel cruises in Asia for fall,” said Windstar president Christopher Prelog.

The move affects seven scheduled itineraries on Star Breeze, including a crossing of the Pacific from Alaska to Japan. Instead of the crossing, Star Breeze will extend its Alaska season by one journey in late August, then travel down the West Coast, before sailing from San Diego to Tahiti. Once in Tahiti, the ship will offer five sailings in French Polynesia.

Passengers on canceled sailings can move their booking to the same region in 2023. Those who rebook to a 2023 Asia or Australia sailing by May 27 will receive cruise fare rate protection and a $200 per person shipboard credit. Alternatively, guests may cancel for a Future Cruise Credit of 100% of the monies paid to Windstar. If they then wish to turn their FCC into a refund, they can do so once they receive the FCC. 

Travel advisors may be eligible for commission protection as well. In accordance with Windstar's commission policy, depending on their clients' departure date and the date of these cancellations, advisors will receive a commission of 10% of 35% of the cruise fare on sailings canceled 89 to 60 days prior to departure, and 10% of 15% of the cruise fare for sailings canceled 120 to 90 days prior to departure. (These protections are based on final payment having been received on bookings.)

With the move to French Polynesia, Star Breeze will be able to participate in the line's celebration of 35 yaers sailing in Tahiti. All sailings aboard Wind Spirit and Star Breeze in Tahiti will feature special celebratory events.