Windstar Cruises is now offering all-inclusive pricing options for its guests, priced from an additional US$79 per guest per day. The Miami-based cruise line will continue to offer guests cruise-only fares.
The pricing structure change was announced formally this week but on social media earlier in the month.
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According to Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog, the addition of an all-inclusive price structure brings it on par with competitor cruise lines in the upscale market.
Previously Windstar charged a base cruise fare and guests had the option to add alcohol, gratuities, and other onboard services.
“In an effort to be more in line with other luxury offerings in the cruise industry, particularly with the rollout of our newly transformed all-suite Star Plus Class yachts, we’re now giving the option of an all-inclusive price for all of our sailings,” Prelog said this week. “We didn’t want to take away the à la carte option from guests who enjoy going that way. We want our guests to have the choice based on their preference, what they need on board, and their general vacation philosophy.”
Windstar’s all-inclusive pricing, which is also available on Wind Class yachts, covers unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails; WiFi; all gratuities; as well as the cruise fare.
“We thought about only offering the all-inclusive fare on the newly transformed Star Plus Class yachts. But after talking and listening to our repeat guests and valued travel advisors, we found some like to go à la carte and only purchase amenities as they go. After discussing internally, we all came to the same conclusion – why not offer both on all our yachts? We offer a choice between sailing yachts and all-suite yachts, and now a la carte or all-inclusive. That seems to fit the Windstar brand,” Prelog remarked.
The new pricing is already live on Windstar’s website, with the below example of the 8-day Spanish Symphony itinerary showing the cost difference of $632 (per person twin share) between an all-inclusive ‘bundled’ fare and traditional cruise-only fare.
