Windstar Cruises Gratuities Policy

How much are gratuities on Windstar?

Gratuities include a hotel service charge of around $16 per person, per day, plus an 18% charge automatically applied to alcoholic beverage purchases. If your sailing includes an all-inclusive-style fare, double-checking whether gratuities are actually bundled in avoids double-paying. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

Can I adjust or remove the automatic gratuity charge?

You can typically request an adjustment at Guest Services, though it's intended for unusual situations rather than a routine discount, given that gratuities fund crew pay. It's worth budgeting for gratuities as part of your total trip cost upfront rather than treating it as a surprise add-on later. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Are gratuities included if I prepay them before sailing?

Yes, prepayment locks in today's rate and rolls it into your pre-cruise total instead of billing daily once you're onboard. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Worth keeping in mind either way.

Do drink packages and specialty dining include a service charge on top of gratuities?

Drink packages and specialty dining typically tack on their own service charge, usually in the 15-20% range, apart from the standard daily gratuity. This detail is easy to overlook when comparing headline cruise prices between lines, so it's worth factoring in early. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

Are gratuities different for children?

Some lines charge a reduced or no gratuity for very young children, though most charge the same daily rate per guest in the cabin regardless of age once they're past toddler age. It's worth checking your specific fare's inclusions before assuming gratuities are or aren't already covered. Worth keeping in mind either way.

How do gratuities on Windstar compare to other lines?

Call +1-800-406-8495 and an advisor can walk through how Windstar's gratuities stack up against other lines you're considering. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

Can I prepay gratuities before my Windstar cruise instead of paying onboard?

You can generally prepay the Windstar gratuity charge ahead of sailing, which many find easier than tracking a daily onboard fee. Setting aside a small amount of cash for exceptional individual service beyond the standard charge is a common practice among frequent cruisers. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Do specialty restaurants have a separate gratuity from the daily charge?

Some specialty dining spots charge their own service fee separately from the standard gratuity, so checking per venue is wise. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.

Are gratuities included in Windstar fares booked through a promotion?

Certain Windstar promotions bundle in gratuities, though standard fares generally charge them as an add-on - confirm which applies to you. If you're unsure how the charge breaks down, guest services can usually provide an itemized explanation of what it covers. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

What's a reasonable way to budget for gratuities on a weeklong cruise?

Take the daily gratuity rate, multiply by nights and guests, and add a little extra buffer for any specialty dining or drink-package service fees on top. This is one of the areas where policies can shift between cruise lines even under the same parent company, so don't assume they match. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.