Windstar Cruises Health Safety Policy

What health and safety measures does Windstar have in place?

Windstar's smaller ships have real physical limitations for guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices, particularly given tender landings at many ports - confirming specifics before booking is important. Checking destination-specific health advisories before departure is worth doing even when the cruise line doesn't require it. Good to know before you finalize anything.

Do I need to disclose a medical condition before sailing?

Notifying the cruise line's accessibility or special needs desk in advance helps ensure they can accommodate conditions like mobility needs or ongoing medical treatment. Reviewing the muster station location on your cabin door or key card as soon as you board helps the safety briefing go faster. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.

Is there a doctor onboard?

Ships carry medical staff and basic facilities for onboard care, though anything requiring hospital-level treatment would mean evacuation to shore. It's worth asking about the specific medical facilities on your ship, since larger vessels often have more capability than smaller ones. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

What if I need to travel with prescription medication?

Keep medications in their original labeled containers in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, and bring more than you think you'll need in case of itinerary delays. It's worth asking about the specific medical facilities on your ship, since larger vessels often have more capability than smaller ones. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

Can I bring my own mobility scooter or wheelchair?

Bringing your own mobility device is recommended, since onboard wheelchair supply is limited to emergency situations only. It's a good idea to know the location of the ship's medical center relative to your cabin in case of an urgent need. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.

Who can answer specific health-related questions before my Windstar cruise?

Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can point you to Windstar's dedicated accessibility or medical desk for detailed guidance. Staying hydrated and pacing alcohol consumption, especially on port days with excursions, helps avoid the most common onboard medical visits. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.

Does Windstar require any vaccinations before boarding?

Most domestic Caribbean and Alaska sailings on Windstar don't require specific vaccinations, though certain international itineraries may have entry requirements - check your ports of call ahead of departure. It's worth packing a basic first-aid kit for minor issues that don't require a visit to the ship's medical center. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.

What happens if I feel sick before boarding?

Cruise lines can deny boarding to guests showing symptoms of a contagious illness at check-in, both to protect that guest's health and to prevent onboard spread. It's worth asking about the specific medical facilities on your ship, since larger vessels often have more capability than smaller ones. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.

Is there a doctor onboard for medical emergencies?

Yes, every ship carries a medical staff including at least one doctor and nurses, equipped to handle common illnesses and minor emergencies. Registering any relevant medical information with guest services at check-in can speed up care if something comes up during the cruise. Worth keeping in mind either way.

What safety drills are mandatory before Windstar departs?

Windstar requires every passenger to attend the muster drill, covering emergency exits and assembly points, prior to departure. It's worth packing a basic first-aid kit for minor issues that don't require a visit to the ship's medical center. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.