The following links provide important information to help you plan for your cruise. Please call Windstar Guest Services for questions and assistance.

Passage Contract

EU Conditions of Carriage

UK Conditions of Carriage

Special Request Form

International Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights

Setting Sail Booklet

Ensure you have the necessary passport and visa for your travel. Boarding may be denied, and fines levied for improper documentation, which is the guest's responsibility.

Windstar Cruises requires all guests to travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.

Closed Loop Cruises: U.S. citizens on cruises starting and ending in the same U.S. port need proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License or passport. Windstar policy requires all guests to travel with a valid passport.

For more information, visit travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments for passport requirements. Expired passports are not acceptable.

Some countries require that you obtain official authorization (called a visa) before entering the country. Usually a fee is required. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If you do not hold proper visa documents, you could be denied boarding without compensation.

All Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Please visit The Department of Homeland Security to apply. Please note that boarding may be denied to travelers from VWP countries that do not have machine-readable passports.

It is your responsibility to determine and fulfill the passport and visa requirements applicable to your travel situation. Questions regarding current regulations can be directed to your travel agent. Boarding may be denied and fines may be levied against those guests without proper documentation. Payment of any fines levied is the responsibility of the individual guest.

While the Russian Federation requires visas for visiting American and Canadian citizens, there is an exclusion for guests traveling with an escorted cruise group. If you plan to explore St. Petersburg on your own, a visa is required and must be obtained before departure. If, however, you have chosen to take part in one of our escorted shore excursions, a visa is not required. Your passport is sufficient documentation for boarding your yacht.

*For additional countries, please visit: https://cibtvisas.com/business-global-splashs?windstar

When to Obtain a Visa: Obtain your visa early to avoid delays. Visa processing times vary by destination and season. Different ports of call in the same country do not constitute a separate entry unless the ship visits a different country in between.

Visa Service Providers: Visa service providers help you gather necessary documents, guide you through the process, and manage logistics with foreign Entry/Exit Bureaus. If you choose to use a visa service provider, inform them that you are traveling with Windstar Cruises by sea, as visa requirements may differ from air travel. We recommend working with CIBT. Please note, their services incur additional costs not collected through Windstar Cruises.

Contact your travel professional, State Department, or local visa service for assistance.

Visa Waiver Programs: U.S.-bound travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain an Electronic Security for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. Visit U.S. Customs & Border Patrol to apply.

Schengen Zone: Starting in 2026, visa-exempt travelers to Schengen countries must obtain a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Visit travel-europe.europa.eu for details.

Russian Federation: American and Canadian citizens need a visa unless traveling with an escorted cruise group. For independent exploration of St. Petersburg, obtain a visa before departure. Check with your State Department or travel professional if unsure.

For more information about Windstar's passport and visa policies, please see our General Information page here.