Fares, Non-Commissionable Amount, Gratuities, Taxes, Fees, Port Expenses and Surcharges
Windstar Cruises reserves the right not to honor any published prices that it determines were erroneous due to printing, electronic, or clerical error. Each cruise fare includes a Non-Commissionable Amount. That portion of the fare is both non-commissionable to travel professionals and not subject to reduction in the event of a percentage discount promotion, 2-for-1 promotion, or otherwise. If cost factors dictate the need for fare increases, Windstar Cruises may do so at any time prior to departure. Guests can cancel (without paying a cancellation fee) rather than accept a fare increase. Suggested onboard gratuities are extra.
Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses, as used by us, may include, without limitation, all or a portion of all fees, charges, tolls and taxes imposed on us by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, as well as third party fees and charges arising from a vessel's presence in a harbor or port. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses may include U.S. Customs fees, head taxes, Panama Canal or other canal tolls, passenger facilities charges, dockage fees, wharfage fees, inspection fees, pilotage, air taxes, hotel or VAT taxes incurred as part of a land tour, immigration and naturalization fees, and Internal Revenue Service fees, as well as fees for navigation, berthing, stevedoring, baggage handling/storage and security services. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses may be assessed per passenger, per berth, per ton or per vessel. Assessments calculated on a per ton or per vessel basis will be spread over the number of passengers on the Ship. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are subject to change and we reserve the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full. Windstar Cruises reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges, or similar incidental surcharges. No right of cancellation exists under these circumstances.
Shipboard Account and Currency Exchange
Our cashless society is designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. When you board the yacht, your account has already been activated and you may make purchases by simply showing your guest identification and signing a receipt. Your card will be pre-authorized at the start of the cruise for $1, with the remaining authorization for the actual owed amount. At the end of your cruise, you will receive a final statement and your card will be charged only for the actual amount of your purchases. Any Shipboard Credit (SBC) or Onboard Credit (OBC) added to your Shipboard Account may only be used onboard. These credits may not be used prior to the cruise.
Please inform your credit card issuer in advance that your card will be used on a Windstar ship. This will help prevent delays in obtaining pre-authorization on board. Products and services on board are in US dollars. Windstar is not liable for any foreign exchange fees imposed by your card issuer. Currency exchange is available at Reception and currency exchange fees are applicable.
Hotel Service Charge and Beverage Service Charge
Our crew works very hard to make sure that every aspect of your cruise meets the highest standards. This includes those crew members who serve you directly, such as wait staff, beverage servers, and the stewards who service your stateroom or suite each day. There are also many others who support their efforts whom you may never meet, such as galley and laundry staff. To ensure that the efforts of all of our crew members are recognized and rewarded, a Hotel Service Charge of $16 per passenger per day is automatically added to each guest’s onboard account. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of the cruise. In addition, a 18% Beverage Service Charge is automatically added to bar charges and dining room wine purchases. These charges represent an important part of Windstar crew members compensation.
In terminals, airports, ports of call, and on shore excursions, we suggest that you extend gratuities consistent with customary local practices.
European Value Added Tax (VAT)
Important V.A.T. (Value Added Tax) Notice: Select cruise itineraries which visit only European Union (EU), member country ports, are subject to value-added tax (VAT) for services and merchandise purchased on board the cruise. Windstar Cruises is required by law to charge VAT on all beverage purchases including beverage packages purchased onboard, Internet Packages, WindSpa retail items, photo purchases, and durable goods purchased in the Gift Shop. VAT rates range from 20% - 24% based on EU country. Onboard items purchased as part of the cruise fare and paid for prior to the start of the cruise, such as Beverage Packages, Internet Packages and other items are exempt from VAT. Please contact Windstar Reservations for additional information.
In Scope - Subject to VAT
Onboard purchases of the following:
- Gift Shop durables, including consignment goods when sold
- Internet – Purchase onboard
- Photo
- SPA Retail (Concessionaire – Steiner)
- Beverages Sold Onboard – including Beverage package (Portugal & Spain)
Out of Scope - Exempt from VAT
- Gift Shop consumables; amenities and food items
- Laundry – Pre-purchased at time of booking and onboard sales
- Spa Product & Services (Concessionaire - Steiner
- Internet Package – Pre-purchased at time of booking
- Beverages Package - Pre-purchased at time of booking