Is Windstar All Inclusive?
The Complete Luxury Traveler's Guide
When travelers first discover Windstar Cruises, one of the most common questions they ask is: 'Is Windstar truly all inclusive?' The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Unlike some ultra-luxury cruise lines that bundle nearly every expense into the fare, Windstar offers a premium small-ship experience with a base fare that includes many essentials and the option to add an all-inclusive package for additional convenience.
Understanding exactly what is—and isn't—included can make a significant difference in both your vacation experience and your overall budget.
For some travelers, the package delivers exceptional value. For others, paying only for what they use may be the smarter financial decision. Knowing which category you fall into requires more than reviewing a list of inclusions—it requires experience with how luxury travelers actually use these amenities onboard.
What Is Included in Every Windstar Cruise Fare?
Every Windstar cruise includes a collection of premium experiences designed around intimate yacht-style travel rather than mass-market cruising.
Luxurious Accommodations
Every guest enjoys an ocean-view stateroom or suite with premium bedding, elegant furnishings, luxury bath amenities, and flat-screen TV. There are no inside cabins on Windstar ships.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Complimentary coffee, specialty coffees, tea, bottled water, soft drinks in select venues, and fresh juices during breakfast.
World-Class Dining
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at multiple venues with no extra charge for most specialty dining. Includes complimentary room service and outdoor dining opportunities.
Marina Platform
Side-By-Side Analysis
Standard Fare vs. All-Inclusive Fare
Drag the slider to compare features side-by-side.
| Feature | Standard Fare | All-Inclusive Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean-view accommodation | Included | Included |
| All meals & Specialty dining | Included | Included |
| Coffee, tea & bottled water | Included | Included |
| Marina platform & Entertainment | Included | Included |
| Alcoholic beverages | Extra | Included |
| Wi-Fi | Extra | Included |
| Hotel service charges | Extra | Included |
| Simplified onboard spending | Extra | Included |
What's Included vs. What Costs Extra
A transparent look at the All-Inclusive package.
Extra: Alcoholic Beverages
Premium wine selections, premium spirits, and specialty cocktails.
Extra: Premium Wi-Fi Packages
Internet access is generally an additional purchase unless sailing under an All-Inclusive fare.
Extra: Shore Excursions
Private experiences ashore and small-group destination tours.
Extra: Spa & Salon Services
Treatments, massages, and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Extra: Laundry Service
Laundry and dry cleaning services onboard.
Included: Unlimited Beverages
Unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails, plus select premium spirits.
Included: Complimentary Wi-Fi
Unlimited internet access for keeping connected at sea.
Included: Hotel Service Charges
Gratuities are included under the fare where applicable.
Included: Simplified Spending
Added convenience with fewer onboard charges and no need to track beverage spending.
When You Might Skip the Package
Rarely Drink Alcohol
If you drink mostly water, coffee, or tea, the package may not pay off.
Prefer Exploring Ashore
If you spend most of your time in port and little time at onboard bars.
Digital Detox
If you prefer to disconnect from the internet entirely during your vacations.
Overall Value Rating
How the All-Inclusive Fare scores across key categories.
Beverage Value
9/10Wi-Fi Convenience
8/10Gratuities Peace of Mind
9.5/10Shore Excursions
5/10Spa & Extras
4/10Which Travelers Benefit Most?
See if your travel style matches the All-Inclusive Fare.
The Social Couple
"For those who enjoy specialty coffees, wine with lunch, afternoon cocktails, and a nightcap. The package pays for itself and eliminates signing receipts."
Traveler Profile 1
Windstar Guest
The Connected Professional
"For those who need reliable Wi-Fi for family communication or remote work. Purchasing Wi-Fi separately can increase total vacation cost."
Traveler Profile 2
Windstar Guest
The Peace-of-Mind Traveler
"For those who appreciate knowing most expected onboard expenses are covered before arriving. Budgeting is easier with no surprises."
Traveler Profile 3
Windstar Guest
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fare?
Let our luxury cruise experts help you compare Windstar fares and promotions to ensure you get the best value for your travel style.
Contact a Windstar ExpertStandard Fare vs. All-Inclusive Fare
Windstar
- Ocean-view accommodation: Included
- All meals & Specialty dining: Included
- Coffee, tea & bottled water: Included
- Marina platform & Entertainment: Included
- Alcoholic beverages: Extra
- Wi-Fi: Extra
- Hotel service charges: Extra
- Simplified onboard spending: Extra
Other Luxury Brands
- Ocean-view accommodation: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- All meals & Specialty dining: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Coffee, tea & bottled water: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Marina platform & Entertainment: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Alcoholic beverages: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Wi-Fi: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Hotel service charges: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
- Simplified onboard spending: Included (Regent), Included (Seabourn)
Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials
Meet Your Luxury Cruise Expert
Angela Hughes
Angela Hughes has explored over 121 countries and spent more than four decades designing luxury travel experiences. She is widely recognized across the travel industry as a leading river cruise authority and active travel advocate.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- CEO, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
- Founder, Luxury Travel University
- More than 40 years in the travel industry
- Traveled to 121+ countries
- Global luxury travel speaker and trainer
- Weekly travel industry columnist
- Travel Leaders Network Advisory Board member
- Named 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year
- Recognized by TravelPulse as one of the Most Influential Women in Travel (2026)
- Specialist in luxury cruises, expedition cruising, and bespoke travel experiences
After more than 40 years advising luxury travelers, Angela Hughes has found that there is no universal answer to whether an all-inclusive package is worth it. The best choice depends on how you travel. Angela and the advisors at Trips & Ships Luxury Travel review each client's travel style, itinerary, and onboard preferences before recommending a fare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windstar's Fares
Windstar Cruises are not fully all-inclusive in their standard fare. Your cruise typically includes accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, and many onboard amenities. Premium beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities can be added via the All-Inclusive Fare.
A typical Windstar cruise fare includes: Luxury accommodations, most onboard dining, coffee, tea, and select non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, fitness center, pool and hot tubs, watersports platform (when available), and personalized onboard service.
Wi-Fi is not included in the standard fare, but it is included if you purchase the All-Inclusive Fare package.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the standard fare. However, you can enjoy unlimited select wine, beer, cocktails, and premium spirits by upgrading to the All-Inclusive Fare.
Hotel service charges (gratuities) are generally not included in standard cruise fares, but they are included if you purchase the All-Inclusive Fare package.
If you book the standard fare, you will pay extra for: Alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, salon services, premium Wi-Fi packages, laundry service, and boutique purchases.
If you enjoy premium beverages throughout the day, want reliable Wi-Fi, and prefer predictable vacation costs without signing receipts, the package offers excellent value. If you rarely drink and disconnect from the internet, you may save money sticking to the standard fare.
For travelers seeking intimate luxury, exceptional service, immersive destinations, and a yacht-style atmosphere, Windstar offers exceptional value compared to ultra-luxury lines that mandate all-inclusive pricing for all guests.
Savings vary based on your consumption. A la carte cocktails and daily Wi-Fi charges can quickly exceed the daily package cost for guests who enjoy wine with dinner, afternoon drinks, and internet access.
Social couples who enjoy cocktails and wine, professionals who need reliable Wi-Fi, and luxury relaxation travelers who prefer to sip drinks poolside and enjoy fine dining every evening get the most value.
Yes, you can typically add the All-Inclusive package to your reservation before sailing, though promotions and prices may vary. It's often best to consult your travel advisor.
The All-Inclusive package includes select premium spirits, wines, and beers. Certain ultra-premium or vintage wines may incur an additional charge or be offered at a discount.
No, shore excursions are generally not included in either the standard fare or the All-Inclusive fare. They must be purchased separately.
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel provides expert guidance backed by the experience of Angela Hughes, one of the travel industry's most respected luxury travel advisors. She helps clients evaluate their travel style to choose the right fare and avoid paying for unnecessary inclusions.
Yes! One feature frequently praised by repeat Windstar guests is the Open Bridge. Unlike many cruise lines, guests are often invited to visit the bridge, meet the officers, and learn how the yacht operates.
Ready to Experience Windstar Cruises?
Let Angela Hughes and the luxury travel experts at Trips & Ships Luxury Travel design your perfect yacht-style vacation.
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