Are you ready to set sail with Windstar Cruises?

You can access your cruise through MyWindstar, Windstar's online portal for booked guests.

Even if you've booked through Paramount Cruises, you can use MyWindstar to view your itinerary and access selected pre-cruise options, including shore excursions and certain special requests.

You'll find your Windstar booking reference within your Paramount Cruises documentation, while your payments and Paramount Cruises travel documents can be accessed through My Trip.

If you need to make a change to your cruise booking itself, please contact the Paramount Cruises team rather than making changes directly with Windstar.

Windstar doesn't currently use the same app-based online check-in process you may be familiar with from some of the larger cruise lines.

Before travelling, make sure you've reviewed your booking details and completed any passenger information or special requirements requested as part of your booking.

Your final cruise documents will confirm the exact embarkation location and boarding time for your sailing.

Windstar advises that embarkation generally begins at around 1pm, although this varies by itinerary. All guests should normally be onboard at least one hour before the yacht's scheduled departure, so always follow the timings shown in your own travel documents.

At embarkation you'll need your passport and cruise documentation. Windstar may retain your passport safely onboard during the voyage where this is required for immigration procedures.

No. Windstar doesn't currently have a dedicated guest mobile app for managing your cruise or accessing the daily programme in the same way as many larger cruise lines.

Instead, your main pre-cruise resource is MyWindstar, which can be accessed through your phone, tablet or computer using a web browser.

Once onboard, you'll receive information about the day's activities, dining, port information and entertainment directly from the ship.

Excursions range from sightseeing tours covering the destination highlights to smaller-group cultural, culinary and active experiences. On selected sailings, you'll also find Windstar's Beyond Ordinary experiences, designed to offer something particularly unusual or immersive.

Pre-booking is recommended because Windstar's smaller ships also mean smaller excursion groups, and popular experiences can reach capacity before departure.

If you prefer to decide once onboard, remaining availability can be booked through the Destination team on the yacht.

Leave the tuxedo and evening gown at home. Windstar has a relaxed casual elegance approach to dress and there are no traditional formal nights.

During the day, shorts, T-shirts, swimwear and comfortable casual clothing are ideal, depending on your destination.

For dinner in venues such as Amphora, Candles and Windstar's other speciality restaurants, smart-casual clothing is recommended. Think smart trousers or non-distressed jeans with a shirt or polo shirt, or dresses, skirts and smart tops.

Very casual beachwear, shorts and flip-flops are best kept for daytime.

There are no traditional formal nights and you won't need to pack black-tie clothing or costumes. However, Windstar does have several signature events that are part of the experience.

One of the highlights is the Signature Onboard Barbecue, when the crew transform the open deck into a huge outdoor dining event with carving stations, international dishes, desserts, music and entertainment. There's even been known to be some line dancing with the crew.

You'll also experience Windstar's Signature Sail Away, which marks the yacht's departure and is particularly memorable aboard the Wind Class sailing yachts as the sails are raised.

On selected itineraries, particularly in destinations such as the Caribbean, Tahiti and Central America, your cruise may also include a Signature Beach Party ashore with food, drinks and watersports.

Some voyages feature additional Destination Discovery Events, local entertainment or special culinary experiences. Check your daily programme once onboard, as the exact events depend on your yacht, destination, weather and itinerary.

Windstar operates open seating dining, so there are no fixed early or late dinner sittings and you won't be assigned the same table every evening. The main restaurant, Amphora, doesn't normally require advance reservations.

However, Windstar's smaller speciality restaurants do require reservations because seating is limited. These can include Candles, Stella Bistro on Wind Surf and other speciality venues depending on your yacht. There are no additional cover charges for Windstar's speciality restaurants.

We'd recommend making your preferred reservations shortly after boarding, particularly if there's a particular evening or restaurant you don't want to miss.

Yes, and it's one of the things that makes a Windstar cruise feel so different. Windstar operates an Open Bridge policy whenever navigational and operational conditions allow. Guests are welcome to visit the Bridge, meet the officers, look at the charts and learn more about how the yacht is navigated.

There will naturally be times when the Bridge is closed, including during arrivals, departures or when the Captain and officers need to concentrate on navigation. If the door is open, however, you're generally welcome to stop by.

One of Windstar's most distinctive features is the Marina, sometimes referred to as the Watersports Platform, which opens directly from the back of the yacht.

When your yacht is at anchor and local regulations and weather conditions permit, you can head straight from the ship into the water.

Complimentary equipment can include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, floating mats and other water toys, depending on the yacht and destination.

On many sailings, you can also receive your own set of fitted snorkelling equipment to use during the cruise.

The Marina can't operate when the yacht is docked alongside a pier and may be unavailable in certain destinations or when sea and weather conditions aren't suitable.

Windstar operates a cashless onboard system and shipboard purchases are charged in US dollars. You'll receive a guest identification card which is used for purchases during your cruise.

Windstar currently asks guests to register an accepted credit card when boarding. Its published guidance states that debit cards and prepaid cards aren't accepted for setting up your onboard account, so we'd recommend travelling with a suitable credit card.

Be aware that your card provider may charge foreign transaction or currency conversion fees because onboard purchases are processed in US dollars.

Windstar currently allows guests to bring a limited quantity of wine or Champagne onboard for personal consumption.

On cruises of seven nights or fewer, you can bring up to two bottles of wine or Champagne per stateroom. For voyages of eight nights or more, the allowance increases to three bottles per stateroom or suite.

A corkage charge may apply if you choose to drink your own wine in one of the restaurants.

Additional alcohol brought onboard, including purchases made in ports, may be held securely by the ship and returned towards the end of your cruise.

You'll need a valid passport for travel. It must have at least 6 months' validity from your date of return to the UK.

Please check the entry requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting, some destinations do require a visa to be organised prior to departure. You can find the latest information at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Yes, please ensure that you have adequate Travel Insurance in place for your holiday and that your insurance covers cruises and the countries you are travelling to. We’ve partnered with award-winning Travel Insurance Just Travel Cover to help you find the right insurance for your next cruise. At Just Travel Cover you can compare prices from multiple insurers; there’s no age limit and cover for pre-existing medical conditions.

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To review Windstar Cruises' terms & conditions, please visit their website.