Published on September 30, 2025
Windstar Cruises introduced an innovative Ways to Winter promotion to change how travellers typically experience winter. Instead of the usual cold, dreary months, the promotion aimed to offer an alternative by providing travellers with the opportunity to explore tropical and serene destinations. Between 25th September and 7th October 2025, guests were encouraged to book select cruises to destinations such as Tahiti, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands—places that are particularly beautiful during the off-season. With the Ways to Winter offer, travellers received perks such as a free all-inclusive package and up to $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom, making the offer even more enticing. This special deal applied to voyages set to depart through March 2026, providing ample time for interested travellers to plan their winter getaway.
Windstar’s Unique Approach to Winter Travel

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Windstar Cruises is known for offering small-ship voyages to exclusive and often hidden destinations, places that larger vessels cannot access. These cruises provide an intimate experience that larger cruise lines often cannot replicate, offering a sense of personalization and exclusivity. The Ways to Winter promotion targeted those seeking an alternative to traditional winter travel by offering the chance to explore warmer and more tranquil destinations during the off-season. The promotion made it possible to visit iconic locations like Tahiti and the Caribbean when they are at their most peaceful, offering guests a chance to experience them in their most serene and picturesque state.
Winter travel typically means fewer tourists, which translates into more space, better value, and deeper immersion in local cultures. Windstar Cruises capitalized on this by providing small, personalized voyages. For many travellers, this offered a significant advantage: the ability to explore some of the most popular destinations in the world without the typical crowds. This shift offered a more rewarding and exclusive experience, allowing travellers to engage more deeply with the local culture, landscapes, and people in a way that larger cruise lines couldn’t offer.

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Inclusions in the Ways to Winter Offer
The Ways to Winter promotion included several benefits that enhanced the experience for guests, making it even more valuable. The all-inclusive package covered:

• Unlimited Wi-Fi: Guests could stay connected with family, friends, or work while at sea, allowing them to share their travel experiences in real-time or simply keep in touch.
• Onboard gratuities: The service charges for the crew were already covered as part of the package, meaning that guests could relax without worrying about additional costs.
• A selection of beverages: There was a wide variety of beer, wine, and cocktails available, perfect for relaxing or celebrating during the journey.
• Up to $1,000 onboard credit: This onboard credit provided guests with flexibility to personalize their voyages, whether by booking shore excursions, spa treatments, or other onboard amenities.

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The Benefits of Early Booking
The Ways to Winter promotion had a booking window open until 7th October 2025, allowing guests plenty of time to take advantage of the offer for voyages departing through March 2026. Early booking was encouraged to secure spots, especially for the best suites, as the demand for such exclusive experiences typically rises. The early-booking incentive provided a valuable bonus for travellers looking to lock in the most desirable dates and accommodations, particularly ahead of the Wave Season, a peak time for cruise bookings.
The ability to book early allowed travellers to plan their ideal winter escape while also securing the best rooms. Windstar’s approach to encouraging early bookings ensured that guests could enjoy peace of mind while securing their place aboard one of these intimate voyages.
Best Winter Destinations on Offer
The Ways to Winter promotion included some of the most captivating winter destinations, each known for being especially inviting during the off-season. These destinations offered perfect weather, fewer crowds, and a relaxing atmosphere. Some of the standout options included:

• Tahiti (September-March): Tahiti was an ideal winter destination where the typically crowded islands offered a more peaceful experience. Guests could immerse themselves in turquoise lagoons, swim with reef sharks and manta rays, and take in the local culture in a way that’s hard to achieve when the islands are overrun with tourists. The off-season months in Tahiti allowed for a more personal and intimate exploration of this idyllic destination.
• Mediterranean (October-March): The Mediterranean was another region that shines during winter, as it attracts fewer crowds and offers a chance to explore historic landmarks in cooler temperatures. Stops included Spain, Italy, France, and Croatia, where guests could visit Christmas markets, historical sites, and experience the local culture at a much slower pace. Winter offered a perfect opportunity to see the Mediterranean in a more peaceful light.
• Caribbean (October-March): The Caribbean remained a vibrant and attractive winter escape, offering colourful beach towns, lively local rhythms, and a wide range of activities. Whether it was snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, enjoying beach barbecues, or sampling local cuisine such as conch fritters, the Caribbean promised a warm, laid-back vibe perfect for those seeking sunshine during the cold months.
• Canary Islands (November-February): The Canary Islands were selected for their volcanic landscapes, sunny weather, and Moorish influences, making them an excellent winter destination. Guests could explore the region’s unique offerings, including a wicker toboggan ride and the chance to enjoy wine in volcanic vineyards. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the Canary Islands provided a winter escape like no other.
• Costa Rica & Panama Canal (November-March): The journey through the Panama Canal offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness this engineering marvel while enjoying the lush rainforests and wildlife of Costa Rica. Passengers could spot monkeys, toucan, and sloths, while also soaking in the natural beauty of the area. The warm winter months made this journey ideal for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Additional destinations such as Greece, Northern Europe, and South America were also included in the promotion. These locations were selected for their seasonal appeal and provided a perfect blend of cultural richness and relaxation, catering to those who preferred to travel during quieter periods.
Windstar Cruises’ Popularity Surge
Windstar Cruises experienced an uptick in demand, particularly for short-lead travel. As more travellers began to book vacations closer to departure dates, the Ways to Winter promotion provided an attractive option for those eager to escape winter without long planning times. The combination of added perks, such as onboard credit and free all-inclusive packages, encouraged guests to take quick action and book early.
The surge in popularity for short-lead travel demonstrated a shift in consumer behaviour. People were looking for flexibility and value, and Windstar’s ability to offer both options made them a popular choice. The promotion allowed the cruise line to meet the growing demand for last-minute trips while helping travel advisors reach clients who were interested in affordable, last-minute winter vacations.
Impact on the Travel Industry
The Ways to Winter promotion had significant potential effects on the broader travel industry. By offering added incentives such as discounts, perks, and flexibility, it set a precedent for last-minute bookings and off-season travel. More and more cruise lines may follow suit and offer similar promotions, particularly for those seeking warm-weather destinations during the winter months.
As more travellers begin to embrace off-season travel, the traditional idea of winter holidays could shift. Instead of opting for the usual ski resorts or cold-weather vacations, tourists may begin exploring alternative, warmer destinations. This change in preference may lead to new opportunities for smaller cruise lines that can provide exclusive, intimate experiences, especially to regions that are traditionally less visited during peak seasons.
For the wider travel industry, this movement towards off-season exploration could provide a much-needed boost. By highlighting hidden gems and less crowded destinations, the industry can encourage more people to travel year-round, taking advantage of the lower prices and fewer tourists that come with travelling during the off-season.
Booking and Travel Information
The booking window for the Ways to Winter promotion closed on 7th October 2025, and the offer applied to voyages set to depart until March 2026. The flexible booking window provided ample time for travellers to secure their winter getaways, allowing for a more relaxed and thoughtful planning process. The free all-inclusive upgrade, valued at £77 per person per day, included Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select beverages, as well as other amenities like room service, specialty dining, and water sports.
By encouraging early bookings, Windstar Cruises ensured that passengers could enjoy the best possible accommodations and a more personalized experience. This early-booking strategy ensured that the cruise line could deliver the most exclusive, luxurious experiences while maintaining the intimate feel that small-ship voyages are known for.
A Winter to Remember
The Ways to Winter promotion proved to be more than just a special offer. It offered an exciting opportunity for travellers to rethink how they experience winter. Rather than enduring the usual cold, people had the chance to explore some of the world’s most beautiful and tranquil destinations. With the perks offered, including the all-inclusive package and onboard credit, this promotion made winter travel accessible and rewarding.
This promotion was more than just a getaway; it provided a unique, memorable experience that redefined what winter travel could look like. Whether travelling to Tahiti, relaxing in the Caribbean, or exploring the Mediterranean, Windstar Cruises provided a fresh way to enjoy the winter months. This new approach to winter travel, combining luxury, exclusivity, and relaxation, is likely to shape the future of travel for years to come.

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Tags: cruise sector, french polynesia, Tahiti, travel deals, Windstar Cruises

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