Windstar Cruises Launches Star Promise

Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite

This year at Cruise360, which is being held in Vancouver, Windstar Cruises has announced the Star Promise. This new initiative aims to create educational tools and support for travel agents.

One support tool is the new Star Groups program, which was born out of the idea that more people are traveling in groups.

“It’s a yacht style cruising that really lends itself to a great vacation experience for groups of people traveling together, we often times find that couples travel with other couples and if you just expand that a little bit more you have a nice group,” said Steve Simao, vice president travel agency sales, Windstar Cruises.

Within Star Groups there are two levels of benefits, Star Group and Star Advantage, depending on promotional dates and savings fares. 

Star Groups includes five percent discount from savings fares, tour conductor policy of 1:9 people, a new guest amenity of $100 per person shipboard credit, a complimentary cocktail party with 18 plus guests, and 259 cruise departure dates to choose from over all destinations.

The added Star Advantage group benefits include 10 percent discount from savings fares, $100 per person travel agent bonus commission (in addition to the regularly earned commission), tour conductor policy of 1:9 people, a guest amenity of $100 per person shipboard credit, a complimentary cocktail party for 18 plus guests, and 164 cruise departure dates to choose from over all destinations.

Simao also urged agents to book groups early because of the small size of the vessels.

Agents will also note that under the new Star Promise there will be a Star FAM program, which gives agents access to free cruises on select dates throughout 2016. Note: These new FAMs include eight different itineraries and these specific trips are available for a limited time. Also, agents who complete the Star Specialist program, which educates agents on the brand and provides useful tips, by June 23 are eligible for a $100 bonus commission on a future Windstar Cruises booking.  

The Star Service is also part of the Star Promise. This part of the program focusing on supporting agents by responding to requests by the next business day and working towards a speedy solution. Lastly, under the Star Promise, Windstar said it plans to off an exceptional guest experience.