Windstar Cruises will lift its Covid-19 vaccine requirement as of 1 June 2023, meaning guests will no longer need to be vaccinated to sail with the line.

Crew, however, will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival to work, during their first week and as needed moving forward.

Windstar said in a statement that it will “continue to carry diagnostic tests on board for guests and remains committed to on-board cleanliness and sanitation measures”.

The statement added that Windstar has “invested millions in upgrading the entire six ship fleet’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to incorporate high-tech air filtration”.

In addition, the cruise line is recommending that guests remain up to date with vaccinations.

Windstar Cruises to ‘sail safely’

Windstar Cruises president Christopher Prelog said: “We’ve invested in, and improved, our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board.

“When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement.

“We’ve learned much over the past few years and will continue to follow the policies of each country we visit, as well as evaluate and use public health tools at our disposal to continue to safely sail and travel the world.”

Windstar recently revealed that from November this year it will embark on cruises to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf for the first time in its history.