Caribbean Cruise Restart Hits Hurdles: Windstar's Star Breeze Faces Port Denials Amid Pandemic Protocols
Cruise lines worldwide are cautiously resuming operations post-pandemic, but the relaunch of Windstar's refurbished Star Breeze underscores the ongoing complexities of sailing in this era.
The 300-passenger Star Breeze, fresh from a major overhaul—including being cut in half and extended with new sections—returned to service on June 19, 2021. Featuring 50 new cabins and modern restaurants, this would typically be a celebrated milestone in the cruise industry.
However, the Caribbean wasn't fully prepared. While all passengers were fully vaccinated per Windstar's policy, some crew members—who joined during the ship's dry dock in Sicily—lacked vaccination, prompting entry denials.
Three of four ports on the inaugural itinerary—St-Barthélemy, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands—refused docking. Sint Maarten permitted departure from Philipsburg on June 19 and return on June 26.
This caution stems from early post-pandemic outbreaks, like on Celebrity Millennium, where vaccinated passengers tested positive despite requirements. Vaccines aren't foolproof, making such incidents expected on ships and beyond.
Caribbean Vaccination Challenges
In regions where few cases can strain limited healthcare, islands prioritize caution. Vaccines have been scarcer here than in the U.S. For instance, only 26% of British Virgin Islanders were fully vaccinated then (vs. 45% of Americans, per New York Times), with one hospital serving 30,000 residents and just eight ventilators.
Pre-pandemic, ports hosted up to a dozen ships daily, carrying thousands—amplifying risks even for vaccinated visitors.
Itinerary Uncertainty Persists
About 80 guests, including over 20 journalists, boarded from Sint Maarten unaware of full port access. Windstar pre-notified passengers of disruptions, offering the voyage free and future cruise credits, which most accepted for the ship's debut.
"Most guests said, 'OK, we’re coming,'" noted Windstar President Christopher Prelog, who sailed aboard. "It was a solid success, meeting our goals."
Early in the seven-day trip—originally featuring Virgin Gorda's Baths and St-Barthélemy shopping—the itinerary remained fluid amid varying port rules.
Certain Islands Stay Closed
"Some islands are closed regardless of vaccination status, like Anguilla. Others, like St. Barths, are signaling openings but not yet ready," Prelog explained.
The ship circled offshore before returning to Sint Maarten for guided, protocol-compliant excursions.
All Windstar guests must prove vaccination and pass rapid nasal swab tests pre-boarding. Independent port exploration is restricted to maintain the 'vaccination bubble' via organized excursions. Protocols vary by local rules and may evolve.
Travelers Remain Enthusiastic
Onboard morale stayed high. "The ship is wonderful," said passenger Cindy Waldrop from Savannah, Georgia. "Itinerary changes aren't a big deal—I'm just thrilled to cruise again."
The Waldrops, Holland America loyalists, chose this for its pioneering post-pause status and stayed despite warnings, praising Windstar's accommodations.
Windstar addressed crew vaccinations post-voyage, sailing to Puerto Rico on June 28 for Johnson & Johnson shots. Two sailings (June 26, July 3) were canceled for this, with guests offered 125% vouchers or refunds; operations resume July 10.
Even with vaccinated crews, full normalcy remains elusive amid global COVID-19 dynamics.
Laura Motta traveled on Windstar's Star Breeze by invitation.
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