Windstar Cruises has kicked off its annual Christmas in July sale, letting travelers lock in select 2025 and early-2026 sailings with deposits of just $50 per guest. The small-ship line is also gifting every booking a complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade-unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails, prepaid gratuities, and Wi-Fi-worth up to $1,350 per couple. More than 300 itineraries worldwide qualify as long as they depart by March 31, 2026, and reservations must be made by July 31, 2025.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Deep savings on premium small-ship cruises.
- $50 per-person deposits until July 31.
- Free All-Inclusive upgrade worth up to $1,350 per couple.
- 300-plus voyages worldwide through March 31, 2026.
- Perks stack with Yacht Club loyalty discounts.
Snapshot
The Christmas in July promotion bundles Windstar's six-ship fleet of boutique yachts with a no-risk, low-deposit offer and an All-Inclusive fare upgrade. Guests receive open-bar privileges, unlimited Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities-amenities that typically cost extra-while locking in itineraries that span Tahiti, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond. Bookings must be completed by July 31, 2025, for departures through March 31, 2026.
Background
Windstar introduced Christmas in July in 2021 as a mid-summer counterpart to traditional Black Friday sales. The concept proved popular with the line's core North American audience seeking smaller ships, exotic ports, and inclusive pricing without the bustle of supersize vessels. Last year's edition ended after two weeks; the 2025 sale runs the entire month of July, reflecting strong demand for early-booked holiday and shoulder-season voyages.
Latest Developments
The 2025 sale expands both eligibility and value:
Expanded Sailing Window
Sailings now qualify if they depart anytime before March 31, 2026-an additional full winter compared with last year's cutoff.
Lower Deposits
A flat $50 per traveler-down from $200-is all that is required to secure a booking, and deposits remain fully refundable until final payment deadlines.
All-Inclusive Upgrade Details
The complimentary package covers unlimited house beer, wine, and cocktails, high-speed Wi-Fi for two devices per cabin, and all crew gratuities. On a seven-night Cruise, Windstar values the bundle at up to $1,350 per couple. Travelers may still add premium beverage packages or shore-excursion credits at published rates.
Analysis
For value-oriented travelers who prefer intimate ships and unusual ports, Christmas in July is Windstar's richest offer of the year. The free upgrade nearly erases onboard spending for drinks and connectivity, two costs that often surprise first-time cruisers. The $50 deposit lowers financial barriers for families or friend groups coordinating far-out vacation dates. Advisors should move quickly on popular Mediterranean and Tahiti departures during school breaks; inventory at lower lead-in fares typically sells out first. Because the promotion can be combined with Yacht Club loyalty discounts and select group rates, stacking opportunities are unusually strong this month.
Final Thoughts
Windstar's month-long Christmas in July event delivers an uncommon blend of low commitment and high onboard value, making it an ideal time to lock in small-ship adventures for 2025 and early 2026. Travelers who book by July 31 will toast the holidays-whenever they sail-with unlimited drinks, seamless Wi-Fi, and zero gratuity worries, all thanks to Windstar Cruises' Christmas in July sale.