Guests booked on affected cruises will receive future cruise credit (FCC) worth 125% of all monies paid to date.

Alternatively, they can request a full refund for 100% of monies paid to Windstar, once they receive their FCC certificate.

Guests will have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their FCC from date of issue.

The line said it would use the temporary pause to review and update its health and safety practices, and sanitation protocols.

"We have made the difficult decision to cancel our remaining cruises in 2020," said chief operating officer Chris Prelog.

"We had hoped the number of cases of Covid and episodes of transmission would be in decline by now, and that the world recovery from the pandemic would be faster.

"But based on what we are seeing, we believe the most prudent way forward to keep our guests and crew safe is to postpone all Windstar sailings until next year."

Reflecting on the challenges the line will face once it opts to restart cruising, Prelog said: "During this temporary pause in operations, we are reviewing and updating our health and safety practices including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, adding more medical staff on board, flexible dining, and crew training."

He added: "We look forward to a safe return to travel and cruising in 2021."