The Essential Cruise Shop's Guide to Windstar Cruises Dress Code.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
On a Windstar cruise, the daytime philosophy is all about relaxed comfort and dressing appropriately for your destination. Whether you're sailing through the tropical Caribbean & Bahamas, exploring the historic ports of the Mediterranean, or watching for wildlife in Alaska, your clothing should be casual and practical.
- For warm climates like the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, pack lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials.
- For cooler itineraries like Alaska or Northern Europe & Fjords, layering is essential. Pack fleeces, waterproof jackets, warm hats, and gloves.
General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)
Inside the ship, casual resort wear is the standard. Shorts, skirts, casual trousers, polo shirts, and sundresses are all perfectly acceptable. The ships are fully air-conditioned, so having a light sweater, cardigan, or pashmina is always a good idea, even on a warm-weather cruise.
Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces
Swimwear is the norm for the pool deck and the signature Watersports Platform. For sun protection, especially on sea days, be sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Casual footwear like sandals or flip-flops is appropriate here.
Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)
For breakfast and lunch in any dining venue, including the main dining room or the Veranda buffet, the dress code is casual. However, a few common-sense rules apply:
- A cover-up or shirt must be worn over swimwear when entering any indoor dining area.
- Footwear is always required.
- Bare feet and wet swimwear are not permitted inside restaurants.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
After 6:00 PM, the dress code transitions to Windstar’s signature evening attire: Casual Elegance. This single, straightforward dress code applies every evening across the fleet, striking the perfect balance between refined and relaxed. It means you can leave the tuxedos, suits, and ball gowns at home.
Casual Evenings (or the cruise line's equivalent term)
Windstar does not have a separate "Casual" evening category. The standard evening dress code, Casual Elegance, applies every single night of your cruise, ensuring a consistently comfortable yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Smart Casual / Evening Chic (or the cruise line's equivalent term)
Windstar's official evening dress code is Casual Elegance. This is the standard for all restaurants, bars, and lounges after 6:00 PM. Think of it as what you might wear to a nice resort or an upscale land-based restaurant.
Acceptable attire for women:
- Dress or sundress
- Skirt or trousers with a stylish top or blouse
- Capris or smart, tasteful jeans
Acceptable attire for men:
- Trousers (such as khakis) or smart, tasteful jeans
- Polo shirts or collared, button-down shirts (long or short-sleeved)
- Tailored dress shorts are generally acceptable
What Not to Wear
In the evenings, guests are asked to refrain from wearing the following items in public restaurants and lounges:
- Swimwear
- T-shirts with large logos or slogans
- Torn or frayed jeans
- Baseball caps
- Flip-flops
- Athletic shorts or gym wear
Formal Night / Gala Evening (or the cruise line's equivalent term)
This is one of Windstar's most defining features: there are absolutely no formal nights. The cruise line has a firm "no jackets or ties required" policy. This applies to every cruise, regardless of length or destination. You will not need to pack a tuxedo, suit, or formal gown for any Windstar voyage.
- 3-5 night cruises: 0 formal nights
- 6-7 night cruises: 0 formal nights
- 8-10+ night cruises: 0 formal nights
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The Casual Elegance dress code is applied consistently across all evening venues, making packing and planning your evenings simple and stress-free.
- The Main Dining Room(s): The dress code in Amphora Restaurant is always Casual Elegance.
- Speciality Dining Restaurants: For unique experiences like the outdoor steakhouse Candles or the Spanish-themed Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (on select ships), the dress code is also Casual Elegance.
- The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: Evening meals served in the Veranda or other casual settings still follow the Casual Elegance guideline.
- The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: There are no large theatres on Windstar's intimate ships. Attire in the main lounge for evening entertainment follows the Casual Elegance guideline.
- Bars and Lounges: All bars and lounges, such as the Yacht Club Lounge, adhere to the Casual Elegance dress code in the evening.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
While Windstar skips formal nights, they are known for their fun, optional themed events that create a fantastic social atmosphere. The availability of these nights can vary by ship and sailing.
- Deck BBQ: A signature Windstar event on every cruise. This is a lavish outdoor buffet with grilled lobster, steaks, and a wide array of salads and desserts, often accompanied by live music and a celebratory line dance led by the crew. The dress code is casual.
- White Night: A popular deck party, especially on warm-weather sailings like the Caribbean or Tahiti. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to wear all-white attire for a festive evening of dancing under the stars.
- Caribbean/Tropical Night: On sailings in the Caribbean and other tropical regions, you can expect a fun-filled deck party with local music, rum punch, and a celebratory island atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Windstar Cruises Dress Code
Can I wear jeans on Windstar Cruises?
Yes, you can wear smart, tasteful jeans (free of holes, tears, or frays) in all dining venues and public areas in the evening as part of Windstar's Casual Elegance dress code.
Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?
Yes, in keeping with Windstar's relaxed luxury style, tailored dress shorts are generally acceptable for men in all evening dining venues. Casual athletic or gym shorts are not permitted.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
There will be zero formal nights on your cruise. As detailed in our guide, Windstar Cruises famously has no formal nights or gala evenings on any of its sailings, regardless of the duration. The dress code is Casual Elegance every evening.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?
No, a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or gown is not required and would be considered overdressed on a Windstar cruise due to the complete absence of formal nights.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
Windstar Cruises requires all guests to be at least 8 years of age. Children and teenagers are expected to follow the same Casual Elegance dress code as adults in the evenings.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
The dress code is enforced in a relaxed and friendly manner. The primary goal is to maintain a comfortable, casually elegant atmosphere for all guests. You may be politely reminded of the policy if wearing items like swimwear, baseball caps, or ripped t-shirts in dining venues in the evening.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
Here are a few final tips to ensure you pack perfectly for your Windstar experience.
- For your Alaskan cruise: Don't forget layers. Pack a waterproof jacket, fleece, warm hat, gloves, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and insect repellent for shore excursions.
- For the Mediterranean: Pack a light scarf or shawl for visits to religious sites, which often require covered shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring ancient ruins and cobbled streets.
- For the Caribbean or Tahiti: Focus on light, breathable fabrics. A rash guard provides excellent sun protection for snorkelling, and reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended to protect local marine life.
- Pack for Theme Nights: Remember to pack an all-white outfit if you wish to participate in the popular White Night deck party.
- Leave Prohibited Items at Home: For the safety of all guests, personal clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads are not permitted on board. Laundry and pressing services are available.
This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing, however policies can change at short notice, and may vary in their implementation from ship to ship. It is always best to check the official website before you sail.
