Windstar Cruises Dress Code: Essential 2025 Guide
In This Guide
- Introduction
- Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
- Evening Dress Codes Explained
- Sourcing Your Evening Wear
- Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
- Common Themed Nights & Special Events
- Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Windstar Cruises Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
Windstar operates intimate yachts and small ships that call at ports larger vessels often cannot reach. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed, sociable, and refined rather than formal or rigid. Their simple, consistent Windstar Cruises dress code reflects that philosophy.
The official policy is Casual Elegance in the evenings with relaxed resort wear by day. There are no black-tie events, no captain’s gala where you are expected to dress in full formalwear, and no need to pack bulky outfits you might only wear for an hour. Instead, you can focus on lightweight, mix-and-match clothing that works both on board and ashore.
In the sections below, we break down what to wear at different times of day, how the dress code works in each venue, and how to build a compact cruise wardrobe that still feels polished and stylish.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
On a Windstar cruise, the daytime philosophy is all about relaxed comfort and dressing for your destination. Your clothing should be casual and practical, whether you are sailing the Caribbean or exploring Alaska. Inside the ship, casual resort wear like shorts, skirts, polo shirts, and sundresses is standard and fits comfortably within the spirit of the Windstar Cruises dress code.
The ships are fully air-conditioned, so having a light sweater, cardigan, or pashmina is always a good idea. For breakfast and lunch in any venue, the dress code is casual. However, you must wear a cover-up or shirt over swimwear and footwear is always required indoors.
- Warm-Weather Sailings (Caribbean, Tahiti, Mediterranean): Pack lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Swimwear, flip-flops, and sandals are perfect for the pool deck and the signature Watersports Platform. For casual lunches, think sundresses, tailored shorts with a polo shirt, or a light kaftan over your swimsuit.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (Alaska, Northern Europe): Layering is essential. Pack fleeces, waterproof jackets, warm hats, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes for excursions. Onboard, jeans or casual trousers with long-sleeved tops, gilets, or light sweaters work very well.
- Indoor Venues (Daytime): A cover-up or shirt must be worn over swimwear when entering any indoor dining area. Bare feet and wet swimwear are not permitted inside restaurants, lounges, or corridors.
- Footwear and Accessories: Pack supportive trainers or walking shoes for tours, plus sandals or deck shoes for onboard. A sunhat, sunglasses, and a lightweight bag for shore excursions will make day-to-day life far more comfortable.
As a simple rule of thumb, if you would be happy wearing it at a quality beach resort or boutique hotel, it will usually be fine for daytime on a Windstar cruise.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
This is what makes Windstar unique. After 6:00 PM, the dress code transitions to a single, straightforward standard every evening: Casual Elegance. This policy applies to all public areas, including all restaurants and lounges, for the entire duration of your cruise.
This wonderful “no-formality” approach means you never have to worry about packing jackets, ties, or gowns. The atmosphere is always refined yet perfectly relaxed, and you can dress in a way that feels like your best holiday self rather than a formal event guest.
Casual Elegance (The Only Evening Code)
Think of Casual Elegance as what you might wear to an upscale resort or a nice restaurant on land. It strikes a perfect balance, ensuring guests are comfortable while maintaining a sophisticated atmosphere that matches Windstar’s luxury small-ship style.
- For women: Acceptable attire includes a dress or sundress, a skirt or trousers with a stylish top, capris, or smart, tasteful jeans. Lightweight jumpsuits and coordinated separates also work very well.
- For men: Acceptable attire includes trousers (like chinos or khakis), smart, tasteful jeans, polo shirts, or collared button-down shirts. Tailored dress shorts are also acceptable in evening venues on Windstar Cruises.
- What not to wear: In the evenings, guests are asked to refrain from wearing swimwear, t-shirts with large logos, torn or frayed jeans, baseball caps, flip-flops, or athletic wear in dining venues and lounges.
Sample Evening Outfit Ideas
- Classic Yacht Look (Women): White jeans, a navy or striped top, and espadrilles or flat sandals, plus a light cardigan for breezy evenings.
- Smart Casual (Men): Chinos, a short-sleeved shirt or polo, and loafers or boat shoes. Add a light sweater over the shoulders if it is cooler.
- Relaxed but Polished: A simple jersey dress or midi skirt with a pretty blouse for women; dark jeans with a linen shirt for men.
All of these combinations follow the Windstar Cruises dress code while remaining easy to pack and comfortable to wear.
Formal Night / Gala Evening
Windstar Cruises famously has no formal nights or gala evenings. This is a defining feature of their relaxed luxury experience, and it applies to every single sailing, regardless of length.
- 3-5 night cruises: 0 formal nights
- 6-7 night cruises: 0 formal nights
- 8-10+ night cruises: 0 formal nights
You are welcome to dress a little more smartly if you enjoy it, but there is never an expectation that you must do so.
Sourcing Your Evening Wear
One of the joys of sailing with Windstar is that this section is easy: you do not need any true formal wear. However, you might want to pick up a few new “Casual Elegance” outfits for your trip. This can be a fun part of preparing for your holiday without the stress or expense of tuxedos and gowns.
If you are looking for inspiration or just fancy a new holiday wardrobe that fits the Windstar Cruises dress code, here are some practical tips for finding great evening attire.
- Rental Services: While typically used for formal wear, many clothing rental services now offer high-end casual and resort wear. This is a great, sustainable way to wear something new without the commitment.
- Charity or Second-Hand Shops: You can often find high-quality, pre-loved designer and high-street brands at a fraction of their original price. Look for stylish blouses, linen trousers, or elegant sundresses.
- Outlet Stores: Designer outlets and high-street clearance stores are fantastic places to find bargains on brand-new resort wear, smart shirts, and accessories.
For more ideas, we invite you to visit our blog to see The Essential Cruise Shop’s clothing suppliers partners for a directory of online stores.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
Windstar keeps things simple and consistent. The Casual Elegance dress code is applied across all evening venues after 6:00 PM, so there is no need to change if you move from a lounge to a restaurant.
- Main Dining Room (Amphora Restaurant): The dress code is always Casual Elegance. Think smart jeans or trousers with a collared shirt or a casual dress.
- Speciality Restaurants (Candles, Cuadro 44): These venues also follow the Casual Elegance guideline. Many guests choose to dress a little more smartly here, but you still do not need anything close to formal wear.
- Buffet (Veranda): For any evening meals served in the Veranda or other casual spots, Casual Elegance is the standard. Daytime beachwear should be swapped for something a little smarter once the sun goes down.
- Bars and Lounges (Yacht Club Lounge, etc.): All public lounges adhere to the Casual Elegance dress code in the evening. This creates a consistent, polished atmosphere throughout the ship.
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, but participation is always optional.
- Deck BBQ: This is a signature Windstar event on every cruise, weather permitting. It is a lavish outdoor buffet with grilled lobster and steaks, often with live music and a celebratory crew line dance. The dress code is casual, so sundresses, shorts, and resort shirts are perfect.
- White Night: A popular deck party, especially on warm-weather sailings. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to wear all-white attire for a festive evening of dancing under the stars. A simple white dress or white trousers with a light shirt works beautifully.
- Caribbean/Tropical Night: On relevant itineraries, you can expect a fun-filled deck party with local music and an island atmosphere. Hawaiian shirts, colourful dresses, and tropical prints fit the mood perfectly.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
Here are a few final tips to ensure you pack perfectly for your Windstar experience. Remember to always check the official Windstar website for the latest information before you sail, as policies including the Windstar Cruises dress code can change.
- For Alaska: Do not 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 cobbled streets and hilly towns.
- 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.
- Pack for Theme Nights: Remember to pack an all-white outfit if you wish to participate in the popular White Night deck party. A colourful shirt or dress is ideal for any tropical or Caribbean-themed events.
- Prohibited Items: Leave personal clothing irons, travel steamers, and surge-protected extension leads at home. Laundry and pressing services are available on board for a fee.
Create a Capsule Wardrobe: Choose a colour palette (for example navy, white, and tan, or black, ivory, and red) so that most pieces mix and match. This will allow you to create multiple outfits from a smaller number of items while still following the Windstar Cruises dress code.
Use Packing Cubes: Packing cubes make it easier to separate daywear, evening outfits, and accessories. You will be able to unpack quickly and see at a glance what you have available for the evening.
Plan Outfits in Advance: If you are concerned about overpacking, try noting down what you will wear each evening. This will help you avoid taking three similar shirts or dresses when one or two would be enough.
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. This is part of Windstar’s Casual Elegance dress code and is one of the reasons packing for a Windstar cruise is so straightforward.
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. Casual athletic or gym shorts are not permitted in dining venues at night.
How many formal nights will be on my cruise?
There will be zero formal nights on your cruise. Windstar famously has no formal nights on any of its sailings, regardless of the duration. The dress code is Casual Elegance every evening.
Do I need a dinner jacket or a gown?
No, a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or gown is not required. In fact, you would likely feel overdressed on a Windstar cruise due to the complete absence of formal nights. A smart collared shirt or a simple dress will be more than adequate.
Can I wear trainers or sneakers in the evening?
Clean, neat trainers or fashion sneakers are generally acceptable with smart casual outfits, especially on more active itineraries. Very sporty running shoes or gym trainers may feel too casual in the main dining room, so consider a smarter pair of shoes for dinner.
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, with neat jeans, dresses, or smart shorts and shirts.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
The dress code is enforced in a relaxed and friendly manner. You may be politely reminded of the policy if wearing items like swimwear or ripped t-shirts in dining venues in the evening. As long as you follow the guidance in this Windstar Cruises dress code guide, you should have no issues.
Windstar Cruises General Information
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Disclaimer
The Essential Cruise Shop Blog provides this guide for informational purposes and is not a travel agency. The information contained in this guide is for general guidance only. While we do our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about its completeness or accuracy.
Cruise line policies, including dress codes, are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you verify all details directly with your cruise line or a certified travel agent before making any bookings or financial commitments.
We cannot be held liable for any financial loss due to the reader’s failure to follow the above advice.
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