What are the rules for “My Time Dining” on Windstar Cruises?

Dining aboard Windstar Cruises is a hallmark of the luxury small-ship experience, where personalized service and exquisite cuisine combine to create unforgettable meals. One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is about “My Time Dining” — a system designed to give guests flexibility, freedom, and control over their dining schedule.Unlike traditional cruise lines with fixed dining times and assigned seating, Windstar Cruises emphasizes xperience.“My Time Dining” is an innovative concept that allows guests to choose their dining time each evening rather than being assigned a fixed schedule. It gives travelers the freedom to:

• Dine early or late according to personal preference.

• Sit with companions of their choice, or meet new friends.

• Adjust dining based on shore excursions, onboard activities, or personal schedule.

This flexible approach reflects Windstar’s philosophy of casual luxury and small-ship intimacy, creating a yacht-like dining environment.

Key Principles of “My Time Dining”

To fully enjoy “My Time Dining,” guests should understand the key rules and principles:

1. No Fixed Time RequirementsUnlike early or late seating on traditional cruise ships, you can choose any time within the dining venue’s operating hours.

2. Open Seating PolicyGuests are free to sit wherever they prefer unless attending specialty or private dining events.

3. Reservation-Required Specialty VenuesCertain restaurants, such as Candles or Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, require advance booking. Guests can select a preferred time but must follow availability rules.

4. Group and Family CoordinationIf traveling with others, you can request to sit together. Coordination should ideally be done before embarkation or during the first days of the cruise.

5. Onboard Adjustments AllowedDining times for specialty restaurants and group tables can be modified during the cruise by visiting Guest Services or speaking with the maître d’.

6. Flexibility Around Shore Excursions“My Time Dining” accommodates shore excursion schedules, allowing guests to eat early or late depending on return times.

How “My Time Dining” Works Across Windstar Dining Venues

Windstar Cruises has several dining venues, each with its own operating hours and specific rules:

AmphorA Restaurant (Main Dining Room)

• Open seating between 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

• No reservations required.

• Guests can dine at any time within operating hours.

• Perfect for enjoying main meals without adhering to strict schedules.

Candles (Outdoor Specialty Restaurant)

• Romantic al fresco dining under the stars.

• Reservation required due to limited seating.

• Guests may choose preferred dining time subject to availability.

• Adjustments can be made by Guest Services or the maître d’.

Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (Star-Class Ships)

• Spanish tapas and wine menu curated by a celebrated chef.

• Reservation recommended; limited seating.

• Guests may request time changes up to and during the cruise.

Veranda Café

• Serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style.

• No reservation required.

• Open-seating applies; guests eat whenever they wish during service hours.

Yacht Club Café & Lounge

• Casual venue offering snacks, beverages, and light meals.

• Completely open seating; no fixed schedule.

Room Service / In-Suite Dining

• Available 24 hours on most ships.

• Perfect for late-night meals, private dining, or special occasions.

Rules for Changing Dining Time

Even with “My Time Dining,” there are rules when it comes to changing your preferred time in specialty venues:

1. Pre-Cruise Adjustments

   • Contact Windstar Guest Services by phone or email.

   • Travel agents can also submit requests.

   • Changes are subject to availability.

2. Onboard Adjustments

   • Speak with the maître d’ or Guest Services desk.

   • Changes depend on table availability in specialty venues.

   • Main dining room seating can be modified informally — simply arrive when ready.

3. Group Requests

   • Guests traveling together should coordinate in advance.

   • Group tables for specialty restaurants are easier to secure early.

4. Special Events

   • Some themed dinners or chef’s table experiences may have fixed times.

   • Adjustments can be requested if available.

Benefits of “My Time Dining”

“My Time Dining” offers numerous advantages over traditional fixed-time dining systems:

• Flexibility: Dine when convenient without missing excursions.

• Personalization: Choose your table and companions.

• Relaxed Atmosphere: Enjoy a casual luxury dining experience.

• Freedom: No need to rush for early or late seating.

• Inclusivity: Accommodates special dietary needs and personal schedules.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Etiquette

While “My Time Dining” is flexible, guests should follow proper etiquette:

• Reserve Early for Specialty Venues: Limited seating may fill quickly.

• Arrive On Time: Avoid late arrivals for reserved tables.

• Inform Staff of Changes: If you can’t make a reservation, notify Guest Services.

• Respect Dress Codes: Resort casual for most meals; smart casual or elegant casual for specialty restaurants.

• Coordinate Group Seating: Early communication ensures smooth service for everyone.

Special Considerations for Dietary Restrictions

Guests with dietary preferences or restrictions should notify Windstar Cruises:

• Before the cruise via email or Guest Services.

• Onboard via maître d’ or restaurant staff.

Dietary adjustments may sometimes require slight modifications to dining time, particularly for specialty dishes requiring preparation.

Private Dining and Special Occasions

Windstar Cruises allows guests to enjoy private dining or celebratory meals:

• Private Deck Dining for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons.

• Specialty Restaurant Celebrations such as Candles or Cuadro 44.

• Timing Adjustments for sunset meals, private events, or themed experiences.

Requests should be made pre-cruise or during embarkation for optimal availability.

Room Service and Late-Night Dining

Even with “My Time Dining,” guests can choose room service for total flexibility:

• Available 24 hours on most ships.

• Perfect for late arrivals, private celebrations, or after excursions.

• Simple to order from your suite, specifying desired time.

Adjusting Dining Times Around Shore Excursions

“My Time Dining” accommodates the dynamic schedule of cruise passengers:

• Guests returning late from shore excursions can dine at the main restaurant without restriction.

• Specialty dining times may be shifted by Guest Services.

• Flexibility ensures no guest misses out on culinary experiences due to external activities.

Group Dining Policies

Traveling with family or friends requires coordination for dining times:

• Before the Cruise: Inform Windstar or your travel advisor to request group seating.

• During the Cruise: Confirm arrangements at Guest Services or with the maître d’.

• Adjustments: Possible at any time, subject to availability.

Groups can enjoy shared tables in specialty venues or informal seating in main restaurants.

Themed and Special Event Dining

Windstar Cruises occasionally offers themed dining experiences:

• Wine Pairing Dinners

• Chef’s Table Experiences

• Destination-Inspired Events

These events may have scheduled times. Guests can request adjustments with Guest Services or onboard staff if availability allows.

Etiquette and Best Practices for “My Time Dining”

• Arrive promptly for reserved specialty meals.

• Inform staff if unable to attend a reservation.

• Respect dress codes: elegant casual or smart casual.

• Coordinate with companions for smooth service.

• Use Guest Services for modifications to maximize convenience.

Benefits Compared to Traditional Fixed Dining

1. Freedom: No rush or enforced schedules.

2. Personalization: Dine with chosen companions or meet new people.

3. Comfort: Small ships create intimate, relaxing dining environments.

4. Flexibility: Accommodates excursions, events, and personal preferences.

5. Inclusivity: Allows dietary or accessibility adjustments without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I reserve a specific dining time for every night?Yes, for specialty restaurants; main dining is open seating.

Q2: Can I change my dining time onboard?Yes, speak with Guest Services or maître d’.

Q3: Are there penalties for missing a reserved specialty restaurant?No penalties; you can request an alternate time.

Q4: Can groups dine together?Yes, arrangements can be made before or during the cruise.

Q5: Does Windstar have assigned dining?No, except for specialty events or reservations.

Tips to Maximize Your “My Time Dining” Experience

1. Book Specialty Venues Early: Popular times fill fast.

2. Dine Off-Peak: Early or late seating avoids crowds.

3. Try Every Venue: Each offers unique cuisine and ambiance.

4. Use Room Service for Flexibility: Ideal for late arrivals or private meals.

5. Communicate Dietary Needs: Ensures smooth, personalized dining.

Contacting Windstar for Dining Assistance

Windstar Cruises Guest Services📞 Phone: 1-800-258-7245 (U.S. & Canada)📧 Email: info@windstarcruises.com🌐 Website: www.windstarcruises.com

For onboard adjustments, speak directly with the maître d’ or visit Guest Services.

My Time Dining

“My Time Dining” on Windstar Cruises is designed to provide maximum flexibility, comfort, and personalization. Guests are free to dine whenever and with whomever they wish, with specialty venues offering reservation options to enhance the experience.

Whether coordinating with a group, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a late-night meal after a shore excursion, Windstar’s dining philosophy ensures freedom, elegance, and exceptional service.

By understanding the rules, planning specialty reservations early, and communicating dietary or group preferences, passengers can enjoy a seamless, luxurious dining experience that perfectly complements the rest of their cruise adventure.