What is the age policy on Windstar Cruises?

Windstar Cruises stands apart in the world of luxury travel. With its intimate ships, personalized service, and unique itineraries, it caters to discerning travelers who crave exploration, comfort, and sophistication rather than mega-ship entertainment or family chaos.However, before booking a voyage, many travelers — especially families or multigenerational groups — ask one crucial question:“What is the age policy on Windstar Cruises?”This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Windstar’s age requirements — from minimum age rules and child participation policies to alcohol regulations, age-based amenities, and why Windstar primarily attracts adult travelers.We’ll also cover teen restrictions, safety considerations, and how the policy compares with other premium cruise lines.

1. Overview of Windstar Cruises’ Age Policy

Windstar Cruises is a luxury small-ship cruise line focusing on destination immersion, culinary excellence, and a relaxed, adult-oriented ambiance. Unlike family-oriented lines such as Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line, Windstar does not specifically cater to children or offer child-focused facilities.

Key Summary of Windstar’s Age Policy:

Minimum age to sail: 8 years old
Recommended minimum age: 18+ (due to adult-oriented atmosphere)
No childcare services or youth programs are offered.
Guests under 21 must share a cabin with someone aged 25 or older.
Alcohol consumption age: 21+
Sailing solo under 18: Not permitted without a parent or legal guardian.

Essentially, Windstar is an adult-focused cruise line, but it does allow older children (8 and above) to sail, provided they meet supervision requirements.

2. Minimum Age Requirement to Sail on Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises requires all guests to be at least 8 years old at the time of embarkation.

This age limit is enforced for several reasons:

Ship design: The small, yacht-like vessels lack facilities for infants or toddlers.
Safety protocols: Life vests, emergency drills, and tender operations are not suitable for very young children.
Atmosphere: The onboard experience is designed for adults seeking tranquility, fine dining, and exploration — not family-style entertainment.

Children under 8 years old are not permitted to sail, even if accompanied by adults.

3. Why Windstar Cruises Is Primarily for Adults

Windstar’s fleet — including ships like Star Pride, Star Legend, and Wind Surf — accommodates around 148 to 342 passengers. This small-ship format creates a serene environment emphasizing luxury, culture, and personal discovery.

Here’s why the brand appeals mostly to adults:

No Kids’ Clubs: There are no playrooms, teen lounges, or supervised programs.
No babysitting services: Parents are fully responsible for their children at all times.
Sophisticated dining: Menus and venues cater to refined palates, not picky eaters.
Quiet atmosphere: The vibe is relaxed, with late-night jazz, wine tastings, and lectures rather than high-energy shows.
Adult excursions: Most shore tours involve walking tours, snorkeling, wine tasting, or cultural visits — experiences more appreciated by adults.

While older children (8–17) can technically cruise, they may find limited entertainment options onboard.

4. Age Policy for Accommodations and Supervision

Windstar has strict guidelines for cabin occupancy and supervision of minors.

Guests under 21 years of age must share a stateroom with an adult who is 25 years or older.
A parent or guardian must sign the cruise contract on behalf of any minor.
Windstar does not allow minors to occupy a stateroom without adult supervision.
Connecting staterooms are limited, so families must plan early if traveling together.

These rules ensure passenger safety and compliance with maritime law.

5. Age Policy for Alcohol Consumption

Windstar adheres to U.S. maritime regulations regarding alcohol service:

Guests must be 21 years old or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages onboard.
The rule applies regardless of the ship’s international route.
Crew members are trained to request valid photo identification for proof of age.

Exceptions:

There are no parental waivers allowing under-21 passengers to drink alcohol, even if they are traveling in countries where the local drinking age is lower.

This strict policy aligns Windstar with most major cruise lines under U.S. law.

6. Age Restrictions for Shore Excursions

Windstar’s shore excursions are curated to immerse guests in authentic local experiences — from cooking classes in Italy to kayaking in Tahiti.

However, some tours include age restrictions for safety or insurance reasons:

Minimum age for water sports: Typically 8–12 years, depending on the activity.
Scuba diving or adventure tours: Often 16+ with signed parental consent.
Cultural or walking tours: Usually open to all passengers over 8.

Parents are responsible for evaluating whether each tour suits their child’s abilities. Windstar reserves the right to deny participation in any excursion that could pose a safety risk to a minor.

7. Age Requirements for Fitness Center and Spa Use

Windstar’s onboard fitness centers and World Spa by Windstar are designed for adult guests.

Spa & Fitness Rules:

Guests must be 18 years or older to use the spa, steam rooms, or book treatments.
Fitness center use is restricted to 16 years and above when supervised by an adult.
No children under 16 are permitted to use gym equipment for safety reasons.

The ambiance in these areas is peaceful and adult-oriented, emphasizing relaxation and self-care.

8. Dining Policy for Children

Windstar’s dining experiences — both in main dining rooms and specialty restaurants — focus on elegant, slow-paced meals with gourmet menus curated by the James Beard Foundation.

While children are welcome if they meet the age requirement, there are no kids’ menus or child-friendly meal modifications by default.

However, upon request, the culinary team can sometimes prepare simpler dishes (e.g., pasta, grilled chicken, or pizza) if notified in advance.

Practical Tip:

Parents should inform Windstar’s reservations team of dietary or age-related preferences before boarding to ensure accommodations are possible.

9. Age Restrictions for Onboard Entertainment

Windstar’s entertainment style differs greatly from large cruise lines. Instead of casinos and water parks, guests enjoy:

Live jazz and acoustic performances
Destination lectures
Wine and cheese tastings
Cooking demonstrations
Evening cocktails on deck

There are no youth-focused events such as discos, movie nights, or game rooms.

This makes Windstar ideal for adult couples, honeymooners, solo travelers, and retirees, but less appealing to younger audiences seeking constant entertainment.

10. Solo Travelers and Age Policy

Windstar welcomes solo travelers aged 18 and older.

They can enjoy single-occupancy cabins or pay a single supplement for standard staterooms. Many solo travelers appreciate Windstar’s relaxed social atmosphere, which encourages mingling and conversation without the overwhelming scale of larger ships.

The line occasionally offers reduced single-supplement fares, making it an attractive option for independent adults.

11. Senior Travelers and Accessibility

Windstar Cruises caters exceptionally well to senior travelers, with most guests falling in the 45–75 age range.

Key reasons older travelers love Windstar:

Small-ship comfort: Easy to navigate; fewer crowds.
Accessible excursions: Many tours are gentle, with mobility accommodations available.
Personalized attention: Crew-to-guest ratio is roughly 1:1.5, ensuring excellent service.
Relaxed pace: Days at sea are calm, ideal for rest and reflection.

Windstar provides wheelchair-friendly staterooms and boarding assistance for passengers with limited mobility, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of age.

12. Comparing Windstar’s Age Policy to Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineMinimum Age to SailKid’s ProgramsAlcohol AgeAtmosphere

Windstar Cruises8 years No21+Adult-oriented

Seabourn6 months No21+Luxury, adult

Regent Seven Seas6 monthsLimited21+Mature luxury

Oceania Cruises6 months No21+Quiet elegance

Royal Caribbean6 months Yes21+Family-friendly

Disney Cruise Line6 months Yes21+Family-focused

As the chart shows, Windstar belongs to the luxury adult-oriented segment, similar to Seabourn or Oceania. It offers an intimate experience rather than family entertainment.

13. Why Windstar Enforces an 8-Year Minimum

Windstar’s minimum age rule is not arbitrary — it’s rooted in ship design and safety logistics.

No children’s life jackets are stocked for younger ages.
Tender transfers (small boats ferrying guests ashore) can be unsafe for infants.
Cabin configurations lack childproofing or extra sleeping arrangements.
Crew training focuses on adult hospitality, not childcare.

Therefore, by setting a minimum age of 8, Windstar ensures all passengers can safely and comfortably enjoy their voyage.

14. Families Who Do Choose Windstar

Though rare, some families with older children choose Windstar for its unique cultural itineraries.

Common reasons include:

Desire for quiet, educational travel rather than amusement-focused cruises.
Older teens interested in history, cuisine, or sailing.
Parents who want to share refined travel experiences with their children.

Windstar accommodates such families gracefully — but it’s essential to understand that your child will primarily be surrounded by adults, not peers.

15. Booking Tips for Families with Children

If you’re considering bringing an older child or teen aboard a Windstar cruise, follow these tips:

Confirm minimum age eligibility (8+).
Book connecting or adjacent cabins early, as they’re limited.
Request dining flexibility for younger passengers before sailing.
Pack entertainment items like books, tablets, or games — since none are provided.
Select destination-rich itineraries (e.g., Greek Isles or Tahiti), where excursions appeal to curious young travelers.

By planning thoughtfully, a Windstar voyage can be an unforgettable family bonding experience — just without the traditional “family cruise” atmosphere.

16. Legal Age for Gambling Onboard

Unlike some larger cruise lines, Windstar does not operate onboard casinos, so there are no gambling age restrictions.

This aligns with its commitment to a calm, intimate, and refined onboard environment.

17. Health and Vaccination Policies by Age

Windstar adheres to international maritime health standards.

Vaccination Requirements: Depending on global health advisories, proof of vaccinations (e.g., COVID-19, yellow fever for certain regions) may be required for all passengers, regardless of age.
Medical Clearance: Guests with significant medical needs, regardless of age, should complete Windstar’s pre-travel health documentation.

While there are no unique health restrictions based purely on age, older travelers are encouraged to carry travel insurance covering medical evacuation or onboard care.

18. How to Verify the Age Policy Before Booking

Policies can occasionally vary depending on:

Region or itinerary (e.g., Tahiti vs. Europe)
Chartered voyages or special group sailings
Promotional exceptions

To confirm:

Visit windstarcruises.com and review their Guest Booking Terms & Conditions.
Call Windstar Reservations at 1-888-526-2803 (U.S./Canada).
Ask your travel advisor for the latest written policy updates.

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can infants or toddlers sail on Windstar Cruises?

A: No. Children under 8 years old are not permitted on any Windstar ship.

Q2. Does Windstar have babysitting or youth programs?

A: No. The cruise line does not offer any childcare or youth programming.

Q3. What’s the minimum age to book a cabin alone?

A: You must be at least 25 years old, or 21 if sharing a room with someone 25+.

Q4. Can my 18-year-old drink wine onboard in Europe?

A: No. The drinking age on all Windstar ships is 21, regardless of the itinerary.

Q5. Is Windstar good for teens?

A: It depends on the teen’s interests — mature, curious teens who enjoy cultural travel may love it, but there’s no youth entertainment.

Q6. Does Windstar have family suites?

A: No, but some cabins offer connecting doors or adjacent layouts suitable for families.

Q7. Can I book Windstar for a family reunion?

A: Yes, but all participants must be at least 8 years old, and the cruise experience will be adult-oriented.

20.Luxury

Windstar Cruises’ age policy reflects its identity as a luxury, boutique cruise line for adults who appreciate refined, intimate travel.

Minimum age to sail: 8 years
Drinking age: 21 years
Adult supervision required for anyone under 21
No kids’ clubs, childcare, or youth entertainment

These guidelines create a tranquil onboard atmosphere, perfect for couples, solo travelers, and mature guests who want to immerse themselves in culture, cuisine, and relaxation — without the bustle of family-oriented cruise activities.

If you’re seeking a serene escape filled with authentic experiences, fine dining, and personal service, Windstar Cruises delivers exactly that. And while families with older children are welcome, it’s the sophisticated, adult ambiance that truly defines the Windstar experience.