Where ocean meets sky, Candles aboard Star Pride Miami transforms the traditional steakhouse into an extraordinary al fresco experience, offering guests the rare opportunity to dine under a canopy of stars while cruising the pristine waters of the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Born from Windstar Cruises' collaboration with the James Beard Foundation, Candles represents the pinnacle of yacht-style dining excellence. This signature restaurant emerges each evening as the Veranda deck undergoes its nightly metamorphosis, trading buffet service for intimate candlelit tables dressed in crisp white linens. The concept reflects Windstar's philosophy of sailing like a private yacht, where luxury meets accessibility in an atmosphere of refined casualness. Since Star Pride's comprehensive refurbishment under the Star Plus Initiative, Candles has become the crown jewel of the ship's culinary program, earning acclaim for its unique outdoor dining concept that capitalizes on the vessel's intimate 312-guest capacity.

The cuisine centers on premium steakhouse fare elevated by the maritime setting. The showstopping 40-ounce bone-in ribeye tomahawk and 30-ounce bone-in porterhouse, both featuring Linz Heritage Angus certification, arrive with a curated selection of gourmet salts including Hiwa Kai, Yakima Applewood, and Himalayan Mountain varieties. Beyond the exceptional beef program, the menu embraces its oceanic surroundings with expertly prepared seafood including grilled branzino and Moroccan-style glazed shrimp with brown onion fried rice. Family-style sides like broccolini with lemon zest and salt-baked potatoes complement the mains, while desserts such as the signature lemon tart provide a bright, citrusy finale to the evening.

The experience transcends typical cruise dining through its romantic outdoor setting on the mid-ship Veranda deck, where panoramic ocean views stretch to the horizon. Rattan chairs and flickering votives create an intimate atmosphere as guests enjoy personalized table service under the stars, often with minimal light pollution allowing for spectacular stargazing. The smart casual dress code maintains the elegant yet relaxed ambiance, while the absence of assigned seating and flexible dining times reinforces the private yacht experience. When weather permits, the open-air setting with ocean breezes becomes the restaurant's greatest amenity, though indoor alternatives ensure the experience continues regardless of conditions.

Candles represents Miami fine dining at sea, where the combination of premium steaks, oceanfront ambiance, and yacht-style service creates an unforgettable culinary journey. Advanced reservations are essential for this popular venue, with guests advised to book early in their cruise to secure their table at this distinctive steakhouse where the stars provide the ceiling and the ocean serves as the ultimate backdrop.