Windstar Enhances South Pacific Experience with Dual Yacht Deployment in Tahiti

Windstar Cruises has announced an expansion of its operations in French Polynesia, set to begin in March 2027. Two yachts, the newly refurbished Wind Star and the all-suite Star Breeze, will operate year-round in this region, marking the company’s most extensive deployment in the South Pacific to date.

The Wind Star, a classic 4-masted sailing ship accommodating 148 guests, will feature the 7-night "Dreams of Tahiti" itinerary with weekly departures from Papeete. This journey includes a unique stop at Raiatea, an island significant as the ancestral homeland of the Māori people, which is not typically included in competing itineraries.

Meanwhile, the Star Breeze, hosting up to 312 guests, will embark on longer voyages to less accessible destinations like the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These trips can be combined into longer "Star Collector Voyages" lasting up to 21 days, allowing for deeper cultural experiences and exploration of the South Pacific.

This expansion aims to provide a greater variety of departure dates and itineraries than ever before. Windstar will offer the most 7-day departures in Tahiti, supplemented by longer 10-day and 14-day itineraries that include visits to the remote Marquesas Islands.

For 2027 voyages, Windstar has introduced an "Early Goodbye" disembarkation option, which permits ships to arrive in Papeete at 8:00 p.m. the evening before departure. This adjustment enables guests to catch same-evening flights to Los Angeles, maximizing their time in paradise.

Windstar is also streamlining its cruise and hotel packages, facilitating easy additions of stays in overwater bungalows. Guests can enjoy flexible flight arrangements through Windstar or book independently. Enhancements such as new AquaBanas—private floating lounges—will provide guests with a resort-like experience at sea.

Additionally, guests can participate in the exclusive "Polynesian Feast + Fire" event, which includes an evening of Tahitian fire dancing, live music, and local cuisine on a private motu. On board, a cultural ambassador will offer activities such as ukulele lessons and demonstrations on traditional crafts and cooking.

Shore excursions will be led by local guides, allowing guests to discover the hidden gems of the islands—ranging from snorkeling in coral gardens to learning about Tahitian vanilla cultivation. The yachts’ marina platforms will enable direct access to complimentary water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding at stunning locations such as Bora Bora and Moorea.

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