Windstar Cruises is set to enhance its presence in French Polynesia with the addition of the newly refurbished sailing yacht, Wind Star, to its fleet starting March 2027. This follows the year-round operations of the all-suite yacht Star Breeze, marking Windstar’s largest deployment in the South Pacific to date.
The Wind Star, which accommodates 148 guests, will launch the 7-night "Dreams of Tahiti" itinerary with weekly departures every Monday from Papeete. This unique itinerary includes stops at Raiatea, an island recognized as the ancestral home of the Māori people, which is not part of other 7-day cruise routes.
Meanwhile, Star Breeze will cater to guests seeking longer voyages that explore more remote regions, including the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These adventures can be extended into "Star Collector Voyages" lasting up to 21 days, providing deeper engagement with the diverse cultures of the South Pacific.
Windstar aims to offer the highest number of 7-day sailings in Tahiti, in addition to extended 10-day and 14-day trips. An innovative "Early Goodbye" disembarkation option allows vessels to reach Papeete the evening prior to departure, facilitating evening flights back to Los Angeles for travelers with condensed schedules.
The cruise line is adding convenience with simplified cruise + hotel packages, allowing guests to easily incorporate stays in overwater bungalows. Additionally, new AquaBanas at the yacht’s marina platform offer exclusive floating lounges designed for a resort-like experience on the water.
Guests can look forward to unique cultural experiences through Windstar’s Destination Discovery Event, "Polynesian Feast + Fire," which features an evening of Tahitian fire dancing, live music, and local cuisine under the stars. Onboard activities include lessons in ukulele playing, flower crown making, and insights into Tahitian traditions and language. Culinary demonstrations spotlight local delicacies like poisson cru made with fresh coconut milk while sharing tales of the sacred heritage of Polynesian tattoo art.
Shore excursions will be led by local guides who reveal the hidden gems of the islands—ranging from snorkeling in coral gardens to discovering the cultivation of Tahitian vanilla or searching for pearls in turquoise lagoons. The yachts’ marina platforms enable direct access for swimming and engaging in complimentary water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding at stunning locations like Bora Bora and Moorea.
For more details, you can visit Windstar Cruises.
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