Windstar Cruises is doubling down on Tahiti. Starting in March 2027, its refurbished sailing ship Wind Star will join the all-suite yacht Star Breeze for year-round sailing in French Polynesia, becoming Windstar’s largest deployment in the South Pacific to date. With two yachts, more sailing dates, and a wider variety of itineraries than ever before, guests can book their cruise with more ways to chase sunsets, swim with manta rays, and fall in love with Tahiti again and again.
“Tahiti is part of our DNA, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our flagship back to these legendary waters,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “By offering the most sailings to Tahiti, we provide unmatched flexibility and variety—whether you’re looking for the romance of sailing under starry skies or the comfort of an all-suite yacht. Either way, it’s all Windstar: laid-back luxury, local flavor, and a front-row seat to the most beautiful place on Earth.”.
With more departures from Tahiti than any other cruise line, guests can choose between two distinct experiences:
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Wind Star, a classic four-masted sailing ship accommodating only 148 guests, will continuously sail the 7-night Dreams of Tahiti itinerary, departing weekly every Monday. Each voyage includes Raiatea, the sacred island considered the ancestral homeland of the Māori people—a destination not featured on other 7-day itineraries.
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Star Breeze, Windstar's 312-passenger all-suite yacht, will focus on longer voyages to remote destinations such as the Tuamotu, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These can be combined into Star Collector Voyages of up to 21 days, offering greater cultural immersion and deeper exploration of the South Pacific.
New for 2027
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The highest number of departures in Tahiti of any cruise line, thanks to both yachts being based in the region year-round.
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“Early Goodbye” Disembarkation: Ships arrive in Papeete at 8 p.m. the day before disembarkation, allowing guests to connect with overnight flights to Los Angeles (LAX), maximizing time in paradise for those with tighter schedules.
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Simpler cruise + hotel combo packages, making it easy to add an overwater bungalow stay, with flexible flight options available both through Windstar and independently.
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New AquaBanas on the yacht's marine platform: private floating lounges with shade, tables and chairs for a resort-style experience at sea.
Immersive Polynesian experiences
Windstar's exclusive Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast + Fire invites guests to a motu for an evening of Tahitian fire dancing, live music, and island cuisine under the stars. Onboard, a Cultural Ambassador teaches guests how to play the ukulele, make flower crowns and necklaces, tie a pareo, and learn about the Tahitian language and traditions. Culinary demonstrations include local specialties like poisson cru with coconut milk, while local figures such as Tihoti share the sacred history of Polynesian tattooing.
Shore excursions are led by locals who invite you to discover the islands' secrets: snorkeling in coral gardens, learning about Tahitian vanilla cultivation, or venturing into turquoise lagoons in search of your own pearl. The yachts' marine platforms offer direct access for swimming from the vessel and enjoying complimentary water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding in iconic locations like Bora Bora and Moorea.
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