With the return of its refreshed sailing yacht Wind Star, Windstar Cruises is doubling down on Tahiti starting March 2027, when the vessel joins the all-suite Star Breeze to sail year-round in French Polynesia – making it Windstar’s most expansive South Pacific deployment yet.
With two yachts, more departure dates, and a wider variety of itineraries than before, guests have “even more ways to chase sunsets, swim with rays, and fall in love with Tahiti,” says the cruise line.
“Tahiti is part of our DNA, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our sailing yacht back to these legendary waters,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “By offering the largest number of departures in Tahiti, we offer unparalleled flexibility and choice – whether you crave the romance of sailing under starry skies or the comfort of an all-suite yacht.”
Sails or suites
Offering more cruise departures in Tahiti than any other cruise line, Windstar guests have two options:
- Wind Star, a classic four-masted sailing yacht hosting only 148 guests will sail the 7-night ‘Dreams of Tahiti’ itinerary continuously, with weekly Monday departures. Every voyage visits Raiatea, the sacred island considered the ancestral homeland of the Māori people – a destination not featured on competing 7-day itineraries.
- Star Breeze, Windstar’s 312-guest all-suite yacht, will focus on longer voyages to more remote locales like the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These can be combined into Star Collector Voyages of up to 21 days, offering deeper cultural immersion and extended South Pacific exploration.
New for 2027
- The most Tahiti cruise departures of any line, thanks to both yachts sailing full time in the region.
- “Early Goodbye” disembarkation: Ships arrive in Papeete at 8 pm the day prior to departure day, allowing guests to connect with same-evening flights to LAX, maximizing time in paradise for those with a tight schedule.
- Simplified cruise + hotel packages make it easier than ever to add a stay in an overwater bungalow, with flexible flight options available through Windstar or independently.
- New AquaBanas at the yacht’s marina platform – private floating lounges with sunshades, tables, and chairs for a resort-like experience at sea.
Immersive Polynesian experiences
Windstar’s exclusive Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast + Fire, invites guests to a private motu for an evening of Tahitian fire dancing, live music and island cuisine under the stars. On board, a Cultural Ambassador teaches ukulele, flower crown and lei-making, how to tie a pareo, and Tahitian language and traditions. Cooking demonstrations include local favorites like poisson cru with coconut milk and local legends like Tihoti share the sacred history of Polynesian tattooing.
Shore excursions are guided by locals and include snorkelling through coral gardens on a gentle drift, discovering how Tahitian vanilla is cultivated, or swimming in turquoise lagoons.
The yachts’ Marina platforms provide direct access to swim from the yacht and enjoy complimentary water sports activities like kayaking and paddle boarding in locations like Bora Bora and Moorea.
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Guests who reserve by Oct. 31 will receive up to US$200 in onboard credit and Windstar’s All-In package (including Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select beverages), as well as saving an additional 5% when paying in full at the time of booking.
Windstar Cruises
From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of three Star Class all-suite yachts and three Wind Class sailing yachts. Two new yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer are set to debut in December 2025 and 2026, expand the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests.
Windstar’s Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027.
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