Windstar Cruises Expands in the South Pacific
Windstar Cruises has announced a significant expansion in the South Pacific starting in 2026, with new itineraries aboard the Star Breeze that will explore Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, in addition to the existing itineraries in Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, and Marquesas.
Windstar has been sailing in Tahiti for over 36 years, continuing with its popular “Dreams of Tahiti” cruise, and is considered the cruise expert in the region, thanks to its deep relationships with local partners that enable access to remote areas and incorporate Polynesian culture into both onboard and shoreside experiences. In 2024, the company began sailing to the remote Marquesas Islands, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their unique geography and cultural heritage.
Windstar_Moorea
Windstar_Moorea
New highlights include shorter itineraries, such as the 7-night Tuamotus cruise and the 11-night Marquesas cruise, opening up these remote destinations to a greater number of travelers. Additionally, new packages featuring flights and overwater bungalow stays in Bora Bora will allow guests to extend their time on these iconic islands and further explore the inland areas, beginning in March 2025 through 2026. The 14-day “Stars Over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa” package is a new comprehensive vacation offering that includes roundtrip Air Tahiti Nui flights from Seattle or Los Angeles, along with two nights in a Papeete hotel and three nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.
The new itineraries in the Pacific include:
Flowers of the South French Polynesia (15 days), which begins with an overnight in Fiji’s largest city, Lautoka, followed by a visit to the small port of SavuSavu to explore local villages and a stop in Taveuni to experience the rainforests of Bouma National Heritage Park. After a day at sea, it’s on to Nuku’alofa, Tonga, a new port for Windstar, known for its beaches and Royal Palace. In the Cook Islands, Windstar will visit both Aitutaki and Rarotonga. The journey continues with an overnight in Bora Bora and concludes in Papeete, Tahiti.
Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (10 or 11 days) starts in Papeete, followed by Raiatea, before heading to Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The return to the Society Islands features an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), and stops at Huahine, known for its gardens, Moorea, and finally Papeete. On the 10-day itinerary, Huahine is excluded.
Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora (7 days) is a shorter version of Windstar’s existing 11-day Tuamotu sailings. It combines the Tuamotus (Fakarava and Tiputa) and the Society Islands with an overnight in Bora Bora and a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea. This itinerary is perfect for divers, offering four diving opportunities. It can also be combined with the 7-day “Dreams of Tahiti” itinerary.
Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic (11 days) is another new, shorter version of a current itinerary. It starts in Papeete and heads to Fakarava in the Tuamotus. In the Marquesas, visits include Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Nuku Hiva. The ship then returns to the Tuamotus with a stop in Rangiroa, followed by an overnight in Bora Bora and a return to Papeete. This itinerary can also be combined with the 7-day “Dreams of Tahiti” cruise.
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Windstar_Moorea
Windstar_Moorea
Windstar_Motumahaea
During these itineraries, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in French Polynesian culture with a cultural ambassador present on all cruises. A Polynesian crew member will offer activities that encompass all aspects of Polynesian culture, with special sessions on dance, music, language, culture, and art. All itineraries also include a complimentary special event in Bora Bora, called “Bora Bora Destination Discovery,” a private evening feast on a motu (small island) with local performances ranging from music to fire dancing. Another special event on the pool deck is an Arearea, a Tahitian celebration featuring local musicians, dancers, and hands-on activities such as learning to tie a pareo and making flower leis. Guests will also have access to the ship’s Watersports Platform, where they can enjoy complimentary use of water sports equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, which is provided for the entire cruise.
Traditions
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Windstar’s President, Christopher Prelog, expressed his excitement about these new developments, stating that Tahiti is one of his favorite destinations in the world, and that with Windstar, guests can access these remote destinations that are difficult to reach on their own. He emphasized that, thanks to Windstar’s small ship size, they can visit places like Tonga and Taveuni without overwhelming the destination from a tourism, ecological, or cultural perspective.
To celebrate the news, Windstar is launching an early booking offer: those who book a 2026 South Pacific cruise will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (valued at $89 per day per guest), which includes Wi-Fi, unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails, and all gratuities, along with a $100 onboard credit per stateroom. Shore excursions for the new ports are currently in development. Additionally, the company announced that it will expand its fleet with two new all-suite ships, which will allow Windstar to bring back one of its beloved Wind Class ships, the Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027 to meet the growing demand for South Pacific sailings.
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