Windstar Cruises will deploy a second yacht to French Polynesia beginning March 2027, marking the cruise line's largest South Pacific expansion to date. The sailing yacht Wind Star will join Star Breeze for year-round operations in Tahiti, providing guests with increased departure options and itinerary variety.
"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."
The 148-guest Wind Star will operate the seven-night "Dreams of Tahiti" itinerary with weekly Monday departures. Each voyage includes a stop at Raiatea. The 312-guest Star Breeze will focus on longer itineraries to destinations including the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji and the Cook Islands, with options to combine voyages into Star Collector journeys of up to 21 days.
The expanded deployment introduces several operational enhancements for 2027. Ships will arrive in Papeete at 8 p.m. the day before departure day, allowing guests to connect with same-evening flights to Los Angeles. The cruise line will offer simplified cruise and hotel packages with flexible flight options and new AquaBanas — private floating lounges with sunshades, tables and chairs — at the yacht's marina platform.
Windstar's onboard programming includes a Cultural Ambassador who teaches ukulele, flower crown and lei-making, pareo tying and Tahitian language and traditions. Cooking demonstrations feature local dishes like poisson cru with coconut milk, while local experts share information about Polynesian tattooing traditions.
The cruise line's "Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast + Fire" takes guests to a private motu for Tahitian fire dancing, live music and island cuisine. Shore excursions led by local guides include snorkeling, Tahitian vanilla cultivation tours and pearl hunting in lagoons. The yachts' marina platforms provide direct water access and complimentary water sports activities including kayaking and paddle boarding in locations such as Bora Bora and Moorea.
With two yachts operating full-time in the region, Windstar claims to offer more Tahiti cruise departures than any other cruise line.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Windstar Cruises. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
