It’s the island paradise so beautiful that French artist Paul Gauguin couldn’t stop painting it. Fletcher Christian didn’t want to leave it and mutinied (on the HMS Bounty) to stay there. Remote, tropical, romantic, and beautiful – it’s one of the world’s most aspirational places to visit: The Islands of Tahiti, otherwise known as French Polynesia.
The Islands of Tahiti are best accessed via small ship – allowing effortless travel amongst some of French Polynesia’s most storied and iconic 121 islands and atolls. Small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises simply knows it best, having sailed the longest of any operator in the region and celebrating 35 years of Tahitian sailings in 2022. It’s also the only destination where the U.S.-based cruise line sails year-round, giving guests ample opportunity to plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit in any season.
This October, there’s double the chance. The 148-guest Wind Spirit, complete with sails built for the breezes of the South Pacific, is sailing around the Islands of Tahiti now, but in October, Windstar will move the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze to the region, increasing capacity with two yacht options to choose from. All-suite Star Breeze features newly transformed guest suites, two new restaurants, a new World Spa, an infinity pool, and more. Although without sails, Star Breeze is ideal for accessing the shallow lagoons that helped make the destination famous. Both Wind Spirit and Star Breeze feature Windstar’s signature sports platform, opening up right off the back deck into crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding . In February 2024, Star Breeze will move to Tahiti year-round in place of Wind Spirit.
With two ships sailing the region in October, Windstar Cruises has opted to truly celebrate its 35th season all month long offering special events, integration with local dignitaries and artists, and a heightened infusion of local culture both on board and ashore.
“The entire month is a celebration of Tahiti,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “We are now planning special events with local artists and dignitaries, as well as an ongoing celebration of local culture. Our designated President’s Cruise on the October 9th sailing will also bring aboard some high-ranking leaders of Tahiti along with executives from Windstar. We want it to be a way to thank our local partners, vendors, and everyone in local tourism that makes this destination so special, as well as renew our relationships and commitments for sailing in the future.”
The 7-day Dreams of Tahiti President’s Cruise will take place on Star Breeze October 9 and will include events with Tahitian government officials/tourism partners, local entertainment, Windstar’s signature event motu celebration in Bora Bora, and other special programming.
“For 35 years, Windstar has participated in the development of cruising and the economy in our islands, thanks to their first three sailing cruise ships, pioneers of sustainable tourism,” said French Polynesia’s president Edouard Fritch. “Like our seafaring ancestors who connected the islands of this vast ocean, Windstar connected our peoples and our cultures. We are delighted to be able to celebrate our long relationship together. I would also like to thank Mr. Prelog and his teams for the trust they place in our destination by positioning Star Breeze in 2024 in French Polynesia. This ship will make it possible to share the Polynesian experience with a greater number of guests, to visit more remote islands of our archipelagos, and to contribute to the prosperity of our families in their islands. More than paradisiacal landscapes to discover, the Islands of Tahiti offers you unique experiences and unforgettable encounters.”
As part of the celebration, Windstar is offering an all-in package that includes Air + Hotel. Cruise fares start at $5,099 per person and include the cruise hotel package, and roundtrip airfare from LAX. If booked before August 31, 2022, it also includes unlimited Wi-Fi, beer, wine, cocktails, and gratuities. More details at https://www.windstarcruises.com/tahiti-air-included/
