Imagine waking aboard a private-feeling yacht surrounded by the extraordinary blue waters of French Polynesia, with dramatic volcanic peaks rising beyond the lagoon and another unforgettable island waiting just over the horizon.
That is the appeal of a Windstar Tahiti cruise. Instead of spending your entire vacation at one resort, a Windstar yacht can allow you to experience multiple islands while unpacking only once. You can explore Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a and other French Polynesian destinations while returning each evening to the familiar comfort of your yacht.
For 2027 and beyond, Windstar's Tahiti program offers travelers two distinctly different yacht experiences: Wind Star, the intimate 148-guest sailing yacht, and Star Breeze, the 312-guest all-suite yacht.
Experience Windstar Tahiti Cruises
Wind Star: The Intimate Sailing Yacht
Classic Sailing Experience
- StyleIntimate Yacht
- CabinNautical
- ExcursionsSmall Group
- VibeRomantic
Best For
- StyleCouples
- CabinCozy
- ExcursionsActive
- VibeRelaxed
The Verdict
"Choose Wind Star if your priority is intimacy, sailing, and a smaller guest environment. Choose Star Breeze if your priority is all-suite accommodations and longer itineraries."
Star Breeze: The All-Suite Yacht
All-Suite Space
- StyleSpacious
- CabinSuite
- ExcursionsDiverse
- VibeComfortable
Best For
- StyleExplorers
- CabinLarge
- ExcursionsRemote
- VibeAdventurous
The Verdict
"The best ship is determined by the experience you want-not by which ship is objectively 'better'."
Is Windstar Right For You?
The Romantic & Honeymooner
Couples seeking an intimate South Pacific vacation away from the crowds and long buffet lines.
You Enjoy:
- •Values intimacy and romance
- •Prefers small-ship service
- •Dislikes large-scale entertainment
Recommended For You:
The Experienced Explorer
Luxury travelers who have visited Tahiti before and want to see a completely new side of French Polynesia.
You Enjoy:
- •Wants destination immersion
- •Interested in remote atolls
- •Loves snorkeling and diving
Recommended For You:
Ready to Discover Tahiti by Yacht?
The right Windstar cruise can transform a trip to French Polynesia from a beautiful vacation into a carefully designed luxury journey.
Contact an AdvisorWhat's Included vs. What's Not
Generally Included
- Ocean-view stateroom or suite accommodations
- All meals in all venues, including 24-hour room service
- Non-alcoholic beverages (sodas, specialty coffees, juices)
- Access to the Watersports Platform (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear)
- Onboard entertainment and destination briefings
- Signature beach BBQ and cultural events (on applicable sailings)
Generally Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages (unless a beverage package or All-Inclusive fare is purchased)
- Shore excursions (unless an All-Inclusive fare is purchased)
- Gratuities (unless an All-Inclusive fare is purchased)
- Wi-Fi (unless an All-Inclusive fare is purchased)
- Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays
- International airfare and airport transfers
Windstar offers an 'All-Inclusive' fare upgrade that bundles Wi-Fi, unlimited wine, beer, cocktails, and gratuities into the cruise fare for a more seamless experience.
Why Expert Planning Matters in Tahiti
Tahiti is a long-haul destination for many international travelers. That makes itinerary design especially important.
A poorly planned trip can involve tight flight connections, unnecessary hotel changes, rushed transfers and insufficient time to recover from international travel. A well-designed luxury itinerary can feel completely different.
Complete Journey Coordination
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel can help coordinate the complete journey. The cruise is only one part of the journey. The real luxury comes from how everything fits together.
What We Handle:
- International flights
- Pre-cruise hotels
- Airport transfers
- Windstar cruise selection
- Cabin and suite selection
- Shore excursions
- Private experiences
- Overwater-bungalow stays
- Post-cruise resorts
The Trips & Ships Philosophy
Don't sell the traveler a trip. Design the right journey.
Windstar Tahiti Itineraries
Explore the diverse islands and atolls of French Polynesia.
Dreams of Tahiti
The perfect introduction to the Society Islands, featuring Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Huahine.
Moorea & Bora Bora
Experience the dramatic peaks of Moorea and the iconic turquoise lagoons and overwater villas of Bora Bora.
The Tuamotus
Explore low-lying coral atolls and brilliant lagoons. Perfect for serious snorkelers, divers, and marine-life enthusiasts.
The Marquesas
Discover dramatic landscapes, steep mountains, and deep cultural heritage in the remote Marquesas Islands.
Windstar Tahiti Luxury Guide
Angela Hughes Authority & Credentials
Luxury Travel Expert, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Angela Hughes
Angela Hughes has explored over 121 countries and spent more than four decades designing luxury travel experiences. She is widely recognized across the travel industry as a leading river cruise authority and active travel advocate.
"When travelers ask me which Windstar ship they should choose for Tahiti, I don't start with the ship. I start with the traveler. That is because the right yacht depends on what you want the vacation to feel like. Both can be luxury experiences. They simply represent different versions of luxury."
— Angela Hughes, On Active River CruisingKEY QUALIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- Over 4 Decades Designing Luxury Travel Experiences
- Explored 121+ Countries Across Seven Continents
- Recognized Industry Leader & River Cruise Specialist
- CEO & Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
- Specialist in Active River Cruising & Multi-Generational Travel
- Personal Relationships with AmaWaterways Executives & Staff
Don't Make
TheseMistakes.
Tahiti is a long-haul destination. A poorly planned trip can involve tight flight connections, unnecessary hotel changes, and rushed transfers.
Treating Papeete as Just an Airport
Many travelers rush straight to their ship upon arrival. A pre-cruise stay in Tahiti helps you recover from jet lag and adjust to the tropical climate.
Assuming You Only Need One Week
Seven nights is an excellent introduction, but French Polynesia is vast. If you have the time, a 10 to 14-day vacation provides much more flexibility.
Not Combining Cruise and Resort
A cruise provides exploration, while an overwater bungalow provides stillness. Combining them creates the most balanced luxury Tahiti experience.
Choosing the Wrong Yacht
Wind Star offers the romance of a classic sailing yacht, while Star Breeze provides an all-suite experience. Picking the wrong one can change the entire feel of your trip.
Windstar Tahiti Cruises FAQs
Expert Answers to Your French Polynesia Questions
Yes. Windstar can be an excellent choice for travelers who value intimate small-ship cruising, personalized service, casual luxury, destination immersion, and the ability to experience multiple French Polynesian islands without repeatedly changing hotels.
Core cruise inclusions generally include accommodation and onboard dining, while Windstar also provides access to selected onboard activities and watersports. Additional benefits such as beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities depend on the fare, promotion or package.
For travelers prioritizing generally drier conditions and lower humidity, May through October is one of the strongest periods to consider. Travelers interested in humpback whales should consider July through November.
The wetter season is generally November through April. Tropical showers can be brief, and sunny conditions can return quickly.
Yes, depending on the yacht, itinerary and weather conditions. Windstar's marina platform provides access to watersports, and complimentary equipment such as snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards may be available on applicable voyages.
Many Windstar French Polynesia itineraries include Bora Bora, but exact ports depend on the sailing. Travelers should check the specific departure before booking.
Neither is universally better. Windstar is particularly appealing for travelers who value small-yacht intimacy, sailing and a strong connection with the water. Paul Gauguin is particularly attractive to travelers who prioritize an all-inclusive luxury cruise structure and destination-specific private-island experiences.
Windstar is better for travelers who want to explore multiple islands. A Bora Bora resort is better for travelers who want privacy, relaxation and an overwater bungalow. Combining the two can provide the best of both experiences.
A seven-night cruise can provide an excellent introduction to the Society Islands. Travelers with 10 to 14 days can add hotel or resort nights, while travelers with two to three weeks can consider longer South Pacific itineraries.
Wind Star is best for travelers who want an intimate sailing-yacht experience, while Star Breeze is better for travelers who prioritize larger all-suite accommodations and longer South Pacific itineraries.
For the right traveler, yes. Windstar can offer strong value when you want multiple islands, small-ship service, dining, watersports and destination experiences without repeatedly changing hotels and arranging inter-island transportation.
Non-alcoholic beverages, including specialty coffees, teas, and sodas, are typically included. Alcoholic beverages are generally not included in the standard fare unless you book a specific 'All-Inclusive' fare or purchase a beverage package.
Windstar embraces a 'Casual Elegance' dress code. During the day, resort casual wear is appropriate. In the evenings, casual elegance is requested, meaning no shorts, flip-flops, or t-shirts in the dining venues.
It is highly recommended to book shore excursions as early as possible. Tahiti is a remote destination, and popular experiences like private lagoon tours or specialized diving trips can fill up quickly.
