What if, traveling throughout the islands of French Polynesia, you could choose to sail and to cruise, both? It turns out that you can. Beginning in February 2027, Windstar is shifting its 148-guest Wind Star to its new year-round homeport of Papeete where it joins 312-guest Star Breeze, already ensconced there.
The addition of a second year-round ship in what Windstar president Chris Prelog describes as “paradise on earth,” isn’t so much about two ships with very different styles, though Wind Star is, of course, a sailing vessel, and Star Breeze is one of the line’s more cruise-like motor yachts. It’s more about expanding the destination, he tells me. Wind Star will pretty much sail, exclusively, the 7-night “Dreams of Tahiti” route, which focuses on the fabulous Society Islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine.
Star Breeze will continue to offer plenty of 7- and 10-day “Dreams of Tahiti” itineraries but the addition of Wind Star means it can fold in some more eclectic and exotic voyages, like trips that add calls to the far-flung Marquesas and the Cook Islands along with visits to Society Islands’ strongholds.
Here’s the conundrum
Unless you know for sure you are craving for the harder-to-get-to islands, you will have to choose: Wind Star for the sailing experience or Star Breeze for its ultra comfort?
“I like them both for their own experiences,” says Prelog, who has cruised in French Polynesia on Wind Spirit, a sailing ship that until recently was the only year-round ship there, and on Star Breeze. “On the Wind-class ships you really feel like you’re not on a cruise. The ship is a sailing experience that connects you with the sea. It’s not a cruise. You are lower, closer to the sea, and you get the extra sense of sea salt in the air, and the wind, and the beauty of the ocean.
“On Star Breeze, you have a really nice Tahitian small ship cruise with multiple restaurants, large suites, an expansive sundeck and roomy spa. And I love the extra comfort of all of those amenities.” And, we’ll add, that both ships feature Windstar’s signature marinas, with plenty of days anchored, to enjoy them (Star Breeze has an extra attraction, the new Aquabana, which is a custom-designed, resort-style floating platform).
Ultimately, he says, “in Tahiti you can’t go wrong. It really is my dream destination. If you haven’t visited French Polynesia, you haven’t experienced paradise.”
Fellow travelers weigh in, too
On Facebook, one of my favorite places to talk about all-things Windstar is the Windstar Cruises Official Yacht Club Members & Fan Club, and naturally, this latest news about adding Wind Star to Tahiti is a hot topic. This comment resonated with a lot of us who are looking for advice on which ship to choose:
“I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both Windstar’s all-suite Star Class yachts and their classic sailing ships, and each brings something unique to the table,” writes Jenipher Clute Smith. “On the sailing vessels — the romance of the sails rising at sunset is unforgettable. They feel especially magical in destinations like the Greek Isles or Tahiti, where the atmosphere pairs beautifully with that sense of adventure and tradition.
“On the yachts you’ll find more spacious accommodations, expanded dining options, and slightly more amenities onboard. These ships are fantastic for itineraries where you’re at sea a bit more because you really get to enjoy the comforts onboard.
“Both share the same warm, intimate Windstar experience with fewer guests, immersive destinations, and that wonderful crew-to-guest connection. My best advice? Choose based on the destination first, then decide what best fits the vibe you’re looking for.”
And we’ll add that here’s another insight that bears sharing about the Tahiti-two-ways option:
“The people of French Polynesia made our cruises a joy,” writes John Perkowski, who’s traveled on both the Wind- and the Star-class vessels in Tahiti. “In short, the people and the ports of call matter more than the ship.”
Have some tips to share or want to ask a question? Please feel free to post in the comments below.
