Windstar Cruises has released its sailing schedule through the summer of 2025, which includes several exciting, new cruises in Tahiti, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. Small ship cruising offers access to small ports across the globe, and whether it’s cuisine, learning about local cultures or taking in spectacular scenery, traveling with Windstar is equal parts experiential and exclusive.
“People are spending more and traveling longer, and they are taking notice of the tremendous value that a Windstar cruise provides,” says Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “Our new deployment works towards responding to those trends with longer and even more remote options in Tahiti, as well as more connections between different itineraries to extend trips in new and exciting ways.”
These are Windstar’s newest itineraries for 2024 and 2025:
Tahiti
Windstar has been sailing to Tahiti for 35 years, and they are recognized as the small ship expert in the region. In addition to a handful of classic itineraries with stops in the Tahitian Islands and the Tuamotu Islands, Windstar is launching a brand-new cruise in 2024 and 2025 with several days in the remote Marquesas Islands. “We’ve been hearing from travel advisors and guests that they want us to offer different cruises in Tahiti,” Prelog says. “We’re pleased to be able to take them beyond the more expected locales to far-flung islands that have fewer than 1,000 residents.”
The all-new, 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas cruise sets sail from Papeete on the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze. In addition to stops in Bora Bora, Moorea and Taha’a, plus two days in the Tuamotu Islands of Fakarava and Rangiroa, the cruise visits the Marquesas islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva. The verdant island of Fatu Hiva has just 650 inhabitants, and guests will be blown away by the views at Hana Vave, or Bay of Virgins, which is considered one of the most stunning bays in the world. Hiva Oa is home to Mount Temetiu, the tallest peak in the Marquesas, along with the spectacular Tehueto Petroglyphs in the Tahauku Valley. The island was also once the home of legendary French artist Paul Gauguin. Nuku Hiva is the second largest island in French Polynesia, and from tropical landscapes to ancient temples and archaeological sites, this is the perfect way to conclude a trip to the Marquesas.
Canary Islands
In 2024 Windstar will venture from Lisbon, Portugal to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria aboard the all-suite, 312-guest Star Pride on the 8-day Captivating Canary Islands cruise. The itinerary includes an overnight on the island of Madeira, with the rest of the trip focused on exploring the Canary Islands, with stops on Tenerife, La Gomera and Lanzarote. The port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers easy access to two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island of Tenerife: the historical city center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Teide National Park, which offers incredible vistas of Mount Teide, an impressive stratovolcano. Hike through the laurel forests in Garajonay National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site on La Gomera, and be sure to make time to explore the island’s charming capital of San Sebastian. Lanzarote is the northernmost of the Canaries, and whether it’s beaches, vineyards or the otherworldly landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, there is the perfect shore excursion for every traveler.
Windstar will also kick off two new itineraries in 2025 aboard the 148-guest motorized sailing yacht Wind Star. The 10-day Canary Island Idyll cruise begins and ends in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with stops in La Gomera, La Palma, Madeira, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Explore natural wonders like black sand beaches, and immerse yourself in local culture with plantation tours, colonial towns and incredible cuisine. The 8-day Colorful Canary Islands cruise sails from Lisbon to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, visiting Madeira, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria. In addition to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and charming seaside towns, there are several late-night departures, giving guests the opportunity to take in the islands’ renowned nightlife scene.
Costa Rica
Beginning in January 2024, Windstar is launching the 7-day Naturally Costa Rica cruise on the 148-passenger Wind Star, and the itinerary explores five ports along the Costa Rican coast, plus two ports in Nicaragua. The voyage begins and ends in Puerto Caldera, and stops include Playa Flamingo, Corinto, San Juan del Sur, Playas del Coco, Bahia Herradura and Quepos. Playa Flamingo is known for its beautiful beaches and a wealth of marine wildlife, and shore excursions include ziplining above a tropical dry forest reserve and snorkeling. Corinto is located just north of the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the UNESCO-designated Old City of Colonial Leon is one of the main attractions. The next day, the Wind Star anchors in the bay outside of San Juan del Sur, a small fishing village near the Masaya Volcano, before heading back south to Playas del Coco, which is known for its cocoa-colored beaches. Bahia Herradura is considered the fishing capital of Costa Rica, and beyond delicious fresh seafood, it’s just 15 minutes from the Carara National Park. The following day in Quepos is just as exciting, with shore excursions like a horseback tour through the jungle, a float on the Savegre River and a mangrove cruise.
This new itinerary can easily be combined with Windstar’s 7-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise, which sails from Colon to Puerto Caldera, for a 14-day adventure in the region. The 14-day Star Collector: Wild Wonders of the Central America Coasts Via the Panama Canal is yet another new option in the region, with stops in Puerto Caldera, Colon, Gulfo Dulce and Isla Parida.
Mediterranean
In July 2024, Windstar will kick off a new Mediterranean voyage with the 9-day Adriatic Icons & Venetian Treasures cruise aboard the 148-guest Wind Spirit. The itinerary begins and ends in Venice, and it runs up and down the eastern Adriatic Sea, visiting ports along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, plus stops in Montenegro and Slovenia. The small fishing port of Rovinj has a hilltop cathedral and charming cobblestone streets, plus a number of hidden beaches. Zadar is known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, 9th century churches and museums packed with Byzantine-era art, and if you’d prefer more time on the water, sail through the Zadar Channel and Mali Zdrelas Passage toward Sabusa Beach. The next stop is the island of Hvar, which is famous for its lavender fields and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Wind Spirit then spends the next two days in Dubrovnik, giving guests plenty of time to explore the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or admire the sparkling blue waters of Kolorina Bay from cafes and shops in town. Kotor is considered one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, and the port city’s old town is accessible only by foot, offering access to 12th century Baroque palaces and Romanesque churches. The epic voyage concludes with a stop in Piran, which is situated on a tiny peninsula and considered one of Slovenia’s most beautiful towns.
Middle East
Beginning November 2023, Windstar will offer over a dozen cruises to the Middle East. The Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf cruise will have two special itineraries: the first appealing to Formula 1® race fans and the second catering to foodies. The 10-day Inaugural Sparkling Sands & Cities + Optional Abu Dhabi Race cruise offers the opportunity to travel with Windstar’s President, Christopher Prelog and attend the final Formula 1 race of the 2023 season at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The exclusive 2-day race package includes grandstand main seats for Saturday time trials and the Sunday race, with the option to upgrade to suite tickets at Turn 5. The cruise begins in Dubai on November 23, and in addition to several exciting days in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Star Legend also visits Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. On February 1, 2024, the James Beard Foundation: Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf cruise departs from Muscat, Oman and visits the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman before ending in Dubai. Windstar is the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, and guests embarking on these special journeys will indulge in memorable meals featuring authentic food by some of the most recognized culinary talents in the world.
The 16-day Signature Persian Gulf Passage Cruise Tour combines an exciting 10-day cruise itinerary with a 6-day inland adventure, including hotels, meals and transfers plus tours of sites including the Sharjah Mosque, the Wahiba Dunes, the historic Birkat Al Mauz ruins and a city tour of Dubai. Additionally, new dates have been added for the 9-day Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days cruise on Star Legend, which travels from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Aqaba, Jordan (and the reverse, from Aqaba to Jeddah), and the 18-day Wonders of Arabia cruise, which travels from Athens, Greece to Dubai, UAE, also on Star Legend. The 8-day Emirates, Qatar and the Span of Oman cruise, which travels between Muscat, Oman and Dubai, UAE, is yet another fabulous option for guests looking to explore the region.
Guests booking 2025 cruises in Europe, Tahiti and Canada/New England will receive a special, limited-time offer of a $100 per guest shipboard credit AND a free upgrade to all-inclusive fares, which means unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails; Wi-Fi and gratuities. The offer expires on July 5, 2023. More details at www.windstarcruises.com/specials.
Looking at your 2025 cruise to Tahiti. I had trouble loading the itinerary, point of departure (from USA and return), name/size of the ship. I saw one cruise for mid-February, 2025. Like the time.
Hi, Larry. Windstar’s Star Breeze is in Tahiti year-round, so there are lots of choices. Give this link a try — and let me know if you have any questions (and p.s. hello from French Polynesia, where we are visiting the Marquesa Islands. Unbelievably gorgeous). Take a look at the link below on our website and feel free to give us a call at 888.716.1367 with any questions. Hope to see you onboard! –Carolyn
https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/tahiti/