If you’ve ever had dreams of Tahiti, the kind with crystal-clear lagoons, overwater bungalows, and dramatic sunsets framed by palm trees, then let us introduce you to what might just be the perfect way to experience it all: a Windstar Tahiti cruise aboard the Star Breeze.
This journey through the islands of French Polynesia was easily one of the best ways we’ve ever explored the South Pacific; blending luxury, adventure, and relaxation.
Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships, which means fewer crowds, more personalized service, and access to places that big cruise ships can only dream about.
Think of it less as a cruise ship and more as a graceful yacht with floating gourmet dining taking you from island to island.
With overnight stays, unique experiences, and even a watersports platform that opens directly into the ocean, this was not your average cruise line experience, it was pure magic.
Arriving in Papeete Tahiti
We highly recommend arriving in Papeete at least a day early.
After all, flying halfway around the world deserves a soft landing, preferably in an overwater bungalow with a view of a turquoise lagoon.
This ensures if you have any flight interruptions you won’t miss the ship and gives you a chance to nap off any jet lag under a gorgeous palm tree.
Upon landing in Tahiti, we stayed at the InterContinental Papeete, which felt like the perfect introduction to the Tahitian island lifestyle.
We splurged on an overwater bungalow, and it was everything we dreamed of.
Glass doors with panoramic views of the turquoise green water and a view of Moorea and direct ocean access, just steps from the foot of our bed.
Honestly, it already felt like we were on a private island.
Although it was nearly impossible to tear us away from our bungalow, we loved the lagoon at the Intercontinental.
An inlet allows direct ocean access into their natural swimming lagoon, where marine life swim in the warm water right next to you.
The lagoon is alongside rescued sea turtles, where they heal and swim along vibrant coral reef formations for all hotel guests to observe.
It was our first taste of the underwater world of the islands of Tahiti, and it set the tone for the entire trip.
The next day, it was time to board the Star Breeze and officially begin our French Polynesia cruise.
The Star Breeze and Our Star Balcony Suite
Before diving into the itinerary, let’s talk about the ship itself.
The Star Breeze is a luxurious ship with a boutique feel.
It hosts just over 300 guests, which means plenty of room in all the public areas and no fighting for deck chairs.
Our Star Balcony Suite was basically a floating hotel room with a French balcony, plush bedding, and 24-hour room service, which Gavin took advantage of numerous times per day.
The room was spacious with two sinks in the bathroom and a massive walk-in closet, which made it easy to unpack once for the 11 night journey through paradise.
There’s something surreal about waking up, opening the curtains, and seeing a different tropical paradise every day.
On board, we loved:
- The hot tubs overlooking the ocean
- The cozy Yacht Club café for morning lattes
- The open decks perfect for sunset cocktails
- The friendly crew members who somehow remembered everyone’s names
- The amazing restaurants:
- Amphora – innovative cuisine with a menu that changes nightly, plus special dishes from top James Beard Foundation affiliated guest chefs.
- Candles – a picturesque oceanfront steakhouse dining experience under the stars, complete with gourmet sauces and sides.
- Basil + Bamboo – the newest Windstar restaurant with a fresh take on Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine. Be sure to book once at the beginning of your voyage, and once on the second half as their menu changes halfway through the voyage.
Add in the drink package (including non-alcoholic beverages), and you’ve got a setup that makes it easy to forget what day of the week it is.
Day 1: At Sea
Our first full day was spent at sea, which turned out to be a blessing. It gave us time to shake off any remaining jet lag, explore the ship, and settle into cruise life.
Windstar’s on-board vibe is relaxed but refined. No megaphones, no water slides, no chaos, just laid-back luxury.
As a result, it’s easy to truly relax onboard.
We loved:
- Port chats, where guides introduced upcoming ports
- Cooking demos to further expand our culinary knowledge
- Polynesian history talks for history lovers
- Lounging in the hot tubs with a cocktail
- Live music from the outdoor decks to the indoor lounge spaces
Dining was another highlight. Windstar is the official James Beard Foundation cruise line.
In previous years, we sailed a Windstar James Beard Yacht Cruise from Venice to Athens, alongside a guest James Beard nominated chef on board.
We learned how Windstar has guest chefs craft specialty dishes for the ship.
At least three award-winning dishes each night are featured on the Amphora restaurant menu.
This gives you an opportunity to preview James Beard nominated chefs from across America, all at one dining table.
It was already clear that Windstar’s philosophy of slow travel and immersive experiences was the best way to explore the Tuamotu and Society Islands.
Day 2: Fakarava
Fakarava is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most pristine atolls in the world.
An atoll is a ring-shaped island with a lagoon in the middle.
Since Windstar’s yachts are much smaller than a traditional mega cruise line, it easily navigates into hard-to-access destinations, such as atolls.
We were initially planning on scuba diving with O2 Diving in the Fakarava Pass, known for its massive population of black-tip sharks.
Yes, we were willingly going to jump into shark-infested waters.
However, Karen clumsily burned herself with a curling iron on the first night, leaving a blistered second-degree burn that the medic recommended not submerging in ocean water until the blisters healed.
As a last minute itinerary change, we decided to swap the swimming for sunbathing at the picturesque PK-9 Beach.
Fakarava is a very small island with a population of only 800 people.
There is only one elementary school on the island, so if locals want their children to have education past grade 6, they must send them to boarding school.
As a result, of the small population and infrastructure, there are very limited taxis available.
In fact, we were lucky enough to hire the only non-tour taxi driver on the island by heading to the office of tourism at the port.
If you’re not so lucky to find a taxi, you can rent a bike right at the tender dock for an hour bike ride to the beach.
It’s definitely an adventurous ride as the road turns into a rough gravel trail about halfway through.
The journey is absolutely worth it as PK-9 Beach looks like an oasis straight from a screen saver.
The water boasted hundreds of shades of vibrant turquoise and cerulean blue, the sand consisted of millions of pieces of coral, and the palm trees were jawdroppingly stunning.
This beach is very remote with no facilities so be sure to bring towels to lay on, snacks to enjoy, and plenty of water.
Our taxi driver hung out on the beach and was so sweet, he even climbed trees to harvest fresh coconuts as a kind gift for us to enjoy.
Fakarava was an unspoiled slice of heaven that will always have a special place in our hearts.
Day 3: Rangiroa
Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world and famous for its surreal clear-blue lagoons.
Rangiroa is the only island to produce wine throughout French Polynesia.
The Domaine Dominique Auroy Winery was closed on the day we were visiting Rangiroa (Sunday), but we still wanted to find a place to taste coral wine.
We started our morning by taking a tender to shore and walked 30 minutes down the road towards the dolphin viewpoint to reach Les Regalis de Josephine, a resort and restaurant on the shore of the Tiputu Pass.
Les Regalis de Josephine had a few varieties of coral wine available. We opted for a glass of the white wine and relaxed on their picturesque deck as we savored the wine.
It tasted tropical like a Sauvingou Blanc but without the sharp acidity. Imagine if a stainless steel chardonnay fell in love with a tropical pineapple.
Under our feet we could clearly see topical fish in the reef below while the waves crashed into the shore.
After lunch, we headed to a Windstar shore excursion that took us to the iconic Green Lagoon.
A short van ride took us to an even shorter boat ride, where shallow waters reflect emerald tones that don’t even look real.
This is the most beautiful place to swim, snorkel, and float, surrounded by endless shades of blue and green.
The water was so calm and crystal-clear it felt like swimming in a natural infinity pool.
We also spotted manta rays gliding gracefully through the lagoon, one of those moments that makes you stop talking and just stare in awe.
This was island life at its most photogenic: white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and not a single worry in sight.
Day 4: At Sea
Another sea day meant even more time to enjoy the Star Breeze. By now, we’d fully embraced ship life.
We tried:
- Polynesian dance lessons
- A wine tasting in the lounge
- A spa afternoon in the complementary thermal spa with saunas, steam rooms, and heated roman loungers.
The food continued to impress, especially the dinners inspired by local culture and Polynesian flavors.
Windstar really nails the balance between activity and relaxation. There’s always something happening, but never pressure to participate.
In the evening we booked our dinner reservation at Candles, which is the open-air dining experience on the ship’s deck.
This spot features premium steaks, meats and fish dishes.
Additionally, you’ll find menu items developed by James Beard Foundation recognized chefs, the food was just as outstanding as the ambiance.
Our favorite dish at Candles was the grilled veal with their three different tasting salts and four sauce options.
Day 5: Motu Mahaea
Motu Mahaea felt like stepping into a postcard. This tiny private motu (islet) is all about untouched beauty.
But first, we start with an excursion of drift snorkeling just off of the coast of Taha’a, which was an excursion offered through Windstar.
Imagine floating effortlessly through gentle currents while tropical fish and coral drifted beneath us. The warm water made it easy to stay and marvel for hours.
As we drifted in the current we spotted a pufferfish and even a black tipped reef shark.
Afterward, we hopped on the boat to join a private beach picnic with our fellow Windstar guests, and on the way there we boated by sea turtles and manta rays.
Upon arriving at Motu Mahaea, we were greeted with Polynesian dancing, music, and fresh coconuts.
The BBQ lunch was complete with fresh fruit, grilled picnic foods, tropical desserts, and plenty of cold drinks.
An open bar kept guests refreshed as they relaxed on beach chairs, snorkeled, and took a spin on the paddleboards and kayaks.
You could even schedule a relaxing beach massage from the talented Windstar World Spa masseuses.
This was the kind of day that defines a private island experience: barefoot, sun-kissed, and totally disconnected from real life.
Day 6: Raiatea
Raiatea is known as the spiritual heart of Polynesia and rich in Polynesian history and archaeological sites.
This was the first stop where the boat was docked to the pier vs. taking a tender to the island.
There were some vendors selling goods as well as a grocery store (where we picked up French cheese and a baguette) all within walking distance.
The highlight of Raiatea for us was visiting a pearl farm and participating in a pearl harvest snorkeling experience offered by Windstar.
Yes, we actually harvested our own Tahitian black pearl.
We took a van to a small boat which brought us to the floating pearl farm.
First, we learned how pearls are cultivated, and then we snorkeled around the pearl farms choosing an oyster from the sea floor.
Finally, we watched in anticipation as they opened an oyster that we pulled from the ocean ourselves, revealing our Tahitian pearl.
It felt like a real-life treasure hunt, and we walked away with two stunning and totally different Tahitian pearls as a souvenir.
Between the cultural significance and the chance to take home something so uniquely local, this was one of the most memorable shore excursions of the entire trip.
We now have an heirloom to treasure forever.
Upon returning to the ship, we continued to celebrate Polynesian culture during the on-board arearea celebration.
Local dancers and musicians showcased traditional folklore enrichment. A highlight was a special performance from a local six-year old.
This was one of those unique experiences that stays with you forever, and one of the main reasons a small ship itinerary is so special.
Day 7: Bora Bora
Romantic Bora Bora, often called the most romantic place on Earth.
The moment the ship sailed into Bora Bora’s beautiful palm-fringed lagoon, we understood why it’s so iconic.
We were SO happy that Windstar had a two day stop on the island.
Towering green peaks, overwater bungalows, and water so blue it almost hurts your eyes.
We enjoyed our time by purchasing a day pass to The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa to relax and experience their ecocenter.
This included gorgeous sun loungers on the beach for soaking in the scenery, snorkeling and kayaking in the lagoon, a complimentary breakfast, as well as a free cocktail.
You can add on a pass to the ecocenter for an up-close-and-personal experience with rescued sea turtles.
Finally, we joined other resort guests as we built our own Polynesian flower crown.
Bora Bora is one of those destinations where doing nothing feels like doing everything.
What’s unique about this cruise itinerary, is that the yacht stays in Bora Bora overnight.
Originally the plan was to return to the ship after our day pass to The Westin, but the resort was so lovely, we booked a last-minute reservation for an overwater bungalow for the night.
Prepared with only the clothes on our backs, we happily enjoyed the extra time at the resort. You only live once, right?
In the evening we joined in on the Polynesian dance show during the dinner feast.
It came with a wide variety of offerings, but we especially loved the build-your-own poke bowl station and chocolate dessert fountain.
Day 8: Bora Bora
Waking up to a Polynesian sunrise, in our Westin heavenly bed, with a glass panel exposing the fish below felt like we were still dreaming.
We relished in a lazy morning, drinking coffee in our bathrobes in our very own Bora Bora overwater bungalow.
We were even treated to a rainbow over Mount Mataihua!
Finally it was time to retreat back to the ship to prepare for another memorable evening.
That night, Windstar hosted The Destination Discovery Event, a private beach BBQ.
It was complete with live music, fresh seafood, and a jaw-dropping fire dancing performance by local fire dancing experts.
Under the stars, with the sound of waves and drums in the background, it felt like something out of a movie.
The dancers were incredible, and the whole evening was a celebration of Polynesian culture.
It was such a great event we stayed on the private Windstar island till the last tender boat went back to the ship for all aboard.
A magical night to treasure forever.
Day 9: Huahine
Huahine is lush, quiet, and often overlooked, which makes it even better to discover
There are many stops where Windstar deploys its famous watersports platform, transforming the back of the ship into a floating marina.
Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear: just grab and go.
This is the first port on the cruise where we were able to enjoy floating and freedom of having the ocean as our playground, right off of the back of the yacht.
This felt more like a luxury yacht experience than a traditional cruise ship, and it’s a huge reason Windstar stands out.
After a morning in the marina, we ventured to another excursion that we booked through Windstar.
We took a tender to shore and then we cruised to a motu for an immersive lunch right in the water.
Our guides showcased a coconut demonstration and then used shredded coconut to make fresh coconut milk for poisson cru, a Tahitian dish made from raw tuna, cucumber, and carrot.
The cooking demonstration soon turned into a dish for our lunch buffet as we dined on picnic tables with our feet in the water.
Curious fish circled us as they begged for any leftovers.
After lunch there was more time to swim and snorkel on the motu prior to heading back to the ship.
Day 10: Moorea
Moorea was our last full day on the ship, and it was the perfect farewell.
Dramatic mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning lagoons made it one of the most beautiful islands of the entire trip.
After disembarking, we extended our stay at the Hilton Moorea premium overwater bungalows, and wow, what a way to end the journey.
The bungalows offer some of the best snorkeling that we’ve ever experienced, right at your feet.
Coral reefs served as the backdrop to thousands of fish, spanning all colors of the rainbow.
The water is so clear you can even watch all the marine life as you dine at the hotel’s crepe restaurant on the pier.
Black tip reef sharks, moray eels and even a massive nurse shark swam below us, creating a dinner ambiance that couldn’t be beat!
Moorea features crystal clear water, lush jungle, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s just stunning.
Day 11: Returning Back to Papeete
On the final day, the boat brings you back to Papeete.
Since we stayed the night in Moorea, we actually took the ferry back to Papeete before flying home.
It was bittersweet. Sunburned, relaxed, and already planning our next return to the islands of Tahiti.
Without question. A Windstar cruise through French Polynesia is one of the best ways to explore this part of the world.
Dining in French Polynesia can be limited (and expensive!) so being able to enjoy award-winning dining is a huge perk of cruising through the islands instead of just staying at resorts.
Between the small ships, immersive shore excursions, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable destinations, this trip delivered on every level.
If you’re considering a French Polynesia cruise, especially one focused on the Society Islands, Windstar truly offers one of the most iconic itineraries out there.
It’s romantic, adventurous, relaxing, and deeply connected to local culture, the kind of journey that stays with you long after the tan fades.
Be sure to check out Windstar for additional Tahiti and French Polynesian routes.
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