Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Windstar touts 'extraordinary value' of its inclusive South Pacific package

Windstar touts 'extraordinary value' of its inclusive South Pacific package
With new lower pricing on select sailings starting at $3,999 per person including cruise, airfare and hotel, Windstar Cruises said it offers extraordinary value in the South Pacific compared to resort alternatives. The 148-passenger Wind Spirit operates year-round in the South Pacific.

Acccording to Windstar, when honeymooners or any couples think of a romantic escape, Tahiti and Bora Bora are at the top of the list. But with costly airfare, expensive lodging and sky-high food and beverage prices on the islands, the trip may not be affordable for many.

'The biggest secret about Tahiti is that exploring by yacht is not only the best way to experience the islands, it’s also the best vacation value,' said Windstar's Joe Duckett, vp sales and marketing.

With the line's 'Dreams of Tahiti' vacation package, travelers visit six islands and get round-trip flights from Los Angeles, eight nights of accommodations, all ground transfers, gourmet cuisine in multiple dining venues, water sports activities from the sports marina, all non-alcoholic beverages, a champagne welcome reception and a Private Event in Bora Bora with fire dancers and a locally inspired feast of fresh Tahitian specialties.

Windstar said comparative costs for similar Pacific island hotel and resort experiences are more than double that of its new 'Cruise + Air + Hotel' vacation package. The package features a pre-cruise overnight stay and post-cruise dayroom at Le Méridien Papeete Hotel. Tahiti is reached by direct eight-hour flight from Los Angeles.

In 2017, Windstar will offer Thursday cruise departures from Papeete starting in June. (Current sailings are on Fridays.) The line said Thursday departures offer more flexibility for air service, with more available flights, departure and arrival options.

Windstar resumed year-round Tahiti service in summer 2015 and offers the weekly 'Dreams of Tahiti' cruise, as well as several longer 10- and 11-day itineraries that explore the Tahitian Islands and the remote Tuamotu Islands. 'Dreams of Tahiti' begins in Papeete and sails to Moorea, Tahaa, Raiatea (overnight), Huahine and Bora Bora (overnight)

The package starting at $3,999 per person is currently available on more than a dozen dates in 2016 with many more 2017 departures being added soon.