Already strong in the South Pacific, Windstar expands further

The region is the only one other than the Mediterranean where Windstar sails year-round.

New destinations include Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, in addition to the line's core itineraries to Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus and the Marquesas. Shorter options include a seven-night Tuamotus cruise and an 11-night Marquesas cruise, opening these remote destinations to more travelers.

Additional air and hotel packages with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora allow passengers to extend their stays.

Tahiti expertise

Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years and has deep-rooted relationships with local partners who assist the line to access remote areas and weave the Polynesian lifestyle into its cruise and shoreside experiences. The line also claims the most frequent seven-day departures with its 'Dreams of Tahiti' sailing.

In 2024, Windstar began cruising to the Marquesas, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The 312-passenger, all-suite Star Breeze sails in the South Pacific year-round, now with more itineraries and islands than before thanks to the 2026 additions. 

Early booking offer

Travelers who book a 2026 South Pacific cruise will get a free 'All-Inclusive' experience (worth $89/day per person) including Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; and all gratuities, plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

'Tahiti is one of my favorite destinations on the planet, and I was thrilled to expand Windstar’s itineraries in the region to the remote Marquesas Islands this year,' Windstar President Christopher Prelog said. 'These new additions are a natural progression for us, as these faraway South Pacific islands exemplify the heart of Polynesian culture.

'But they are extremely difficult to access, especially if you’re piecing together your own trip,' he continued, adding that Windstar can go to places like Tonga and Taveuni 'without overwhelming the destination from a tourism, ecological and cultural perspective, due to our small size and the great relationships we’ve built while sailing in the region over decades.'

New itineraries

Among the newly added cruises is the 15-day 'Flowers of the South French Polynesia,' starting with an overnight in Fiji’s largest city, Lautoka, followed by a visit to the small port of SavuSavu to tour local villages and a stop in Taveuni to experience the rainforests of Bouma National Heritage Park. After a day at sea, it’s on to Nuku’alofa, Tonga, known for its beaches and Royal Palace, and a new port for Windstar. In the Cook Islands, Windstar will access both Aitutaki and Rarotonga. After an overnight in Bora Bora, the cruise concludes in Papeete, Tahiti. 

'Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures,' 10 or 11 days round-trip Papeete, calls Raiatea, then Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, returns to the Society Islands with an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea (Taha'a), Huahine (known for its gardens and offered only on the 11-day option) and Moorea.

'Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora,' seven days, is the shorter version of Windstar's 11-day Tuamotus cruises. It combines the Tuamotus (Fakarava and Tiputa) and the Society Islands (overnight in Bora Bora plus a day at Motu Mahaea). Ideal for divers, with four opportunities to dive on just a seven-day sailing, it also may be combined with the seven-day 'Dreams of Tahiti.'

'Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic,' 11 days, is also a shorter version of a Windstar staple. Sailing roundtrip Papeete, it calls at Fakarava in the Tuamotus; Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas, then heads back to the Tuamotus with a stop at Rangiroa, followed by an overnight in Bora Bora. This cruise may be combined with the seven-day 'Dreams of Tahiti.'

New air and overwater bungalow packages

Combinable with 'Dreams of Tahiti,' these packages provide overnights in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora pre-cruise. Starting March 2025 into 2026, the 'Stars Over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package,' 14 days, includes Air Tahiti Nui flights roundtrip from Seattle or Los Angeles, plus a two-night hotel stay in Papeete and three nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.