Windstar cancels Asia on uncertainty in favor of Tahiti cruises

This impacts seven cruises in the fall aboard Star Breeze, including a Pacific crossing from Alaska to Japan, two 'Grand Japan' sailings, 'Island Hopping through Japan,' 'Windstar Crew Hometowns: Philippines and Indonesia,' 'Hidden Indonesia & the Great Barrier Reef' and 'Edge of the Outback.'

Five added French Polynesia trips

Instead, Star Breeze will extend its Alaska season with an additional cruise in late August, followed by 'West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza' down the US Pacific coast, a trans-ocean voyage from San Diego to Tahiti, and five sailings in French Polynesia.  

35th anniversary in Tahiti

During October Windstar will celebrate its 35^th anniversary operating in Tahiti. It was one of the first lines to offer overnight cruises in the region. All sailings aboard Wind Spirit and Star Breeze in Tahiti will join in the celebration with special events planned during the cruise. 

On Nov. 11 Star Breeze departs for a trans-ocean journey to Sydney, arriving Nov. 22 for a scheduled charter cruise. The shift will make the Dec. 4 'Tasman Sea Treasures: New Zealand Fjords & South Australia' Windstar’s first commercial cruise offered in the region.

First comprehensive Australia/New Zealand itineraries

2022 marks Windstar’s first time offering comprehensive itineraries to New Zealand and Australia, visiting small, rarely visited ports like Middle Percy Island. 

'As Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and South Korea are all currently still closed to cruising, Windstar joins several other cruise lines in making this decision to cancel cruises in Asia for fall,' Windstar President Christopher Prelog said. 'We hope our guests rebook on these same fantastic itineraries for next year.'

Hong Kong plans to allow cruises from May 21, but destination options in the region remain limited.