WINDSTAR CRUISES OPENS 2028 FRENCH POLYNESIA BOOKINGS

Windstar Cruises is opening bookings for its 2028 French Polynesia season with the choice of a sailing yacht or motor yacht experience. Building on the addition of Wind Star to the South Pacific programme in 2027, the line will deliver an expansive line-up of small-ship voyages across Tahiti, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, Cook Islands and Fiji in 2028. For nearly 40 years, Windstar has sailed these waters, bringing travellers closer to the islands, cultures and traditions that make the region one of the world’s most coveted destinations.

Travellers who plan ahead can take advantage of Windstar’s Early Booking Offer which rewards early reservations with the best fares and stateroom selection before space fills on these highly sought-after sailings.

“French Polynesia is one of those destinations that feels almost mythical until you experience it for yourself,” says Janet Bava, chief commercial officer at Windstar Cruises. “Our yachts allow guests to explore these islands the way they were meant to be discovered — by sea — with the freedom to easily travel between the islands while connecting with the culture, traditions and natural beauty that make this region so special. Because our ships are small and demand for Tahiti is so strong, booking early is the best way for travellers to secure the sailing and stateroom they really want.”

Which yachts will sail in Tahiti?

In 2028, Windstar will operate two yachts year-round in French Polynesia: the all-suite 312-guest motor yacht Star Breeze, often sailing longer voyages, and the 148-guest classic sailing yachtWind Star, which will venture out on Windstar’ signature seven-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary.

Across the two yachts, Windstar will offer 14 different itineraries and 109 departures, ranging from the much loved seven-day Dreams of Tahiti voyage to longer journeys exploring the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji and the Cook Islands. Many of these voyages can also be combined into Windstar’s popular Star Collector sailings, creating longer adventures across the South Pacific.

Guests can also enhance their journey with Cruise + Air + Hotel packages from Los Angeles, along with sought-after overwater bungalow stays in Moorea and Bora Bora, which often sell out well in advance.

Why is Windstar the best way to see Tahiti?

Windstar’s yacht-style cruising brings travellers closer to the heart of French Polynesia in ways larger ships simply cannot. Windstar’s small yachts can dock or anchor close to smaller islands and secluded lagoons, creating opportunities for exclusive experiences. Throughout the voyage, Tahitian cultural ambassadors sail alongside guests, offering hands-on experiences such as ukulele lessons, pareo tying and Tahitian language classes while sharing stories and traditions passed down through generations.

On select sailings, travellers may hear from Tihoti, a renowned tattoo master, historian and musician who shares the meaning behind Polynesian tattoo traditions. The cultural immersion continues with performances from local musicians and dancers, including the popular local family dance group known as the Mamas and the Papas, who bring the spirit of Polynesian storytelling and rhythm on board.

Guests can also experience Windstar’s signature Destination Discovery Event, Fire & Story, in Bora Bora, an unforgettable evening featuring traditional music, Polynesian cuisine and mesmerizing fire-dance performances on a private motu under the stars.

Why book early?

Windstar’s Early Booking Offer rewards travellers who plan ahead with the best fares and stateroom selection on these highly sought-after Tahiti voyages. The offer includes several benefits for travelers who reserve early:

• Best selection: Guests who reserve early can secure their preferred sailing dates, stateroom category and itinerary while taking advantage of the line’s best available pricing.
• More savings: Travellers who pay in full at the time of booking can also receive an additional 5% savings through Windstar’s “Pay Now, Save More” promotion.
• Enhanced voyage: Guests can also add Cruise + Air + Hotel packages from Los Angeles, as well as sought-after overwater bungalow stays in Moorea and Bora Bora, which often sell out well in advance.
• Limited-time offer: The Early Booking Offer is available through 31^st May 2026, with fares expected to increase as voyages begin to sell out.

Where can travellers sail with the Early Booking Offer?

• Dreams of Tahiti (7 nights): Windstar’s signature Society Islands voyage visits Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine, featuring an overnight in Bora Bora and signature experiences such as the line’s two private-motu beach celebrations.
• Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (10 nights): Combine the Society Islands with the Cook Islands, where guests can explore Raiatea’s lagoons by jet ski, taste local cuisine in Aitutaki and experience Māori culture and traditions.
• Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands (10 or 11 nights): Pair the Society Islands with the remote Tuamotus, including UNESCO-protected Fakarava, where crystal-clear lagoons and colourful reefs offer exceptional snorkelling and diving.
• Far Flung French Polynesia & Marquesas Magic (11 nights): Venture to the remote Marquesas Islands, where volcanic landscapes, ancient Polynesian villages and cultural landmarks like Nuku Hiva and Fatu-Hiva reveal a more rugged side of the South Pacific.
• Flowers of the South Pacific: Fiji, the Cook Islands & French Polynesia (13 nights): This sweeping South Pacific voyage links Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, with rainforest hikes, coral caves, island villages and overnight time in Bora Bora.
• Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas(14 nights): Windstar’s most immersive Polynesian itinerary explores the Society Islands, Tuamotus and Marquesas, including Gauguin’s final home on Hiva Oa and the legendary coral gardens of Rangiroa.

What can guests expect onboard?
Windstar’s intimate yachts combine the atmosphere of a private yacht with the amenities of a luxury cruise. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar highlights destination-inspired cuisine and sustainable culinary practices, with James Beard chef-created dishes and menus inspired by the destinations the ships explore. Each cruise includes all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, specialty coffees and a Champagne welcome — all while allowing travellers to explore multiple islands and unpack just once.

Windstar’s Early Booking Offer is available through 31^st May 2026, and fares are expected to increase as voyages begin to fill.