Windstar Cruises Returns Iconic Sailing Yacht to Tahiti in 2027, Offering Two Ways to Explore Paradise

Wind Star joins Star Breeze to Sail Year-Round in French Polynesia, Expanding Windstar’s Leadership in the South Pacific

 

MIAMI, FL, September 2, 2025 –Today, Windstar Cruises announces that it is doubling down on Tahiti. Starting March 2027, its newly refreshed sailing yacht Wind Star will join all-suite Star Breeze to sail year-round in French Polynesia—making it Windstar’s most expansive South Pacific deployment yet. With two yachts, more departure dates, and a wider variety of itineraries than ever before open to book, guests now reserve their cruise while choosing from even more ways to chase sunsets, swim with rays, and fall in love with Tahiti (again and again). 

 

“Tahiti is part of our DNA, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our sailing yacht back to these legendary waters,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “By offering the largest number of departures in Tahiti, we offer unparalleled flexibility and choice—whether you crave the romance of sailing under starry skies or the comfort of an all-suite yacht. However you go, it’s all Windstar: laid-back luxury, local flavor, and a front-row seat to the most beautiful place on earth.”  

 

Tahiti Two Ways: Sails or Suites 

Now with more cruise departures in Tahiti than any other cruise line, guests will have their pick of experiences with two distinct yachts: 

• Wind Star, a classic four-masted sailing yacht hosting only 148 guests will sail the 7-night Dreams of Tahiti itinerary continuously, with weekly Monday departures. Every voyage visits Raiatea, the sacred island considered the ancestral homeland of the Māori people—a destination not featured on competing 7-day itineraries.

• Star Breeze, Windstar’s 312-guest all-suite yacht, will focus on longer voyages to more remote locales like the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. These can be combined into Star Collector Voyages of up to 21 days, offering deeper cultural immersion and extended South Pacific exploration.

 

New for 2027 

• The most Tahiti cruise departures of any line, thanks to both yachts sailing full time in the region.

• “Early Goodbye” disembarkation: ships arrive in Papeete at 8 pm the day prior to departure day, allowing guests to connect with same-evening flights to LAX, maximizing time in paradise for those with a tight schedule.

• Simplified cruise + hotel packages make it easier than ever to add a stay in an overwater bungalow, with flexible flight options available through Windstar or independently.

• New AquaBanas at the yacht’s marina platform—private floating lounges with sunshades, tables, and chairs for a resort-like experience at sea.

 

Immersive Polynesian Experiences 

Windstar’s exclusive Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast + Fire, invites guests to a private motu for an evening of Tahitian fire dancing, live music and island cuisine under the stars. On board, a Cultural Ambassador teaches ukulele, flower crown and lei-making, how to tie a pareo, and Tahitian language and traditions. Cooking demonstrations include local favorites like poisson cru with coconut milk and local legends like Tihoti share the sacred history of Polynesian tattooing.  

 

Shore excursions are guided by locals who invite guests to uncover the islands’ secrets: snorkel through coral gardens on a gentle drift, discover how Tahitian vanilla is cultivated, or wade into turquoise lagoons to find a pearl of your own. The yachts’ Marina platforms provide direct access to swim from the yacht and enjoy complimentary water sports activities like kayaking and paddle boarding in iconic locations like Bora Bora and Moorea. 

 

Need to Know 

• Early Booking Offer: Reserve by October 31, 2025 for the best fares and suite selection. Enjoy up to $200 in onboard credit and Windstar’s All-In package (including Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select beverages).

• Pay Now, Save More: Save an additional 5% when paying in full at the time of booking. This savings is combinable with the Early Booking Offer.

 

To plan a Tahiti voyage with Windstar, visit windstarcruises.com, contact a travel advisor, call 866-258-7245, or request a personalized consultation with a Windstar Vacation Planner.  

 

About Windstar Cruises:

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world’s most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar has grown into a diverse fleet of three Star Class all-suite yachts and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Two highly anticipated new yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer, set to debut in December 2025 and 2026, expand the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar’s legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific, and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service, and style that define the Windstar difference.  

 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island, and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group.