Windstar Cruises

One of the industry's top luxury cruise brands, Windstar Cruises (windstarcruises.com) is a passenger shipping company operating a fleet of smaller vessels (sailing ships and superyachts). The largest yachts have a maximum passenger capacity of 312 per vessel. The company offers exotic itineraries visiting over 330 destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Central America, Asia, the South Pacific (Australia and New Zealand), and Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic). The company is currently run by Andrew Todd, CEO of Xanterra Travel Collection and Windstar Cruises.

In May 2014, Windstar added the superyacht Star Pride to its fleet, followed by the sister ships Star Breeze and Star Legend in May 2015. The additional capacity led to new itineraries (including cruises through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and Iceland) and allowed Windstar to operate year-round in Tahiti (since 1987). In 2014, Conde Nast named the brand "World's Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" (Readers' Choice Awards).

The company was founded on October 16, 1984, and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024.

Company History and Changes

The ultra-premium cruise line was established by Karl Gosta Andren in 1984 and initially named "Windstar Sail Cruises." Its first ship, Wind Star, was launched in 1986, followed by Wind Song (1987, sunk in 2003) and Wind Spirit (1988). Two additional sailing ships were ordered from "Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre" (a shipyard in Le Havre, France, 1905-1999) – Wind Saga and Wind Surf. The new builds were planned to be 5-masted (computer-controlled) schooners, twice the size (by passenger capacity) and 1/3 longer (660 feet, compared to the older 440-foot fleetmates).

The company's current President is Christopher Prelog (succeeding John Delaney), while Windstar Cruises and Xanterra Parks and Resorts' CEO is Andrew Todd. Xanterra Travel Collection's other senior executives include Dianna Rom (VP of Sales), Betsy O'Rourke (CMO/Chief Marketing Officer), Janet Bava (CCO/Chief Commercial Officer), Victor Valencia (VP of Revenue Management & Itinerary Planning), Paul Barrett (VP of Technical Operations), Gina Smith (Senior Director of Finance), Peter Tobler (Director of Hotel Operations), Michael Inman (Senior Director of Marine, Safety & Environmental Operations), John Gunner (VP of Expansion Projects), Toby Skey (VP of Human Resources), Kevin Dillman (Senior Director of Central Reservations), and Stijn Creupelandt (VP of Hotel Operations & Product Development).

In October 2024, Creupelandt was promoted to COO/Chief Operating Officer.

In April 2024, the company's Guest Services department was rebranded as Vacation Planning, with Jaymi Fiveash appointed as Senior Director. She oversees all reservations, the flight program, pre-cruise operations, and shipboard cruise consultants.

In December 2023, Windstar hired Patricia Gonzalez as VP of Marketing (formerly with Azamara, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean Group, and Unique Vacations Inc.), and Dane Neal Cox as Creative Director (formerly with AmaWaterways).

In 1987, HAL-Holland America Line purchased 50% of Windstar Sail Cruises, and in 1988, the remaining share was acquired. In 1989, HAL became a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. The option to build Wind Saga and Wind Surf was passed up. The French Government assisted in building these vessels for Club Med, launching them as "Club Med I" and "Club Med II." Carnival Corporation (via HAL) retained first refusal rights.

In 1998, Windstar acquired Club Med 1, renaming it Wind Surf. Club Med 2 was purchased by the French company Club Med SA (a subsidiary of Fosun International Ltd., a Shanghai-headquartered Chinese investment company).

In March 2007, Windstar was sold to Ambassadors International for USD 100 million. On April 1, 2011, Ambassadors filed for bankruptcy. Windstar was set to be sold to Whippoorwill Associates Inc. (White Plains, NY), but after a two-day bidding process in Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, the company was acquired by Anschutz Corporation for USD 39 million. Windstar Cruises is currently a subsidiary of Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the USA's largest national and state park concession management company.

On February 19, 2013, Windstar completed the purchase of Seabourn's three mega-yachts (Star Breeze, Star Pride, Star Legend). Star Pride entered service on May 5, 2014, with its inaugural voyage from Barcelona to Rome. Windstar expanded its fleet in May 2015 from four to six yachts with the addition of Star Legend and Star Breeze. Both yachts underwent 3-week, USD 17 million drydock refurbishments in Genoa, Italy before their christening ceremony in May. The 212-passenger Star Legend and Star Breeze received complete upgrades to all cabins, dining venues, and public areas.

For Q1 2018, the company reported a 40% increase in bookings, with wave pricing up 30% compared to 2017. In 2018, nearly 150 new cruise ports were introduced, along with new itineraries and destinations. Most ships began offering more overnight stays, driving repeat customer bookings. Tours and shipboard enrichment programs for new regions, along with onboard dining focused on local cuisine, were enhanced. 2018's B2B bookings (for back-to-back cruises) featured a new 14-day dining menu that fully integrated signature items from the "James Beard Foundation."

In July 2018, Windstar announced its partnership with Luggage Forward (a USA-based luggage shipping company). This new service allows passengers to ship luggage directly from their doorstep to their stateroom (and back home again), thus allowing for truly light travel. Luggage Forward provides premier door-to-door shipping services to 200 countries worldwide (including over 150 cruise ports). The company's team of customs specialists handles the country-specific paperwork to ensure timely deliveries. Travelers can track their shipment in real-time. The Luggage Forward service can be booked online or via phone. Rates are fixed, with no additional charges or fees applied. The arrival of luggage is guaranteed on time and safe, with a money-back plus USD 500 on-time guarantee.

In early February 2019, Windstar announced the "Club 180" program designed to reward top-performing travel agencies. The amenities offered include free Wi-Fi, laundry, onboard credit (OBC), priority services, benefits for travel agents, and Windstar's marketing-sales support. The three-level "Club 180" program was initially based on 2018 sales results, with membership renewed annually and new members added in December.

As of 2020, Windstar's cruise itineraries include 330 ports/islands worldwide, with 50 new destinations added for the 2020-2021 season. Among the most popular destinations are Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands, Alaska, the Western Caribbean, and Europe.

In late February 2021, Windstar announced the relocation of its headquarters from Seattle, WA to Miami, FL, planned for June 2022.

In mid-November 2021, it was announced that Windstar would start listing all-inclusive prices for voyages on the reconstructed Star Plus-Class ships for the 2020-2021 season. The new pricing (on the company's website and in all sales materials) is in USD (per person, double occupancy) and includes the base cruise fare, unlimited beverages (wine by the glass, beers, cocktails, and premium coffee/teas), Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities.

In July 2022, Windstar became a member of the FCCA (Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association), joining as its 23rd member.

In February 2023, Windstar launched Starlink Maritime's satellite internet capabilities fleetwide. Previously, all Windstar ships used Anuvu (geostationary satellite technology) for internet services. Starlink enhanced Anuvu, delivering faster and more reliable internet via Low Earth Orbit satellites using lasers, so communication and connections are possible even at sea, far from land-based stations.

In March 2023, Windstar announced its partnership with the National Health Association (NHA, a nonprofit founded in 1948), introducing a new whole-foods/plant-based dining menu fleetwide (by June), in addition to existing vegetarian and vegan dishes. Signature dishes from the new menu include Baked Cauliflower Croquette (with sautéed spinach), Penne Rigate (pasta with vegetables), and Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas.

In April 2024, it was announced that the company would add two new superyachts to its fleet: Star Seeker (December 2025) and Star Explorer/World Explorer (December 2026). The shipbuilder is the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. These ships will have a maximum capacity of 224 passengers (112 staterooms) and all-suite accommodations.

In July 2024, Windstar signed its first partnership with an online booking engine, Revelex. Developed by Revelex Corporation (a Boca Raton, Florida-based company), this is one of the cruise industry's top booking engines/online reservation platforms. It allows travel agents to book cruises from over 40 major cruise lines.

(NEW) All-Inclusive Beverage Package

In May 2019, Windstar Cruises introduced the "All-In Package," the company's first all-inclusive package, which includes unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry service, hotel and drinks gratuities, and the "Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package" (premium wines by the glass, beers, mini-bar beverages, cocktails). The cost of the All-In Package is USD 89 per person, per day. The all-inclusive package can be purchased online (pre-cruise) or onboard the ship (up to day 2 of the voyage).

The "Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package" includes all beers (domestic and imported), wines/sparkling wines by the glass (33 selections), liqueurs, cordials, aperitifs, cocktails, and all cabin mini-bar items. For cocktails, passengers may choose from over 40 liquor brands (daily rotating, subject to availability).

Windstar's Star Ships Refurbishments 2020 Drydock Reconstructions

On November 15, 2018, Windstar Cruises announced the "Star Plus Initiative," a drydock refit and refurbishment program budgeted at USD 250 million. The project was partially financed through an Export Credit facility guaranteed by SACE Italy (financial and insurance products and services). The "Star Plus" drydocking project involved enlarging (stretching) and upgrading the engines of the fleet's three Star-Class vessels (with completion dates in parentheses): Star Breeze (February 20, 2020), Star Legend (July 2, 2020), and Star Pride (November 20, 2020).

Windstar's "Star Plus" project increased the fleet's capacity by 24%. Upon completion in 2021, the project resulted in larger capacity (from 254 to 320 passengers, 140 to 190 crew), increased GT tonnage/volume (from 9975 to 12995 tons), longer length (from 134 to 159 meters), more staterooms (from 106 to 156), and the addition of new venues and public spaces, as well as machinery upgrades (new Wartsila marine diesel engines). The project was scheduled to take place between October 2019 and November 2020, at Fincantieri's shipyards in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) and Trieste (Italy).

The ships' drydock lengthening involved cutting each vessel in two and installing a new (prefabricated) midship section, extending the length by 25 meters (83 feet). The vessels' LOA (Length Overall) increased from 134 meters (439 feet) to 159 meters (522 feet). The midship section also added an additional elevator. These sections were built (pre-fabricated and assembled) in Trieste, then barged to Palermo to be inserted into the vessels.

Following the drydocks, each yacht now features two new dining venues (Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso, Star Grill by Steven Raichlen), new/expanded retail shopping space (Signature Shop), an enlarged gym (Fitness Center with Motion Studio for classes), an expanded wellness complex (WindSpa by Steiner), a new bar/lounge (deck 5), a larger sundeck and swimming pool (deck 7), a new tender loading area (deck 3 midship), two new tender boats (90-seat each), a new whirlpool, and an enlarged swimming pool (deck 8), as well as expanded and upgraded staff-crew areas and crew cabins. The two new dining venues include a specialty restaurant (Cuadro 44, located aft-portside on deck 6, in the former Casino area) and a casual outdoor BBQ restaurant (Star Grill, adjacent to Star Bar on deck 8).

The ship's powerplant was upgraded from the original four Bergen diesel engines (model B33:45, combined power output of 7.3 MW) to new four Wartsila engines (model Wartsila 46F, combined output of 5 MW), running on the cleaner ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel) fuel.

Each ship received 50 new cabins (bringing the total to 156), which, based on the total investment, resulted in a shipbuilding cost per berth of USD 267,000. Among the new cabins are two Midship Owner Suites and two enlarged Forward Grand Owner Suites, all located on Deck 6. All existing staterooms were completely refurbished, including bathrooms, balconies, sliding doors, furniture, and equipment. The new public spaces and staterooms were designed by NYC-based "The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry".

Windstar Ships

In 2016, Windstar Cruises scheduled a drydock refurbishment for the Star Pride yacht at a cost of USD 4.5 million. Between 2014 and 2016, the company invested over USD 21.5 million in drydock refits and refurbishments of its newest yachts: Pride, Breeze, and Legend.

All Windstar ships offer itineraries that combine exotic and marquee ports, top-notch cuisine with a variety of dining venues, superb service, and an intimate small-ship cruising experience. All ships feature a luxury-minded 1.5-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio. Windstar cabins include flat-screen televisions, Bose SoundDock, L'Occitane amenities, fresh fruit, flowers, and indulgent bedding.

Each ship has a sports marina, where passengers can engage in water sports such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, wind sailing, water skiing, and paddle-boating.

One of the biggest changes across Windstar's fleet is the upgrade to the dining experience. Cuisine now highlights local fare from regions visited, including the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The food is always of the highest quality, with special attention paid to passengers with dietary restrictions. The ships' main restaurant, AmphorA, offers open seating and serves Continental-focused cuisine. Candles Grill provides a steakhouse-style menu. Stella Bistro, available only on Wind Surf, is a French-inspired, reservation-only venue. For breakfast and lunch, the intimate Veranda buffet restaurant combines food stations with made-to-order grilled items. It features both indoor and outdoor seating.

The most significant difference between Windstar's trio of sailing ships and its series of yachts is the size of the staterooms. On Windstar's Wind Spirit, Wind Surf, and Wind Star, standard cabins measure just 188 square feet and have no verandas, with views provided through porthole-style windows. Wind Surf offers 360-square-foot suites, which are essentially two standard cabins combined.

Star Pride and her siblings feature more spacious cabins, each measuring 277 square feet, with marble bathrooms that include bathtubs. Thirty-six of the staterooms have French balconies (large picture windows that open).

Windstar's "small ship" vacations provide an intimate cruising experience, but the company's à la carte pricing strategy (unlike most luxury cruise lines) means passengers must pay extra for airfare, shore excursions, beverages, and fitness classes. The designated dress code is "Casual elegance," which reflects the onboard atmosphere. Cruisers leave formalwear at home in favor of day and night country club casual sportswear. Organized activities are minimal, and there are no typical Vegas-style revues.

Windstar passengers tend to be well-educated, well-traveled, and active adults of all ages, primarily from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They appreciate the laid-back atmosphere of smaller cruise ships, the unique itineraries provided by Windstar, and the opportunity to travel under sail.

Culinary-Themed Cruises

For the 2018 season, the James Beard Foundation (a NYC-based US national non-profit culinary arts organization) launched the "Culinary Collection" series on all eight Windstar cruise itineraries. Fleetwide, Windstar introduced the James Beard culinary program with exclusive recipes and menus created by guest chefs (including Hugh Acheson, Renee Erickson, Andy Ricker, Mario Pagan, and Keith Rhodes). These chefs were special guests on 2018 themed voyages and presented their original food recipes on the ships' menus throughout 2018. Along with the guest chefs, Windstar's 2018 lineup also featured renowned sommeliers and mixologists.

• The first "James Beard cruise" was themed "Icons of Southeast Asia" (January 20, 2018/14-day Hong Kong to Bangkok on Star Legend). Chef Andy Ricker presented Thai cuisine specialties. Each night, he served a signature dish in the ship's AmphorA dining room. He also hosted a private cooking demonstration.
• The James Beard cruise ship menus are included in the ticket price (at no additional charge). Each dinner menu onboard features signature recipes and beverages (including a starter, entrée, and dessert) prepared by a James Beard Foundation-recognized chef.
• James Beard Chef dishes are marked on the menu and are free of charge (no additional fee is charged for ordering them).

On February 21, 2018, it was officially announced that Windstar's exclusive partnership with the James Beard Foundation would be extended through 2021.

In December 2022, Bjoern Wassmuth (formerly with Seabourn) was appointed as Windstar's Culinary Director. He is responsible for overseeing the fleetwide menus, developing recipes, and supervising the onboard dining program.

Shipboard Cruise Booking

In 2018, Windstar Cruises upgraded its shipboard cruise booking program. The new program provides assistance from a dedicated Onboard Cruise Consultant, designed to help cruise passengers plan their future cruises on Windstar ships.

The program was inaugurated onboard Star Legend during a 14-day repositioning cruise from Laem Chabang (Thailand) to Hong Kong (China). In 2018, Onboard Cruise Consultants were also introduced on the fleetmates Star Breeze, Star Pride, and Wind Surf.

Onboard booking offers Windstar passengers various discounts, added value, and bonus perks, including reduced deposits, savings, Yacht Club Membership (loyalty program) benefits, special offers, and promotions.

When the initial booking is made by a travel agent, they remain the "Agent of Record" for any new onboard bookings, ensuring they receive full credit (and commission) for the onboard booking. Windstar then emails the travel agency to confirm the booking, providing the invoice and itinerary information.

(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Windstar canceled all voyages with pre-scheduled departures between March 14, 2020, and June 2021.

Operations resumed in 2021 on June 19 (Wind Star/Mediterranean-Greek Islands), July 10 (Star Breeze/Caribbean), July 15 (Wind Spirit/Tahiti), August 8 (Wind Surf/Mediterranean-Adriatic), and September 4 (Star Legend/UK-British Isles). The Star Pride ship resumed in 2022 (on April 1, Mediterranean from Lisbon). Star Pride's Caribbean 2021 program (roundtrips from Puerto Rico) was canceled.

All affected bookings received 125% refunds in FCC (Future Cruise Credit) with rebooking, or a 100% cash refund without rebooking. The FCC was transferred to a new booking of any Windstar itinerary departing through December 31, 2021. Rebookings had to be made up to 15 days prior to departure.

Windstar also modified its cancellation policy (Travel Assurance Booking Policy) to allow cancellations up to 15 days prior to departure, with a full refund (100%) in FCC. The FCC could be used on all itineraries through December 31, 2021. The company's travel agent commission policy (Star Promise) was expanded to pay commissions on all FCCs. For travel agencies (Travel Advisors), Windstar reintroduced its popular "Sell 3, Sail Free" promotion on May 18. If an agent sells 3 fully deposited staterooms, the agent (or a customer) can sail for free on a Windstar cruise departing by April 30, 2021, paying only taxes, fees, port charges, and gratuities.

Windstar's first "President's Mystery Cruise" is scheduled to depart on April 19, 2025. This 7-day itinerary does not have officially planned ports of call, as the destinations remain a mystery to all passengers aboard the Star Legend ship.

Windstar Sailing Schedule for Summer 2025

The deployment for the summer of 2025 includes six ships: three motor yachts and three sailing yachts.

South Pacific Islands

In the South Pacific, Windstar expands its program to include the Marquesas Islands. The 14-day "Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas" itinerary (aboard the Star Breeze ship) debuts in 2024 and 2025, visiting the Tuamotu Islands (Fakarava, Rangiroa, Fatu Hiva/Omoa, Hiva Oa/Atuona, Nuku Hiva/Taiohae), followed by the Society Islands (Tahaa, Bora Bora/overnight, Moorea, Papeete).

Baltic/Norway and the UK 2026 (Homeport: London)

In May 2026, Windstar will inaugurate homeporting operations in London-Greenwich aboard the Star Pride, offering 3- and 4-night mini cruises followed by a 13-night voyage.

The first voyage (May 12) is a 3-night roundtrip to Belgium's port cities, Bruges/Port Zeebrugge and Antwerpen, with prices starting at GBP 1,355 per person.

The second voyage from London (May 15) is a 4-night roundtrip to St. Malo (France), priced from GBP 1,762 per person.

The 13-night voyage (London to Edinburgh, May 19) combines stops in Belgium (Antwerp and Bruges) with the Norwegian Fjords (Alesund and Trondheim), ending in Edinburgh/Port Leith (Scotland). Prices start at GBP 5,053 per person.

Central and South America/Galapagos

In winter 2024, the 7-day "Naturally Costa Rica" itinerary (Central and South America, Wind Star ship) will feature maiden ports in Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur and Corinto), as well as a 14-day Panama Canal transition itinerary.

In December 2025, the Star Pride will introduce a new program in South America that includes the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). The 16-day cruisetour "Marvels of Latin America" will sail between Colon, Panama, and Calao-Lima, Peru. The itinerary includes a pre- or post-cruise package with a 5-day land tour to Machu Picchu, plus an optional mid-cruise tour to the Galapagos Islands (3-day tour with departures from either Manta or Guayaquil). The cruise-only 11-day "Marvels of Ecuador, Peru & the Panama Canal" itinerary offers an optional Galapagos tour.

Middle East

Windstar's Middle East itineraries were introduced in November 2023 aboard the Star Legend ship and are also included in the ship's spring 2025 schedule (12 itineraries).

A 10-day voyage from Dubai, UAE to Muscat, Oman/reverse (with ports in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE). The November 23rd sailing includes optional tickets to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A new James Beard Foundation voyage has been added to the February 1, 2024 sailing, with the guest chef to be determined.

A 9-day voyage from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Aqaba-Petra, Jordan/reverse (with ports in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia).

An 18-day voyage from Athens-Piraeus, Greece to Dubai (with ports in Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and the UAE).

Windstar Europe 2026 Itineraries

Windstar's Europe 2026 schedule includes 15 new itineraries, 34 maiden ports (first-time visited destinations), and the introduction of Star Collector sailings/B2B voyages combining multiple itineraries. In August 2026, Windstar will host its first-ever Solar Eclipse Cruise around Iceland.

The season's highlights include the 81-day Star Collector Voyage, the "2026 Grand Europe Adventure" itinerary, which starts on July 14 in Helsinki, visits 67 ports in 20 countries, and ends in Piraeus-Athens. This and other itineraries will offer extended port stays and late-night departures.

Highlights from the 2026 itineraries include:

• The 7-night "Atlantic France" itinerary (from Bordeaux) includes stops at La Rochelle and St. Malo, scenic Seine River cruising, and concludes with an overnight in Paris.
• The 7-night "Treasure Troves of Corsica & Sardinia" itinerary (roundtrip from Civitavecchia-Rome) features dolphin watching, wine tasting, and exploration of Ajaccio, Corsica (Napoleon's birthplace).
• The 8-night "Norway's Southern Splendors" itinerary visits lesser-known fishing ports and inlets along Norway's southern coast, including Sognefjord.
• The 7-night "Off-the-Beaten-Path Greek Islands" itinerary visits lesser-known islands (Syros, Samos, Naxos) and features a moonlight concert in Ephesus-Kusadasi and wine sampling in Samos.
• The 7-night "Tulip Season in Holland & Belgium" voyage coincides with Holland's tulip season and visits the Lisse-Keukenhof Gardens and new-to-Windstar destinations in Belgium.

Among Windstar's new cruisetours are land travel options from Madrid, a circumnavigation of Ireland, Italy's Aeolian Islands, and Northern Greece.

Windstar Alaska, Japan, and South Pacific 2026 Itineraries

In April 2024, Windstar announced plans to deploy the Star Seeker to Japan and Alaska in 2026. The Alaskan program (May through August) will offer 7-10- and 11-day itineraries from homeports Juneau, Seward, and Vancouver, BC, Canada. Optional post-cruise land packages/Denali Park tours will also be available.

For each Alaskan voyage, Windstar will employ local expedition experts to lead Zodiac boat tours (Signature Expeditions). These excursions allow tourists to explore coastal and remote wilderness areas (like Misty Fjords) and offer optional land experiences like kayaking and hiking. The Alaskan expedition leaders will also give lectures and presentations on the region's flora and fauna, culture, and history.

After the inaugural Alaskan deployment (summer 2026), the Star Seeker will reposition to Japan (September-November) to operate the 10-day "Grand Japan" itinerary with departures from homeports Tokyo and Osaka.

In 2026, Windstar is expanding its South Pacific itineraries beyond its established routes in Tahiti, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas, with newly unveiled itineraries that include stops in Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. Additionally, the line is introducing new 7-night sailings to the Tuamotus and 11-night voyages to the Marquesas, along with new air and hotel packages featuring overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.

One of the highlighted itineraries is the 15-day "Flowers of the South French Polynesia," which begins with an overnight stay in Fiji. Ports of call include Savusavu and Taveuni in Fiji, Nuku’alofa in Tonga, and Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The voyage also features an overnight in Bora Bora before concluding in Papeete, Tahiti.

Also debuting is the 10- or 11-day "Maori Storytellers & French Polynesia Treasures," which sails roundtrip from Papeete, with stops at Raiatea, Aitutaki, and Rarotonga, an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on the private island of Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), and visits to Huahine (on the 11-night option) and Moorea.

Additional offerings include the 7-day "Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora" and the 11-day "Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic." Guests can also take advantage of new air and overwater bungalow packages, combinable with Windstar's signature 7-day "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise, with overwater bungalow stays in Bora Bora available from March 2025.

For those seeking a comprehensive escape, the 14-day "Stars Over Bora Bora" package includes roundtrip Air Tahiti Nui flights from Seattle or Los Angeles, 2 nights in Papeete, and 3 nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.