Windstar Cruises Star Breeze is a small, all-suite luxury yacht designed for an intimate cruising experience. It sails year-round in Tahiti and French Polynesia, offering a more relaxed, immersive way to explore the islands compared to larger cruise ships.

Star Breeze carries approximately 312 guests with around 190 crew members, creating a highly personalized experience onboard.

This is true small-ship cruising—no crowds, no lines, and access to places larger ships simply cannot reach.

Windstar has been sailing in Tahiti for decades and is one of the few cruise lines that operates year-round in French Polynesia.

Because of its size, Star Breeze can access smaller lagoons, hidden motus, and remote islands, creating a much more authentic and immersive experience.

This is ideal for travelers who:

• Prefer boutique hotels over large resorts
• Want a relaxed, non-formal atmosphere
• Love water, nature, and cultural immersion
• Are looking for something more authentic than a typical cruise

It's especially popular for couples, honeymooners, and well-traveled clients.

Your experience includes:

• All-suite oceanview accommodations
• Dining across multiple venues
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Watersports platform (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear)
• Marina access directly from the ship

Windstar keeps things elevated but not overly inclusive, allowing flexibility.

All accommodations are suites with ocean views. Many include French balconies or full verandas. The design is comfortable and residential, with walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms—especially for a ship this size.

This is where Star Breeze really wins.

• You dock in smaller ports and lagoons
• You can swim directly off the ship
• You're often anchored in places larger ships can't access
• The entire experience feels like a private yacht, not a resort at sea

It's a completely different way to experience Tahiti.

Think casual luxury.

• Open seating dining, no schedules
• No formal nights
• Relaxed, barefoot luxury atmosphere
• Multiple restaurants including Amphora and Candles
• A marina platform for direct ocean access

It's social, but never crowded.

Most itineraries are 7–10 days roundtrip from Papeete and include islands like:

• Bora Bora
• Moorea
• Raiatea
• Huahine

Many itineraries also include overnight stays, giving you more time to experience each destination.

Excursions are optional and available for purchase. They are typically smaller, more intimate experiences focused on culture, nature, and adventure.

Yes. In fact, many Windstar guests are not traditional cruisers. The experience feels closer to a private yacht or boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

Casual and refined.

No formal nights. Think resort wear—light, comfortable, polished. Tahiti is naturally relaxed, and the onboard atmosphere reflects that.

Yes—and this is one of the highlights.

Star Breeze has a marina platform that allows you to swim, kayak, and paddleboard directly from the ship when anchored in calm waters.

Brian and Angela Hughes bring firsthand experience selling and positioning Windstar in Tahiti. Through Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, you receive expert guidance, curated recommendations, and a higher level of service before and during your trip.

Absolutely—and this is one of the best ways to do Tahiti.

Many clients combine Star Breeze with:

• Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora or Moorea
• Pre- or post-stays in Papeete or private islands

We design these as seamless, high-end experiences.

Tahiti is capacity-controlled and highly seasonal. Star Breeze has limited space, and the best suites and dates sell out early. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Most travelers flying from the United States will fly into Faa'a International Airport. The airport code is PPT.

This is the main international airport serving Tahiti and French Polynesia, and most Windstar Tahiti cruises embark from Papeete. Most U.S. travelers connect through Los Angeles International Airport before continuing overnight to Tahiti.

In many cases, yes. We often recommend adding an overnight stay in Los Angeles, especially for travelers coming from the East Coast, Midwest, or mountain states.

Breaking up the trip can:

• Reduce stress from tight connections
• Help avoid missed international flights
• Allow for weather or airline delays
• Create a more relaxed start to your vacation
• Help travelers arrive in Tahiti more rested

We strongly recommend arriving at least one night before your cruise departure.

Many international flights arrive early in the morning, and arriving ahead of embarkation day provides peace of mind in case of delays or disruptions. Many travelers also choose to spend additional nights in Tahiti or Moorea before sailing.

Yes, many tourism businesses in French Polynesia accept U.S. dollars, especially in tourist areas, resorts, and cruise-related businesses. However, the official currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).

We recommend:

• Bringing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Having some local currency for smaller purchases
• Using ATMs locally if needed

Many restaurants, hotels, and excursion operators accept major credit cards.

Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance for cruises, international travel, safaris, expeditions, and customized itineraries.

You can also explore travel insurance options through our preferred travel insurance partner here: Travel Insured International.

• Trip cancellations
• Medical emergencies abroad
• Emergency evacuations
• Flight delays or cancellations
• Lost luggage
• Missed cruise embarkation
• Family emergencies
• Weather disruptions

Many travelers are surprised to learn their domestic health insurance may provide limited international coverage.

At this time, we do not directly book international airfare. However, we help clients coordinate:

• Flight timing strategy
• Arrival recommendations
• Pre-cruise and post-cruise hotels
• Private transfers
• Ground transportation logistics

Many travelers prefer to book airfare directly with airlines or use points while allowing us to coordinate the rest of the luxury travel experience.

Windstar currently charges:

• A hotel service charge of approximately $16 per guest, per day
• An 18% beverage service charge on drinks and bar purchases

Guests may also leave additional gratuities for exceptional service, although it is not required.

The All In Package bundles many onboard amenities together into one package. It includes:

• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Unlimited select beer, wine, and cocktails
• Gratuities and beverage service charges
• Zero proof cocktails

Pricing is approximately $99 per person per day when purchased before departure, or $109 per person per day if purchased onboard.

The Captain's Exclusive Beverage Package includes:

• Domestic and imported beers
• Wines by the glass
• Champagne and sparkling wine
• Cocktails, cordials, liqueurs, and aperitifs
• Select spirits and mini bar items
• Zero proof cocktails

Pricing is approximately $79 per person per day.

Embarkation typically begins at 1:00 PM. Guests should plan to be onboard no later than 1 hour prior to departure.

Upon embarkation:

• Passports are collected and securely held onboard
• Guests receive a receipt for their passport
• Guests receive a stateroom key card

No. Transfers are generally not included and must be purchased separately. This includes:

• Airport to pier transfers
• Hotel to pier transfers
• Pier to airport transfers

If guests stay at a non-Windstar hotel, Windstar generally does not provide transfer services. This is why many clients ask us to arrange private transfers, hotel logistics, and arrival coordination.

Bookings cancelled at 121 days or greater from travel will be subject to a $50 per person cancellation fee. A full refund, excluding the cancellation fee, will be made for cancellations received by Windstar Cruises at 121 days or greater from travel by any mode of transportation booked through Windstar Cruises (sea or land). Air travel is non-refundable once purchased.

Guests who cancel after that date for any reason, including medical or family reasons, are subject to the Windstar Cruises cancellation schedule below.

Cancellation fees are calculated off the Gross Fare, which is composed of:

• Cruise Fare
• Non-Commissionable Fare
• Hotels / Overland Packages
• Transfers
• Air Fare (100% non-refundable after purchase)

Cancellation Schedule:

• 121+ Days Before Travel: $50 per person cancellation fee (full refund minus fee)
• 120–90 Days Before Travel: 15% of gross fare (deposit)
• 89–60 Days Before Travel: 35% of gross fare
• 59–30 Days Before Travel: 50% of gross fare
• 29–0 Days Before Travel: 100% of gross fare

We recommend lightweight tropical clothing such as:

• Cotton and linen resort wear
• Swimsuits and sundresses
• Sandals
• Water shoes (highly recommended — some beaches and lagoons may contain coral or rocks)

For evenings, country club casual attire is recommended. For men: slacks, polo or button-down shirts, designer jeans without holes. For women: casual dresses, nice pants and tops, sundresses, or designer denim without holes.

Yes. Windstar requires all guests to travel with a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return travel date and match airline and cruise documentation exactly.

Most U.S. citizens traveling to French Polynesia for tourism do not require a visa for short stays. However, visa requirements depend on citizenship, passport country, transit countries, and length of stay. Guests are responsible for verifying all documentation requirements before travel.