Windstar Cruises‘ Star Breeze has commenced its year-round deployment in Tahiti and French Polynesia this week, replacing Wind Spirit. The move, foreshadowed 12 months ago, provides a significant bump in capacity for Windstar Cruises in the Pacific.Star Breeze began cruising in Tahiti following a ceremony attended by over 500 guests including esteemed dignitaries such as Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, Tony Geros, Speaker of the House, and Manouche Lehartel, Deputy Mayor of Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourism partners, port officials, travel advisors, media and Windstar executives.The event marked a significant milestone in Windstar’s commitment to providing unparalleled small-ship experiences in Tahiti. In celebration, local artist Jessie Tiare Manutahi is on board to reveal an artistic Tahitian-inspired logo made up of symbols representing Windstar in Tahiti.Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.“This strategic shift in ships not only doubles capacity but also brings new experiences given the Breeze’s multiple dining options, enlarged spa and fitness centre, and spacious accommodations,” said Christopher Prelog, President, Windstar Cruises from the pier side celebration. “Travellers aboard Star Breeze still navigate Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbours, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches in Windstar’s signature, small ship style.”Prelog also noted that the vessel shift means faster travel to and from the islands of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific, enabling expansion to the remote Marquesas Islands with the brand-new, 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas set to sail in July 2024.The 148-guest Wind Spirit leaves Tahiti and will operate in the Caribbean during the winter season and the Mediterranean and Greek Isles between May and November. Wind Spirit strategically joins sister-ship Wind Star in the Greek Isles to double occupancy in this top-selling region.Star Breeze visits 11 islands and atolls in French Polynesia beginning in 2024, offering enriched cultural onboard experiences and new elements like:
an evening of “arearea” French Polenesian fun
hiring local team members in the service department
a French Polynesian cultural ambassador on each cruise organising events such as Tahitian dance and language lessons, crafts, Ukulele performance and more
new shore excursions: sail on a cultural catamaran cruise in Raiatea, explore coral nurseries with Coral Gardeners and refresh your PADI certification in Papeete prior to the cruise
local artwork decorating the ship; Tahitian media including movies, music channels, books and board games
turndown gifts made in the islands
As part of its partnership with Coral Gardeners, two new shore excursions take guests to the headquarters to meet the team, visit coral nurseries, and learn about the importance of protecting the corals in a hands-on and interactive way.
Windstar will continue to offer key Tahiti favourites including the signature Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event on a private Tahitian motu where guests enjoy an al fresco dinner with traditional foods, live music and local fire dancers light up the night. Tahiti tattooist, cultural expert and guide Tihoti brings local culture and traditions alive on board in a not-to-miss presentation. Another favorite of Windstar guests – swimming directly off Windstar’s Watersports Platform.More details on Windstar’s small ship Tahiti cruises can be found here.
