Windstar announces “significant expansion” in South Pacific

Windstar has announced a significant expansion of its itineraries in the South Pacific, which is the only region (other than the Mediterranean) where Windstar sails year-round.

Beginning in 2026, Windstar will offer new experiences visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands, in addition to existing sailings in Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas.

New shorter itinerary options like the 7-night Tuamotus cruise and 11-night Marquesas cruise open these remote destinations to more travellers.

Additional air and hotel packages with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora will allow guests to extend their stay in these iconic islands.

Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years. In 2024, the line began cruising to the remote Marquesas, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its notable geography and unique culture and heritage.

The 312-passenger, all-suite Star Breeze sails in the South Pacific year-round, now with more itineraries and islands than ever before thanks to the 2026 additions.

To celebrate the news, Windstar is launching an early booking offer. Those who book a 2026 South Pacific cruise will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (worth $89/day per guest)— featuring Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; and all gratuities — plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.

“Tahiti is one of my favourite destinations on the planet, and I was thrilled to expand Windstar’s itineraries in the region to the remote Marquesas Islands this year,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “These new additions are a natural progression for us, as these faraway South Pacific islands exemplify the heart of Polynesian culture. But they are extremely difficult to access, especially if you’re piecing together your own trip. On Windstar, you’re able to sail there easily on an all-suite ship that has no more than 312 passengers. We can go to places like Tonga and Taveuni without overwhelming the destination from a tourism, ecological, and cultural perspective, due to our small size and the great relationships we’ve built while sailing in the region over decades.”  

New itineraries

The new itineraries Include:

• Flowers of the South French Polynesia (15 days)
• Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (10 or 11 days)
• Tantalizing Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora (7 days)
• Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic (11 days)

Other new offerings are air and overwater bungalow packages combined with Windstar’s classic seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise that include overnights in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora pre-cruise.

This way guests can experience more inland, starting March 2025 into 2026. Stars Over Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package (14 days) is a new comprehensive vacation package including Air Tahiti Nui flights roundtrip from Seattle or Los Angeles, plus two nights hotel in Papeete and three nights in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

Windstar’s existing Dreams of Tahiti, Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands, as well as the Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas itineraries will continue to be offered in 2026.

The line recently announced it will expand its fleet with two new all-suite ships, which will allow Windstar to bring back one of its Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for South Pacific sailings.