Sarah Bretz, ContributorWindstar Cruises has announced that it is expanding its itineraries in the South Pacific — 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 seven-night Tuamotus cruise and 11-night Marquesas cruise open these remote destinations to more travelers. 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 over 36 years and is considered the cruising expert in the region. It has the most frequent seven-day departures of any line on its popular Dreams of Tahiti sailing. This year, Windstar began sailing to Marquesas, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To celebrate its expansion in the South Pacific, Windstar is launching an early booking offer. Those who book a 2026 South Pacific cruise will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience featuring wifi; unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails; and all gratuities — plus a $100 onboard credit per stateroom.
The cruise line brings the culture of French Polynesia aboard with an onboard cultural ambassador for all sailings. A local Polynesian, this crew member invites guests to embrace all things Polynesian throughout the cruise with special sessions on dance, music, language, culture, and art. All itineraries include a complimentary Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event — a private evening feast on a motu (small island) with local performances from music to fire dancing.
Another special event on the pool deck is an Arearea — an evening of Tahitian celebrations — with local musicians, dancers, and hands-on activities like learning how to tie on a pareo and making flower leis. Guests can swim from the ship’s watersports platform and enjoy the use of complimentary water sports equipment to go kayaking and paddle boarding; snorkeling gear is provided comp to guests to keep for the duration of the cruise. Shore excursions are under development for new ports.
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. It will join Star Breeze there in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for South Pacific sailings.
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