A Windstar Cruise In Tahiti Is All About Excellent Service & Personal Touches
Having cruised several times in the past, this was the first time we enjoyed one-on-one service. In no time, the crew knew all the passengers names and our preferences.
For example, one of the servers knew we like hot sauce. They brought us a special hot sauce blend he made in the back and then took the time to always find us and bring us extra for every meal, which was really sweet and memorable.
Further, the staff also memorized passengers birthdays and anniversaries, making the effort to announce them and celebrate with the entire ship.
This doting attention and the personable conversations the crew had with us on and off the ship, made us feel really special, just like we were among family and friends.
The service is excellent on a Windstar cruise. * Photo: Christine Bottross
Panorama Ii Cruise Ship Polynesia
- from CAD387 / day
- Luxury 2 masted motor sailer
- All cabins have an ocean view
- Renovated in 2015
- Itineraries to Polynesia favorites – Tahiti, Bora Bora and Tuamotu Islands
Panorama II small ship cruise yacht is a 50mtr luxury motor sailer that offers a refined way to explore the paradise areas of Polynesia. It has 25 ensuite cabins with air conditioning, which can accommodate up to 49 guests. There are 4 different cabin categories to choose from to suit guests’ preferences. A large spacious lounge area on the main deck has plenty of space for guests to relax. The lower deck has a bar and restaurant where dining takes place from the generous buffets provided. On the upper deck are an outdoor bar and lounge area for al fresco meals and drinks. A large sundeck at the rear of the top deck has semi-covered or exposed loungers and chairs to enjoy the changing scenery passing by.
MS Panorama II Polynesia provides sailing trips around the Polynesia Islands, famed for their jaw-dropping beauty and picture-postcard settings. Visit well-known islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea with their green mountainous landscape rising sharply from turquoise waters. Or choose an itinerary that sails to the Tuamotu Islands and visits Rangiroa, Tikehau and Makatea.
Papeete To Bora Bora 141 Nautical Miles
I have joined this cruise as part of yet another auspicious occasion: a special seven-day “President’s Cruise: Dreams of Tahiti Voyage” through the Society Islands to celebrate Windstar’s 35th anniversary of their French Polynesian tenure.
One of the original cruise companies to explore the Tahitian islands, Windstar has two ships seasonally based in French Polynesia the multi-sailed Wind Spirit and the recently expanded all-suite motor yacht, Star Breeze.
In keeping with French Polynesia’s new “smaller is better” cruising policy, there are about 200 guests aboard, including not only Windstar’s president, Chris Prelog, but also the actual president of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch.
“Our choice would be for 300 to 500 passengers, small ships like Windstar,” President Fritch says. “We don’t want to become like Hawaii or Fiji where tourism has taken over the population. We are convinced that our ancestors left us a beautiful legacy we have to enjoy it and grow it, but not destroy it.”
There’s a maximum of just 312 guests on board the Star Breeze an increase of 100 passengers after the ship was recently sliced in half and “stretched” as part of Windstar’s $US250 million Star Plus Class motor yacht renovations.
In another French Polynesian measure to control tourism numbers, on Bora Bora cumulative cruise passengers cannot exceed more than 1200 guests a day, with the vulnerability of the reef and lagoon as well as shore tour capacity reason enough for the cap on numbers.
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Raiatea To Taha’a Four Nautical Miles
We’ve up-anchored and moved just a few kilometres to the other side of the lagoon, gazing out over pretty, lush Taha’a.
Known as the Vanilla Island, Taha’a grows 80 per cent of French Polynesia’s much-coveted vanilla crop and while it’s small business in global terms , it’s enough for the heady, sweet aroma of the hand-pollinated beans the second-most expensive spice after saffron to permeate the tropical air.
After an afternoon spent lazing on the shores of Motu Mahaea a private island where the Star Breeze crew have set up a barbecue lunch, we return to the ship for another feast: dinner in Cuadro 44.
Star Breeze’s latest offering, this intimate, 38-seat Spanish restaurant is the work of James Beard Foundation-celebrated Anthony Sasso, executive chef of the Michelin-starred Casa Mono in New York City.
Inspired by Sasso’s travels around Spain, the tapas-style menu is best shared among friends, with small plates including paella croquettes, pulpo Gallego and potato tortilla followed by platos grandes, ranging from a Moroccan cauliflower dish for vegetarians, to pork belly and lamb chops for carnivores.
Every bite is a sensation, fresh ingredients shining in an edgy, modern presentation. Grab a seat at the counter overlooking the galley for an intimate view of the well-oiled kitchen team at work.
Pacific Island Cruise & Ship Reviews
To cruise around the Pacific Islands is an indescribable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But with so many choices it can be difficult to determine the best South Pacific cruise for you. Our Pacific Island cruise reviews are honest reports of what cruising in this region is really like. What is the food like? How much activity can I expect? What are cabins like on the ships? These reviews will not only inform you on subtle nuances of small ship cruises in the Pacific Islands, but they will also inspire you for the voyage ahead.
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As I drift off to sleep I begin to dream of the amazing experiences that I couldn’t even have imagined only seven days ago. I dream of diving with manta rays, of Pele, the goddess of fire, of paddle boarding at Shark’s Fin Cove and swimming in the cool water under the cascading falls of Moâ’oula.
We had everything we needed, and everything was well prepared for our travel and reservation.
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The Best Small Ship Cruises To The South Pacific
Palm trees swaying in the breeze, brilliant white beaches lappedby turquoise waters, coral reefs alive with shoals of colourfulfish It’s fair to say that the South Pacific is a dreamdestination for many of us here in the UK, enticed as we are by theexotic allure of Polynesia, literally a world apart on the oppositeside of the globe.
The island nations of the South Pacific are scattered across avast area, with inter-island air travel expensive and complicatedto arrange, making this a perfect destination to explore on a smallship cruise. While some cruise lines only pass through fleetingly,often as part of a round-the-world cruise, there are others thatspend the winter here, and others still that are based in the SouthPacific year round, giving you plenty of options.
The most common embarkation and debarkation port is Papeete, thecapital of French Polynesia, which is situated on the island ofTahiti and has good air links to the west coast of the US. Muchless common are cruises out of Lautoka in Fiji, while longeritineraries passing through the South Pacific may start or end inAustralia, New Zealand or Chile. Most itineraries will featureFrench Polynesia, sometimes with calls in the Cook Islands, Tongaor Vanuatu. Look out too for transoceanic cruises that call atenigmatic Easter Island, often staying here overnight to give youmore time to explore, and more unusual voyages to places like PapuaNew Guinea, Micronesia and Samoa.
Where Do Small Cruise Ships Visit In French Polynesia
The advantage of small ship cruising is that these vessels can get you into and out of some of the smallest destinations in the world. On seeing Star Breeze anchored off of Bora Bora, a local guide told us, “That’s the perfect size for our perfect island.”
Common stops include Papeete, Bora Bora, Huahine/Taha’a, Raiatea and Moorea. Other ports include Hiva Oa Island, the Austral Islands, Makatea Island, Gambier, Fakarava Atoll, Rangiroa Atoll, Ua Pou Island and Fatu Hiva Island. Each spot has a distinctive feel, but they’re tied together by the history and culture of French Polynesia and its people. Most will require you to take a tender boat or Zodiac from your ship to the shore, though the journey could be a short one.
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On A Windstar Cruise In Tahiti You Can Visit Places The Bigger Ships Cant
Due to their smaller size Windstar ships can call on more remote islands and areas of French Polynesia that cant accommodate bigger ships some dont even have names!
Big ships can not take the same routes or fit into the small areas Windstars Wind Spirit is able to navigate, which is a huge plus.
Go where the big ships cant on a Windstar Cruise in Tahiti. * Photo: Christine Bottross
The Wind Spirit sending passengers ashore by tender. * Photo: Christine Bottross
South Pacific Tours Travel Tips
- The South Pacific climate can range from subtropical to tropical. Therefore, the clothes you wear should wick away moisture and “breathe.”
- Layer your clothing so you can stay comfortable.
- A light poncho or raincoat is recommended for tropical downpours.
- Bring a light cover-up for your swimwear, such as a rash vest, that can be worn when snorkeling. A rash vest also called a rash guard, is an athletic shirt made of nylon and spandex or polyester that protects against rashes, due to abrasions or over-exposure to the sun.
- Visit your doctor about 6 weeks before leaving on your South Pacific tour. Ask about routine vaccinations, including inoculations for hepatitis A and B and typhoid.
- The water is not safe to drink in the South Pacific. Boil your water or use water purification tablets, and avoid ice.
- Make sure you are covered for diving and surfing activities by taking out a medical policy that offers a provision for evacuation.
- Both zika virus and dengue fever are carried by mosquitoes in the South Pacific while malaria is present in places, such as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Protect yourself by wearing light-weight long-sleeved blouses and shirts, and slacks.
- Not all islands in the South Pacific have decompression chambers, so scuba drivers, who need to be medically treated, may need to be evacuated.
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South Pacific Cruises Starting In January 2023
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Cruise Lines in Hawaii & the South Pacific
Soak Up The Views Romantic Vibe & Activities
Choose the perfect yacht for your cruising style the newly transformed all-suite Star Plus yachts or the lines classic Wind Class trio with their billowing sails and a super romantic vibe.
All six yachts feature ocean-view staterooms and suites, so no matter where you stay you can enjoy the view from your room as the yacht sails into port.
A charming nautical-style stateroom on the Wind Spirit. * Photo: Windstar
Best of all, Windstars relaxed and fun-loving spirit is designed to make you feel at home.
Make new friends at Windstars cherished deck barbecue and enjoy the ever-popular crew talent show.
Learn chart navigation from the captain on the ships open bridge, or just take in the views from the fleets expansive open decks.
Wind Spirits watersports marina. * Photo: Windstar
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Bora Bora To Raiatea 23 Nautical Miles
The island of Raiatea was once the centre of religion and culture in the Society Islands and is said to be the starting point of the great Polynesian migration, its seafarers following the Pleiades constellation to settle in Hawaii and New Zealand.
Meaning “far away heaven” and the second largest island in French Polynesia, Raiatea is just across the lagoon from Taha’a the only two Tahitian islands to share a barrier reef.
Legend has it that the two islands were separated by a giant conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess it had swallowed. Enraged, the creature burst through the centre of the original landmass , creating the strait between the islands.
As I kayak along the tranquil Fa’aroa River the only navigable river in French Polynesia I’m on the lookout for this sacred eel that now slinks along the sandy riverbed.
While we don’t spy any eels, this reasonably strenuous paddle is a horticulturalist’s delight, a lesson in Tahitian flora as our guide Vivien points out mape chestnut trees, breadfruit, red ginger plants and the anemone-like flowers of the hotu, or poison fruit tree.
Back on board, the cultural immersion continues with a lecture rather, a theatrical performance by Tihoti, the last chief of Raiatea. A tatau artist covered in ink, this ambassador of ancestral culture shares the significance of the Polynesian markings, which symbolise a person’s standing and role within traditional society.
Variety Cruises Is A Newcomer To French Polynesia Year
Small-ship cruise operator Variety deployed its Panorama II to French Polynesia in 2022, and the ship will remain there full time through the end of 2023, sailing roundtrip itineraries from Papeete. The Greek-based company specializes in intimate cruises in the Mediterranean on motor and sailing vessels. Panorama II is a 49-passenger, 498-gross-ton sailing vessel built in 2004.
The ship offers a swim platform, and the ship carries kayaks, snorkeling equipment and standup paddleboards for guests to use. Cabins are small, ranging from 97 square feet to 140 square feet, which is typical of sailing yachts. The ship offers a restaurant and a lounge, as well as a special barbecue.
Food, nonalcoholic beverages and fishing and snorkeling equipment are included in the cost of the fare, but you’ll pay extra for excursions, tips, Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages. Pricing is similar to the fares you’d pay on Windstar.
The cruise line tends to draw heavily on the European market, so there’s an international flair onboard.
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Windstar Cruising In The South Pacific
What better way to explore a nation of breathtakingly beautiful islands than on a small ship?
Each island in French Polynesia has its own personality and magic, and Windstar can introduce you to them.
Dancers on Tahaa Motu. * Photo: Heidi Sarna
Windstars Tahiti offer conveniently packages airfare + hotel + cruise in one price, with fares for the 8-day package starting at $4,899 per person, including:
- A pampered week aboard a Windstar ship on a 7-, 10-, or 11-night Tahiti cruise
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- One-night pre-cruise hotel stay at Intercontinental Papeete Hotel
- A post-cruise day room accommodation at Intercontinental Papeete Hotel
- Transfers between the airport, hotel and ship
- Elegant cabins & suites with ocean views
- All onboard meals in all venues at all times, including 24/7 room service
- Well-equipped watersports platform & use of all watersports gear
- Champagne Welcome Reception
- Sail-Away ceremony from every port
- Signature onboard barbecue
- Unlimited use of fitness center
- All onboard entertainment
- Access to the open bridge
- LOccitane bath amenities in staterooms
- Fresh flowers & fresh fruit in stateroom
South Pacific Tour Packages
Most South Pacific tours are scheduled during the dry season of May to October, as you can enjoy the outdoors and the climate is less hot and humid. However, the weather is still warm â but just right for swimming snorkeling, hiking through the shaded rainforest, scuba diving, or water-skiing.
If you don’t mind the rain, you can always confine your activities to seeing historical sites, dining, or shopping. During the rainy season, thunderstorms often occur daily. While downpours regularly happen, they are short-lived, and things will dry off quickly.
When planning a visit, think about what you can tolerate with respect to the weather. It usually is best to spend a little more money and see the islands when the weather is more agreeable. If you go from March through May or September to October, you will be rewarded with pleasant weather and sunny days.
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On A Windstar Cruise In Tahiti Enjoy Remarkable Excursions & Longer Time To Explore
Windstar Cruises really puts the focus on the destinations they visit, rather than the vessel itself. That means excursions are key. In our case we had some remarkable, once-in-a lifetime excursions.
Each excursion had only a handful of people so, for example, on the Swim with the Whales excursion, we had lots of time to hear interesting information about whales, look for them and even swim with them .
We were able to spend enough time on each island to really explore and immerse ourselves in our surroundings.
VIDEO: Below Ill show you a bit about our amazing Swim with the Whales excursion.
These were our favorite shore excursions:
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Included: VAT, Fuel Surcharge, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan , Fishing, Kayaks, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels.
Required Extras: Port Fees.
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Hotel Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Snacks, Laundry / Pressing Services, WiFi internet.
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