I'm booked to go on the Star Breeze in November for the Tahiti & Tuamotu islands tour. Do I need to bring any of their cash with me and can I just book the excursions on the ship rather than a month in advance? Are any "must do" excursions? There are too many. I want to snorkel but am not an advanced snorkeler and I am not a diver
My wife has been on 15 Cruises with Windstar, and I am about to do my 5th, this will be the second time we are heading to Tahiti! Martina is the best! We have had her on three separate cruises and still stay in touch via social media! The food and the service, there is none like it in this price range. Can't wait to go back.
We did this cruise in 2019 Windstar to Tahiti French polynesia never forget trip of a life time ! Would do again loved everyminute of it..Most beautiful ever
We love Wind Star cruises! I dont think I will ever go on any other cruise line. We went to French Polynesia last yr on the Wind Spirit....amazing experience! Next month we are heading to the Caribbean on the Wind Surf.
We were on the Star Breeze on the Feb 24th sailing , we've sailed everything from Carnival to SeaDream, I have to rate this Windstar cruise as one of the best we have been on. the cabin is comfortable, the service was fantastic, in most cases right up there with Sea Dream, of course much like your cruise we were sailing with limited capacity, there 120 guests on ours, with a full 312 passengers they may struggle to match the high standard we received. The food ranged from great to outstanding, we requested to be sat with the same waitstaff after the first night in the main dining room, Elvis was great. If there was one weakness, it was breakfast, two menus served on alternating days can get old, however of course you can order eggs/omelettes so there is always that variety. We did make a mistake when booking this trip, we figured we would be spending the majority of our time in the water or on deck so we went for a ocean view room in the forward part of the original hull, in hindsight we should have gone for the french balcony. The two days at Bora Bora were great, we went diving with sharks and rays. The night bbq was a highlight, one of those things that will stick with me. The big question, would we do it again, YES ! I have been lucky enough to spend a portion of my life in the Caribbean, i've watched it get in some ways ruined by the mega ships that bring with them the Diamonds International etc, it was in many ways like stepping back in time.
I went to Tahiti for 2 weeks back in 1987. 1st week Bora Bora 2nd week Moorea. I have to say I have dreamed of going back to Tahiti. It was a perfect vacation.
Got my wish for bucket list 2019 Windstar Tahit Paradise in every way The Motu in Bora Bora ❤❤❤❤ Superb ! The crew ! Divine ! Its like you have your own private Yaght The wind sales on our ship were tbe most beautiful when tbey set sail with the most beautiful music Against the back drop of the skies
Thanks for this video, a Tahitian cruise has been on my bucket list for years!! I have booked a French Polynesia + Hawaii, but on the more "budget friendly", Norwegian Spirit. We are booked for the November cruise departing from Papeete. 🤩
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Yes: we identified Windstar as a good candidate for Tahiti and your very comprehensive review has confirmed it looks to be a good fit.
We are set to sail on the Wind Spirit in February and I found your video very informing and confident that we would find something to do other than snorkeling.
We are going on windsurf from Venice to Rome in about 3 weeks on windsurf, 10 months after our last 18 day cruise on windsurf. I am considering booking twice the Tahiti while on board. Thus washer helpful. .
Hello, do you know if in each port you go you can make the excursions by yourself or you walk, the beaches next door or you have to take the excursions of the windstar boat thank you
My husband and I took a voyage through the Caribbean on a Windstar Cruise in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit, and enjoyed it very much. I unfortunately am a widow now. If I go, this would be my first trip on my own. How do you think it would be as a singleton? Thanks!
I am thinking of taking this cruise 2023. I love snorkeling and I want to snorkel on most of the islands like Bora Bora and Moorea. I didn't see you talk about snorkeling at all. Does the ports allow snorkeling nearby and did anyone say the fishes were nice?
I've flown over Baffin Island and I think Canada should put some infrastructure up there I've flown over the lengh of the island and those mountains are as spectacular as the Rockies. Ellesmere Island has the same amazing mountains. Quebec City is too hot from July to Sept.
Were the mosquitoes bad? We are going in August and curious just how much bug spray to pack!! Great job on the video! Answered a lot of questions we had
I just got back last week and am very sensitive to bugs. The only time I noticed bugs was during a day excursion through a tropical garden site on Moorea.
I tried to take a boat to Tahiti, but I ended up in a little Cuba-adjacent island called Guarma. 18 out of 99, would not recommend. I even had a plan for when I got there!
Great question. Unfortunately, I am not sure. They did have an expansive bar, and several bourbons and whiskeys, so hopefully you can find a spirit that you enjoy. Happy sailing.
Enjoyed your video, My husband and I are booked on the Windspirit in June. We too are from MA. I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to get to some of the beaches but it looked like Windstar had a few beach days available. Did you do any other tours? Did you go to the market in Papette? Did you chat with anyone that snorkled with the sharks/rays and what was there take on it. Thank you in advance for sharing
Great question. The cruise line is there all year. We sailed in February and the weather was great. The weather is mostly the same year round, so it depends on when you want to visit.
going to bora bora and staying on land next month, but did research for cruise as well. Which one do you think is the best line, Oceania, PG or WS for FP? I sailed oceania before but like viking better.
I'm going to be on the Star Breeze for 10 days in November to see the Tuamotu Islands and I am struggling with the very long list of excursions. How do I find the short list of "must do" for each stop so I can narrow it down? (I don't dive and not interested in bikes or big hikes but lobe to snorkel and shop)
I just got back from this Windstar cruise to Tahiti and my first cruise. I thought the food was very good and had a range of normal to fancy selections.
We are just about to book the dreams of Tahiti cruise (star breeze) for this October. I have been on one oceanic cruise in the Mediterranean pre covid. I’m looking for full relaxation and “luxury” experience. In your opinion- does this statuary the criteria? Are there any healthy eating options?
ha. Ah...yes I have a question 😕Is it a good cruise that you would recommend or not? That's the entire reason I watched this 25 minute video. I was hoping for a more graspable conclusion at the end. I assume since the video contained very little criticism that it's fine, but I'd really like to understand a comparison, given that y'all are cruise experts.
We have sailed on the Star Breeze in Tahiti and found it to be excellent in every way, from the new cabins, to the quisine to the superb crew...Would highly recommend.
On the Windstar, I don't think it is worth it at all. I just got off the ship last week and asked people who had it and they said they barely used it. There are only inches of balcony so maybe you can stand out there for a bit. We got one of the picture window rooms and it was great. I did hear some negative comments on the port hole rooms but did get some tips that you can often upgrade for a good price once you are onboard.
No comparison. Windstar's food is comparable to Oceania - both are much better the Holland America unless you like your food to be bland. The Star Breeze holds just 312 passengers while Holland America smallest ship is over 1400 so you can guess how the service will be. Best to visit French Polynesia in a small a ship as you can afford especially if they bring back the Wind Star or Wind Spirit to Tahiti.
The price for our cruise has a book price of around 5k. But there are always deals and promotions. Check with a certified cruise travel agent for the best deal.
I am looking at booking a Windstar Cruise to Tahiti but not sure which ship I should book. The Sea Breeze or the sailing ship Wind Spirit. Have you traveled on one of the smaller Windstar sailing ships and if so, how does it compare?
I am looking into the cruise..in your video it appears to be quite cloudy. you mentioned the seas preventing the use of the water toys. what month did you take this cruise? are the seas calm between islands for people that do get seasick. this is a worry. thank you
We just got back last week (June 2024) and there were both cloudy and sunny days. Even the cloudy days were still bright enough to get out and enjoy. It is a bit rolly-polly on sea days but not bad and I did not get seasick. I even worked out in the gym on sea days and was able to do most of what I like to do.
Looks beautiful. Just found it odd that passengers wore masks when outdoors. Personally I’m glad most lines don’t require mask wearing for vaccinated guests. I’m done with that. Did they go swimming with the masks to?
Have you sailed with Windstar Cruises? Is Tahiti on your bucket list? Let us know below! 👇🏻
It is on my bucket list!
Haven’t yet but planning a Med cruise with them and a Tahiti cruise.
Booked Tahiti for March of ‘25!!!
I'm booked to go on the Star Breeze in November for the Tahiti & Tuamotu islands tour. Do I need to bring any of their cash with me and can I just book the excursions on the ship rather than a month in advance? Are any "must do" excursions? There are too many. I want to snorkel but am not an advanced snorkeler and I am not a diver
I am SO excited!! Have this booked in 2024!!
My wife has been on 15 Cruises with Windstar, and I am about to do my 5th, this will be the second time we are heading to Tahiti! Martina is the best! We have had her on three separate cruises and still stay in touch via social media! The food and the service, there is none like it in this price range. Can't wait to go back.
We did this cruise in 2019 Windstar to Tahiti French polynesia never forget trip of a life time ! Would do again loved everyminute of it..Most beautiful ever
We agree!
We love Wind Star cruises! I dont think I will ever go on any other cruise line. We went to French Polynesia last yr on the Wind Spirit....amazing experience! Next month we are heading to the Caribbean on the Wind Surf.
We were on the Star Breeze on the Feb 24th sailing , we've sailed everything from Carnival to SeaDream, I have to rate this Windstar cruise as one of the best we have been on. the cabin is comfortable, the service was fantastic, in most cases right up there with Sea Dream, of course much like your cruise we were sailing with limited capacity, there 120 guests on ours, with a full 312 passengers they may struggle to match the high standard we received.
The food ranged from great to outstanding, we requested to be sat with the same waitstaff after the first night in the main dining room, Elvis was great. If there was one weakness, it was breakfast, two menus served on alternating days can get old, however of course you can order eggs/omelettes so there is always that variety.
We did make a mistake when booking this trip, we figured we would be spending the majority of our time in the water or on deck so we went for a ocean view room in the forward part of the original hull, in hindsight we should have gone for the french balcony.
The two days at Bora Bora were great, we went diving with sharks and rays. The night bbq was a highlight, one of those things that will stick with me.
The big question, would we do it again, YES ! I have been lucky enough to spend a portion of my life in the Caribbean, i've watched it get in some ways ruined by the mega ships that bring with them the Diamonds International etc, it was in many ways like stepping back in time.
I went to Tahiti for 2 weeks back in 1987. 1st week Bora Bora 2nd week Moorea. I have to say I have dreamed of going back to Tahiti. It was a perfect vacation.
You should! Windstar is a great way to see the islands.
Got my wish for bucket list 2019 Windstar Tahit Paradise in every way The Motu in Bora Bora ❤❤❤❤ Superb ! The crew ! Divine ! Its like you have your own private Yaght The wind sales on our ship were tbe most beautiful when tbey set sail with the most beautiful music Against the back drop of the skies
Glad to hear you had a fun cruise. Windstar does an amazing job!
Although I will never be going to Tahiti I truly enjoyed this video. Very informative. Very detailed.
Glad you enjoyed it!
One of the best videos I have EVER Seen! Thanks Don!
Thanks, Bill
Thanks for this video, a Tahitian cruise has been on my bucket list for years!! I have booked a French Polynesia + Hawaii, but on the more "budget friendly", Norwegian Spirit. We are booked for the November cruise departing from Papeete. 🤩
Have a great cruise.
How was the NCL trip?
@@MaryEverett-d1m let’s just say, I won’t be cruising anytime soon. It’s just not for me. It was my first and probably last cruise 😂
Thank you, very comprehensive review.
Glad it was helpful! Are you planning a cruise?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Yes: we identified Windstar as a good candidate for Tahiti and your very comprehensive review has confirmed it looks to be a good fit.
Well done. Keep up the good work.
Just got back from this cruise, best holiday of my life!! Just say hello to Derrick in the Star Grill!
We are set to sail on the Wind Spirit in February and I found your video very informing and confident that we would find something to do other than snorkeling.
Glad you found the video helpful. Have a great cruise.
We are going on windsurf from Venice to Rome in about 3 weeks on windsurf, 10 months after our last 18 day cruise on windsurf. I am considering booking twice the Tahiti while on board. Thus washer helpful. .
Glad you found the video helpful!
Only 5 days I need a cruise at twice that long if I'm going to fly that far it looks like some great foods, beautiful suites and luxury......
So helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I just need money and faith and I’ll be on this ship to Tahiti, harvesting mangoes
Hello from England. Many thanks for your good review. Question: what time of year did you visit please?
Thanks for watching. We went in February, but the weather is pretty similar all year. When were you thinking of going?
Hello, do you know if in each port you go you can make the excursions by yourself or you walk, the beaches next door or you have to take the excursions of the windstar boat thank you
Excellent video. Well done. Informative.
Thanks. Glad you found the video informative.
My husband and I took a voyage through the Caribbean on a Windstar Cruise in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit, and enjoyed it very much. I unfortunately am a widow now. If I go, this would be my first trip on my own. How do you think it would be as a singleton? Thanks!
Thanks for sharing What month did you do this cruise
I am thinking of taking this cruise 2023. I love snorkeling and I want to snorkel on most of the islands like Bora Bora and Moorea. I didn't see you talk about snorkeling at all. Does the ports allow snorkeling nearby and did anyone say the fishes were nice?
The cruise line provides snorkeling gear and we knew many cruisers who snorkeled at virtually every port.
I've flown over Baffin Island and I think Canada should put some infrastructure up there I've flown over the lengh of the island and those mountains are as spectacular as the Rockies. Ellesmere Island has the same amazing mountains. Quebec City is too hot from July to Sept.
Were the mosquitoes bad? We are going in August and curious just how much bug spray to pack!! Great job on the video! Answered a lot of questions we had
Glad it was helpful. The bugs weren’t a big deal. We had bug spray and were fine. Have a great cruise
I just got back last week and am very sensitive to bugs. The only time I noticed bugs was during a day excursion through a tropical garden site on Moorea.
Thanks.
I tried to take a boat to Tahiti, but I ended up in a little Cuba-adjacent island called Guarma. 18 out of 99, would not recommend. I even had a plan for when I got there!
Do you know if they serve Woodford Reserve (Kentucky Bourbon) on the cruise? Great review, awesome.
Great question. Unfortunately, I am not sure. They did have an expansive bar, and several bourbons and whiskeys, so hopefully you can find a spirit that you enjoy. Happy sailing.
Enjoyed your video, My husband and I are booked on the Windspirit in June. We too are from MA. I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to get to some of the beaches but it looked like Windstar had a few beach days available. Did you do any other tours? Did you go to the market in Papette? Did you chat with anyone that snorkled with the sharks/rays and what was there take on it. Thank you in advance for sharing
When you were on the bbq motu and the eel feeding were there mozzies?
What is the best time of year to cruise Tahiti with WS? We will be doing our 4th WS cruise this summer to Greece but Tahiti is on my list!
Great question. The cruise line is there all year. We sailed in February and the weather was great. The weather is mostly the same year round, so it depends on when you want to visit.
Did you ever snorkel ? Or see rays , sharks whales ?
Also the bbq parties on the motus are those included in price of cruise or is that all extra ?
The BBQ is free. We didn’t do any snorkeling, but they offer free gear and many individuals said the snorkeling was great.
I have sailed on over ten Wind Star Cruises & they offer Free Deck & Beach BBQ on all Tahiti & Caribbean Cruises & they are wonderful.
Compared to other cruises, was this more expensive or on par with other lux brands?
Windstar cruises is a less expensive than other lux brands like Viking, Regent, or Silversea. We think it’s a great value.
I'm finding that Windstar is actually less than NCL
When they do the BBQ on board or the dinner on the Motu - are the specialty restaurants open?
No, the restaurants are closed those nights.
going to bora bora and staying on land next month, but did research for cruise as well. Which one do you think is the best line, Oceania, PG or WS for FP? I sailed oceania before but like viking better.
I'm going to be on the Star Breeze for 10 days in November to see the Tuamotu Islands and I am struggling with the very long list of excursions. How do I find the short list of "must do" for each stop so I can narrow it down? (I don't dive and not interested in bikes or big hikes but lobe to snorkel and shop)
What I've always wondered about these cruises is the food...is it normal people food or is it super "fancy"?
I just got back from this Windstar cruise to Tahiti and my first cruise. I thought the food was very good and had a range of normal to fancy selections.
Hi, we have a very prone to sea sickness person traveling--- what are the seas like when you're cruising between ports? Thank you so much.
We are just about to book the dreams of Tahiti cruise (star breeze) for this October. I have been on one oceanic cruise in the Mediterranean pre covid. I’m looking for full relaxation and “luxury” experience. In your opinion- does this statuary the criteria? Are there any healthy eating options?
ha. Ah...yes I have a question 😕Is it a good cruise that you would recommend or not? That's the entire reason I watched this 25 minute video. I was hoping for a more graspable conclusion at the end. I assume since the video contained very little criticism that it's fine, but I'd really like to understand a comparison, given that y'all are cruise experts.
We have sailed on the Star Breeze in Tahiti and found it to be excellent in every way, from the new cabins, to the quisine to the superb crew...Would highly recommend.
@briankay2106 awesome, cheers.
Windstar spirit French POLYNESIA FORGOT TO mention in my review❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ pure heaven in paradise 2019
Question: is the balcony room worth the extra cost? Can’t see us spending whole bunch of time in the room to enjoy it…
Since there are no sea days, I'm even considering the port hole cabin
On the Windstar, I don't think it is worth it at all. I just got off the ship last week and asked people who had it and they said they barely used it. There are only inches of balcony so maybe you can stand out there for a bit. We got one of the picture window rooms and it was great. I did hear some negative comments on the port hole rooms but did get some tips that you can often upgrade for a good price once you are onboard.
Was the specialty dining options an extra cost or included?
All dining is included.
What is the capacity of this cruise?
312
How would you compare this cruise line to Holland American who has better food and service ?
No comparison. Windstar's food is comparable to Oceania - both are much better the Holland America unless you like your food to be bland. The Star Breeze holds just 312 passengers while Holland America smallest ship is over 1400 so you can guess how the service will be. Best to visit French Polynesia in a small a ship as you can afford especially if they bring back the Wind Star or Wind Spirit to Tahiti.
How does windstar Tahiti cruise compare to paul Gauguin cruise of the south pacific?
Windstar!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Spirit
How about price?
The price for our cruise has a book price of around 5k. But there are always deals and promotions. Check with a certified cruise travel agent for the best deal.
I am looking at booking a Windstar Cruise to Tahiti but not sure which ship I should book. The Sea Breeze or the sailing ship Wind Spirit. Have you traveled on one of the smaller Windstar sailing ships and if so, how does it compare?
We prefer the yachts over the sailing ships. The yachts have updated staterooms and newer restaurants.
I am looking into the cruise..in your video it appears to be quite cloudy. you mentioned the seas preventing the use of the water toys. what month did you take this cruise? are the seas calm between islands for people that do get seasick. this is a worry. thank you
We went to Tahiti in February of 2021. We didn't have any issues with the seas being rough. When were you thinking of traveling?
We just got back last week (June 2024) and there were both cloudy and sunny days. Even the cloudy days were still bright enough to get out and enjoy. It is a bit rolly-polly on sea days but not bad and I did not get seasick. I even worked out in the gym on sea days and was able to do most of what I like to do.
I should’ve took this ship instead😭😭 I took the cheapest ship route to Tahiti and now im in guarma! 🤬
I love small ship cruising, but I wish it came at a lower price.
Very true.
Looks beautiful. Just found it odd that passengers wore masks when outdoors. Personally I’m glad most lines don’t require mask wearing for vaccinated guests. I’m done with that. Did they go swimming with the masks to?
Im researching Windstar cruises, but honestly I can't even watch a video with everyone wearing face diapers.
I refuse to be masked on a cruise!!!!
Good thing you don't have to be.