Windstar Doubles Tahiti Cruise Capacity in 2027

Published on Sep 3, 2025, 4:27 pm CDT

5 min read

Windstar Cruises will field two ships year round in French Polynesia starting in March 2027. The 148-guest Wind Star, a classic four-masted sailing yacht, will operate weekly Monday "Dreams of Tahiti" departures. The 312-guest all-suite Star Breeze will stretch deeper into the South Pacific, reaching the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, including Star Collector Voyages of up to 21 days. New conveniences include arriving back in Papeete at 8 p.m. the evening before disembarkation, plus simplified air and overwater-bungalow packages.

Key Points

Why it matters: More weekly choice and longer routes elevate Tahiti cruise options.
Travel impact: Same-night flight connections improve timing via Papeete for Los Angeles.
What's next: Priority bookings tied to an Oct. 31 offer with onboard credit and All-In.
Wind Star runs continuous 7-night Dreams of Tahiti with Monday departures.
Star Breeze combines remote archipelagos into 14- to 21-day Star Collector itineraries.

Snapshot

With two yachts homeported in Papeete, Windstar says it will offer the most Tahiti departures of any line. Wind Star carries 148 guests and focuses on a weekly 7-night loop that includes Raiatea. Star Breeze carries 312 guests, sailing longer voyages to far-flung islands in the Tuamotus and Marquesas, and can link routes into Star Collector Voyages up to 21 days. A new "Early Goodbye" schedule returns ships to Papeete at 8 p.m. the night before disembarkation, aligning with same-evening flights to Los Angeles. The brand is also adding AquaBanas floating lounges to its marina platforms and packaging air and hotel stays, including overwater bungalows.

Background

Windstar has sailed Tahiti for decades and continues to lean into small-ship advantages, using yachts that can anchor closer to lagoons and motus. The sailing-yacht Wind Star provides a traditional, open-deck experience under canvas with locally driven enrichment. Star Breeze offers an all-suite layout, larger spa and dining venues, and longer reach across the Society Islands and beyond. Every Dreams of Tahiti week includes Raiatea, which Windstar notes is absent from many competing 7-day runs. Windstar is pairing the schedule with an Early Booking Offer that includes up to $200 in onboard credit and the line's All-In inclusions, with an added pay-in-full discount.

Latest Developments

Two yachts, two styles of Tahiti cruise

Starting in March 2027, Wind Star will sail 7-night Dreams of Tahiti continuously with Monday turnarounds, keeping inventory consistent for advisors. Star Breeze will handle the longer treks, stitching together the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, with Star Collector combinations that run to 21 days. Expect Windstar's marina access for kayaking and paddleboarding in iconic waters like Bora Bora and Moorea, while AquaBanas floating lounges add shaded, social space over the sea. The split strategy gives travelers a clear choice between classic sail ambiance and all-suite comfort while expanding total weekly capacity. Raiatea remains a signature call on the 7-night loop. Packages will support pre- or post-stays in overwater bungalows.

New timing helps with flights home

Windstar's "Early Goodbye" calls for ships to reach Papeete the night before disembarkation at about 8 p.m., creating a workable window for same-evening departures from Faa'a International Airport (PPT) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). That timing reduces the need for an extra hotel night, particularly helpful for travelers on fixed schedules. The cruise-plus-air-plus-hotel bundles will be offered with flexible flight options booked through Windstar or independently, adding planning convenience for advisors and guests.

Booking window and perks

Windstar's Early Booking Offer asks travelers to reserve by October 31, 2025 for best fares and suite choice, plus up to $200 in onboard credit and the All-In package covering Wi-Fi, gratuities, and select beverages. Paying in full can trim an additional 5 percent. For readers new to the All-In concept, see our context piece: Windstar Cruises All-Inclusive Upgrade Deal Runs Through March 2026. The brand is also highlighting local cultural programming and its private motu feast with fire dancers as part of the Tahiti experience.

Analysis

Windstar is making a strategic capacity bet that aligns with demand trends for longer South Pacific itineraries and flexible turn-day options. By pairing a 148-guest sailing yacht with a 312-guest all-suite ship, the line can serve two buyer mindsets without fragmenting operations. Weekly Monday turns on Dreams of Tahiti give advisors a predictable product to package around air, while Star Breeze's extended loops open new combinations for honeymooners and repeat South Pacific travelers who want the Tuamotus and Marquesas in one go. The "Early Goodbye" schedule is a smart fix for the historic air-sea timing pinch in Papeete, often the reason travelers add an unplanned extra night. Layering in AquaBanas and an early-booking incentive with All-In simplifies value comparisons against rivals. The playbook should help Windstar defend its long-held Tahiti niche as competitors rotate tonnage seasonally.

Final Thoughts

Two ships, more departures, and easier flight timing raise the ceiling on small-ship choices in French Polynesia. Whether you prefer sails and sea breezes on Wind Star or the suite life on Star Breeze, the expanded deployment enhances itinerary depth and convenience. If Tahiti is on your list for 2027, the October 31, 2025 offer window and Monday turnarounds make planning far simpler. This is a timely upgrade to the classic Tahiti cruise.