Windstar Cruises has revealed a significant expansion of itineraries in the South Pacific, with new experiences planned for Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands in 2026. The new destinations build on Windstar’s core program in the Pacific – 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.Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Windstar has sailed in Tahiti for more than 36 years and is considered the cruising expert in the region with deep rooted relationships with local partners who assist the line to access remote areas and weave in the Polynesian way of life into its cruise and shoreside experiences. Windstar has the most frequent seven-day departures of any cruise line on its popular Dreams of Tahiti sailing.
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 has launched an early booking offer. Guests who book a 2026 South Pacific cruise will enjoy a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (worth US$89/day per guest) — featuring Wi-Fi; unlimited wine, beer and cocktails; and all gratuities — plus a US$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 Christopher Prelog, President of Windstar.
“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 Include:
Flowers of the South French Polynesia (15 days) begins with an overnight in Lautoka, followed by a visit to the small port of SavuSavu to tour its local villages and a stop in Taveuni to experience the rainforests of Bouma National Heritage Park. After a day at sea, it’s onto Nuku’alofa, Tonga, which is known for its beaches and Royal Palace. It’s also a brand-new port for Windstar. In the Cook Islands, Windstar will access both Aitutaki and Rarotonga. Then it’s onto an overnight in Bora Bora and concludes in Papeete, Tahiti.
Departs 18 June 2026.
Maori Storytellers & French Polynesian Treasures (10 or 11 days) starts in Papeete followed by Raiatea. Then it’s off to Aitutaki and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The ship then returns to the Society Islands with an overnight in Bora Bora, a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea (Taha’a), Huahine (known for its gardens), Moorea, and ends in Papeete. On the 10-day sailing, Huahine is removed.
Departs 10 August 2026.
Tantalising Tuamotu Islands & Beautiful Bora Bora (7 days) is a new, shorter version of Windstar’s existing 11-day Tuamotu sailings. It combines the Tuamotus (Fakarava and Tiputa) and the Society Islands (an overnight in Bora Bora plus a day on a private island at Motu Mahaea). It’s perfect for divers, with four opportunities to dive on just a seven-day sailing. It can also be combined with the 7-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary.
Departs 16 April 2026.
Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic (11 days) is also a new, shorter version of a current Windstar t have several weeks to explore. It begins in Papeete before heading to Fakarava in the Tuamotus. In the Marquesas, there are visits to Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Nuku Hiva. The ship then heads back to the Tuamotus with a stop in Rangiroa, followed by an overnight in Bora Bora and return to Papeete. This can also be combined with the 7-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary.
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.
In April, Windstar Cruises announced it will expand its fleet with two new all-suite ships (Star Seeker and Star Explorer), which will allow Windstar to bring back one of its beloved 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.
