Windstar Dreams of Tahiti Cruise Review: Is This the Best Way to See French Polynesia?

When most people think of French Polynesia, they picture one thing: an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

And yes, that is absolutely a dream. But after visiting French Polynesia, I honestly think one of the smartest ways to see more of the islands is by cruise — especially if you want to experience places beyond Bora Bora and Moorea without spending half your trip dealing with airports, ferries, luggage, and transfer logistics.

We sailed Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti itinerary on the Star Breeze, and this cruise completely changed how I think about island-hopping in French Polynesia.

This is not a mega-ship cruise. There are no waterslides, huge production shows, or casinos. Instead, Windstar feels more like a small, all-suite yacht experience with great food, unreal service, beautiful islands, and a much slower pace.

If you are wondering whether a Windstar Dreams of Tahiti cruise is worth it, here is my honest review.

Watch the vlog:
Want to see what the ship, islands, cabin, food, and excursions actually looked like? Watch my full Windstar Dreams of Tahiti cruise vlog here:

Our French Polynesia Trip Setup

This cruise was part of a bigger French Polynesia trip, and I honestly think that is the best way to do it. Our full trip looked like this:

3 nights in Moorea before the cruise
1 night in Tahiti before boarding
7 nights on Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti itinerary
1 final night in Moorea before flying home

I’ll cover the full French Polynesia itinerary and hotel reviews in separate posts, but this balance worked really well for us. We got to really experience Moorea first, then used the Windstar cruise to see more of French Polynesia without constantly packing, flying, taking ferries, and changing hotels.

That is one of the biggest reasons I think the Windstar Dreams of Tahiti cruise makes so much sense: you unpack once, but still visit islands like Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine, and Moorea.

Related French Polynesia Posts:

Full French Polynesia itinerary — coming soon
Hilton Moorea review — coming soon
- Video Walkthrough
InterContinental Tahiti pre-cruise stay — coming soon
- Video Walkthrough
Sofitel Moorea review — coming soon
- Video Walkthrough
Moorea Overwater Bungalow Option

Why We Chose a Cruise for French Polynesia

French Polynesia looks dreamy on a map, but island-hopping can be a lot.

You are dealing with inter-island flights, ferry schedules, hotel transfers, luggage, and sometimes full travel days just to move from one island to another. We liked the idea of using a cruise to see more islands without wasting vacation time in airports or constantly changing hotels.

The biggest benefit was that this itinerary brought us to islands we probably would not have prioritized on a land-based trip, especially Huahine and Raiatea/Taha’a. Those ended up being some of the most special stops.

For a destination as expensive as French Polynesia, I also liked knowing that so much was already included once we were onboard: our room, transportation between islands, food, service, and with our package, drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.

Booking Package and Boarding Day

Our package included one hotel night in Tahiti before the cruise, plus drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.

We stayed in Tahiti the night before boarding, which made embarkation day really easy. When we arrived at the terminal, boarding was first come, first served by number. Because the ship only carries around 300 guests, it did not take long. There were drinks and music at the terminal, and the whole process felt very relaxed.

First Impressions of Star Breeze

The Star Breeze felt very approachable right away.

It is small, but it did not feel cramped. The spaces were nicely sized, easy to navigate, and calm. You are not walking forever to get from your cabin to coffee, dinner, or the pool. Everything feels close and simple.

The vibe is more yacht than traditional cruise ship. It feels elevated, but not stuffy.

Our Cabin: Star Porthole Suite 301

We stayed in a Star Porthole Suite, cabin 301.

This is where I think there is a real opportunity to save, especially if this cruise is part of a bigger French Polynesia trip.

Over 90% of the cabins on Star Breeze are the same size as this cabin, so you are not really sacrificing space by booking a porthole suite. The biggest difference is the window or view. For us, that made the porthole cabin a smart choice. We still had a spacious suite, but this was one area where we could save compared to higher cabin categories.

The walk-in closet was amazing, especially because we had luggage for a longer trip. We had plenty of room for our clothes and bags.

The bathroom was also a strong point. We had double sinks and a nicely sized shower, which made the cabin feel more like a hotel room than a typical cruise cabin.

As for motion, we did not have rough seas on our sailing, so that helped. But cabin location matters too. Being lower on the ship can help because the lower you are, the less movement you usually feel. Since we were in a porthole suite on a lower deck, the motion was very manageable for us.

Food on Windstar

The food was one of the biggest highlights of the cruise, but the dining setup can be a little confusing at first because some spaces change depending on the time of day.

Amphora

Amphora is the main dining room, and we had really good meals here. The food felt elevated without being too fussy, and there were several standout dishes throughout the sailing.

Veranda by Day, Candles by Night

This is the same space, but it changes depending on the time of day.

During the day, it is Veranda, which is where you will find the breakfast and lunch buffet. This was an easy spot for breakfast and lunch, especially on port days when we wanted something simple before getting off the ship.

At night, the space becomes Candles, Windstar’s steakhouse-style restaurant. You do need reservations for Candles.

You can eat outside, but we chose to sit inside. The steak was awesome, and this was definitely a great specialty dining option.

Star Grill

Star Grill is the lunch and evening buffet-style option, and we ate here a lot.

This was one of our favorite casual dining spots because it is outdoors, covered, and relaxed. It worked especially well on nights when we did not feel like dressing up but still wanted a good meal.

Basil + Bamboo

Basil + Bamboo was another standout.

This is Windstar’s newer Mediterranean-Asian fusion restaurant on Star Breeze. The dishes were interesting and definitely not standard cruise food. I liked that the dining options onboard did not feel boring or repetitive.

Room Service

One nice Windstar perk is that you can order from the main Amphora dinner menu to your room for free.

We did not do a full dinner in the room, but we did use room service for popcorn, sandwiches, and movie-night snacks. It was nice not to worry about whether we could get something later at night.

Is the All-Inclusive Package Worth It?

For us, yes.

Our package included drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. Once you factor in gratuities and Wi-Fi, you really only need around two to three drinks per day to make it feel worth it.

And in French Polynesia, where drinks can be expensive, having that included made the trip feel easier. There was no constant mental math every time we ordered something.

The Wi-Fi also worked great for us. We had no major issues, which honestly surprised me considering we were sailing through French Polynesia.

Dress Code: What to Actually Pack

Windstar describes the dress code as country club casual, but I did not find it intimidating.

You just need to look nice.

For women, there is a lot of flexibility: sundresses, linen sets, nicer pants, skirts, and resort wear all work.

For men, I would suggest bringing at least one pair of linen pants and slip-on shoes. You do not need anything overly formal, but having a simple dinner outfit makes evenings easier.

The most relaxed dinner option is Star Grill, where you do not have to dress up as much. That was nice on nights when we wanted good food without doing the full dinner outfit.

Packing Links:

What Makes Windstar Feel Different

After the cabin and food, the biggest difference with Windstar is the overall feel of the ship. It is quieter, smaller, and much more connected to the destination.

Open Bridge and Stargazing

One of the coolest things about Windstar is the open bridge. The bridge was open a lot during our sailing, and we visited during our time in Taha’a. It was so fun to walk in, look around, ask questions, and even sit in the captain’s seat.

The stargazing was also incredible. You are in the South Pacific with very little light pollution, so the sky feels unreal. One of our stargazing events was canceled, but we got another chance where they turned off the lights on the bridge. You could even take pictures on your own phone.

The Watersports Platform

The pool onboard is small, so Windstar’s watersports platform is a big perk.

Our platform was open most days when we were tendered, and it really changed the feel of the ship. You could use floating mats, noodles, and other water toys right from the back of the ship. There were no long lines or complicated process. You could basically just jump in.

Getting in and out was pretty accessible, but if you need extra assistance or are nervous in the water, the pool may be a better option. The pool was usually pretty empty, so it could be a safer choice if you want a more controlled swim.

Polynesian Ambassadors and Onboard Activities

Windstar brought local Polynesian ambassadors onboard, and that added a lot to the experience.

The ambassadors led activities like ukulele, Polynesian dance, and dried pandanus leaf headdress making. These small moments helped the cruise feel more connected to French Polynesia.

Motu Mahaea in Taha’a: One of the Best Days

The Motu Mahaea Signature Beach Party in Taha’a was one of the prettiest parts of the entire cruise.

Windstar brings guests to a private motu for the day, and it really did feel special. When we arrived, we were greeted with a coconut drink and bug spray, which was honestly necessary. There were plenty of beach chairs and shade. It did not feel like a chair-hog situation, which I loved.

The food was amazing, and the drink package worked on the motu, which made the day feel very easy.

One thing to know: the snorkeling was pretty deep. If you are not a strong swimmer, just be careful and know your comfort level.

Bora Bora: Why the Overnight Stop Matters

One of the best parts of this itinerary is that Windstar stays overnight in Bora Bora.

That gives you way more flexibility than a normal cruise stop. You can rent a car, book a lagoon tour, enjoy the private motu, or even splurge on an overwater bungalow for one night if Bora Bora is high on your bucket list.

We rented a car, drove around the island, and did a private boat ride to a secluded island on our first day. This ended up being one of our favorite Bora Bora experiences because it felt more personal and gave us a lot of freedom.

On the second day, we did the underwater safari. We had to book this through the ship because Windstar contracted with that company, but I would skip it. It was just not worth it for us.

If I could redo that day, I would spend more time at the private motu or book a different lagoon/snorkeling tour.

Bora Bora Hotel Options for a One-Night Overwater Bungalow Splurge:

Bora Bora Excursion Options:

Destination Discovery Event in Bora Bora

Windstar’s Destination Discovery Event in Bora Bora is an included evening Polynesian feast and fire dance on a private motu.

The setting was beautiful, and the entertainment was so much fun. The fire dancers and cultural performances made the night feel really special.

But this was also where we had one of our only real issues. On our sailing, the boat transfer process to the island did not go well, and by the time we arrived, they had already run out of a lot of the food.

The event itself was beautiful, but the food and boat timing needed to be handled better on our sailing.

Shore Excursions: Ship Tours vs. Booking Independently

Overall, I would not book every excursion through Windstar unless you need to.

In general, we found that Windstar excursions had about a 20–30% markup compared to booking independently. Sometimes the convenience is worth it, but in French Polynesia, independent tours can be amazing.

That said, there are definitely exceptions.

Moorea

We spent time in Moorea before the cruise, so when the ship stopped there, we did not need to do a Windstar excursion.

If you are visiting Moorea for the first time, I would recommend either a snorkeling tour or a 4×4 land tour. Moorea is one of those islands where both the lagoon and the mountains are worth seeing.

Moorea Excursion Links:

Raiatea and Taha’a

Raiatea was such a great opportunity because the ship docked overnight, so we had more flexibility.

We booked a snorkeling excursion independently to Taha’a, and because the ship stayed overnight, there was no stress about rushing back. This was a great place to book on your own if you are comfortable with the logistics.

If you want to stay on Raiatea, I would look at options like the Fa’aroa River, vanilla plantations, or cultural/nature tours.

Raiatea and Taha’a Excursion Links:

Huahine

Do not stay on the ship in Huahine.

This was one of the least touristy islands we visited, and it felt so special. We booked the Nature 4×4 tour through Windstar, and in this case, booking through the ship made sense because private tour availability can be limited when the ship is in town. Huahine is not the place I would wing it. Get off the ship and see the island.

Onboard Entertainment and Evening Vibe

Windstar is quiet at night compared with what many people expect from larger cruise ships.

There is no casino, which was a little sad for us. Evenings were simple: music, drinks, the crew talent show, stargazing, and relaxing outside.

Most nights, we ended up at the Star Bar, which is across from Star Grill. We had drinks, enjoyed the sky, and settled into the slower pace.

This is not the ship you book for huge shows or constant entertainment. The evenings are much more low-key, which can be great if you are looking for a relaxing, destination-focused trip.

The Service Was Unreal

The service was one of the best parts of the cruise.

The crew learned our names and preferences almost immediately. It felt personal without being over the top.

This is where the small-ship experience really shines. You are not one of thousands of people, and the crew actually gets to know you.

What Windstar Does Best on This Itinerary

Where Windstar really shines is making French Polynesia feel easier.

You unpack once, but you still get to see multiple islands. You avoid constant airport transfers, ferry schedules, and hotel changes, while still getting access to places like Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea.

The small-ship service also makes a huge difference. The ship never felt overwhelming, the food was strong, and the whole experience felt personal without being overly formal.

For me, the biggest value of this cruise is not just the ship itself. It is how much of French Polynesia you get to experience without the usual island-hopping stress.

What I Wish I Knew Before Boarding

The second you get on the ship, schedule your specialty dining.

Every guest gets the opportunity to dine at Candles and Basil + Bamboo, but you still need to make reservations. If you want your preferred date and time, book those as soon as you board.

My other big tip is for the Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event: do not wait for your assigned tender time. Go when you are ready. On our sailing, the transfer process was delayed, and by the time we arrived, they had already run out of a lot of the food.

I would also bring an underwater camera or action camera. Between the motus, snorkeling, watersports platform, and lagoon tours, there are so many moments you will want to capture.

Camera I Recommend: DJI Osmo Action 4 Bundle

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Windstar in Tahiti?

Yes — for the right traveler, I absolutely would.

Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti cruise is one of the easiest ways to see more of French Polynesia without losing half your trip to logistics. You unpack once, but still get to visit islands like Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea.

For me, this cruise makes the most sense if you pair it with at least a little time on land. I loved that we spent a few nights in Moorea first because we got to really experience one island before switching into cruise mode.

It is not flashy, it is not a party cruise, and it is not for people who need huge shows, casinos, waterslides, or constant entertainment.

But if you want great food, unreal service, beautiful islands, and an easier way to experience more of French Polynesia, this cruise makes a lot of sense.

And if this is part of a bigger French Polynesia trip, the porthole suite can be a smart place to save. Since most of the cabins are the same size, you still get the spacious suite experience without paying more just for a different window or view.

If I had a $10,000 Tahiti budget, I would split it between a land stay and this cruise. You get time to really experience one island, then an easy way to see the rest.

For us, Windstar’s Dreams of Tahiti cruise was absolutely worth it.

Now you read about the trip, you can see the whole cruise in action on my vlog

Need Help Planning Your French Polynesia Trip?

Want to chat about planning a trip to French Polynesia?

I offer travel consultations to help you budget your time and money, choose the right hotels and experiences, and build a trip that actually makes sense for your travel style.