Sailing the Real Tahiti 

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

Sailing the Real Tahiti

By Sofia Lust




Raiatea,Tahiti.
Raiatea, French Polynesia

A Calmer Way to Arrive

Windstar’s Tahiti experience begins with the feeling of space. These are small yachts — under 300 guests — with wide decks, friendly crew members and none of the usual cruise noise. You’re not dropped into the middle of a crowd. Instead, you glide into port with time to breathe, greeted with music, flowers and a genuine sense of welcome.

The Islands Behind the Postcards

Yes, the water is that clear. And the mountains that sharp. But what makes Windstar’s itinerary different is the time it gives you to go beyond the surface. Swim with reef sharks in Bora Bora, kayak through quiet coves in Huahine or visit a pearl farm in Taha’

Travel Leaders Image
Bora Bora, French Polynesia

A Connection to Culture

One of the most thoughtful parts of this cruise is how it highlights the people and traditions of French Polynesia. There are onboard performances and cooking demos, yes — but also local guides who talk about island history, tattoo meanings and how traditional canoes are built. It brings to mind the movie Moana not just because of the ocean, but because the stories are real.

Life Onboard: Simple, Relaxed, Well Done

There’s no pressure to dress up or schedule every hour. Most guests spend the day in swimsuits and sandals, returning to fresh seafood dinners and long evenings under the stars. The service is warm and attentive without being over the top. If you want quiet, you’ll find it. If you want company, it’s there too.

Tahitian dance.
Tahitian Dance

Small-Ship Advantages

Because Windstar’s ships are smaller, they reach places bigger vessels can’t. Think shallow bays, tucked-away motus and overnight stays that let you see the islands without rushing. Shore excursions stay small too — no big bus tours or waiting in lines. Just you, a local guide and time to explore.

Why Windstar Is the Perfect Match

French Polynesia isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about taking it in slowly — something Windstar understands. Their pace, size and onboard style all suit this destination perfectly. You don’t just see the islands; you spend time with them.

And when you book through our agency, we help tailor the details — whether it’s extending your trip with a beach stay, adding private excursions or choosing the right sailing date. You focus on the experience; we take care of the rest.

SEE ALL CLASSIC BLOGS →
                              
SEARCH ARTICLES
                              

                           
ARTICLE TOPICS
                           
Cruise Destinations ▼
Cruise Lines ▼
Tours, Train, and Resorts ▼

                                    
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
                                    
Guest Contributor
READ MY ARTICLES →
Justin Gibson
READ MY ARTICLES →
Sofia Lust
READ MY ARTICLES →
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
READ MY ARTICLES →
Lisa Vongphachanh
READ MY ARTICLES →
John Bell
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar
READ MY ARTICLES →
Keith and Susie Boyland
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kim Jackson
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins
READ MY ARTICLES →

MORE REVIEWS
A New Era Begins for Crystal Cruises: First New Ship in 25 Years Announced

A New Era Begins for Crystal Cruises: First New Ship in 25 Years Announced

Luxury travelers have something extraordinary to look forward to. Crystal Cruises, a global leader in exceptional ocean voyages, has announced milestone dates for the construction of its first new ship in 25 years, scheduled for delivery in May 2028.

READ MORE →

Introducing Cross-Brand Loyalty Recognition Across the NCLH Family

Introducing Cross-Brand Loyalty Recognition Across the NCLH Family

At Cruise Specialists, we are always looking for ways to help our guests get the most value, flexibility, and recognition from their cruise loyalty programs. Today, we’re pleased to bring exciting news: beginning October 15, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which encompasses Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) will begin honoring loyalty status across all three of its brands.

READ MORE →

Iceland’s Wild West Coast & East Greenland: An Expedition Unlike Any Other

Iceland’s Wild West Coast & East Greenland: An Expedition Unlike Any Other

On July 27, 2025, the 136-guest National Geographic Endurance set sail from Reykjavik on a 12-day expedition to Iceland’s Wild West Coast and East Greenland, returning August 7. Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultants Gillian Clark and Karen McKinstry were aboard, and their firsthand experiences reveal why this was not just a cruise, it was an expedition that transformed how they saw the world.

READ MORE →

TRUSTED BY:
Conde Nast Traveler
Travel + Leisure
Wall Street Journal
CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
Forbes