A Magical Tahiti Luxury Cruise Experience

Thirty-seven years ago, we set sail from Papeete on a Society Islands cruise for our honeymoon.

In January this year, I returned to cruise Tahiti again — yes, with the same husband 😊 — and I can confidently say a Tahiti luxury cruise is just as magical the second time around.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Many ships transit through French Polynesia on Pacific crossings. However, only two operate year-round in the region: Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises. If you are weighing up options, this Windstar Tahiti cruise review will give you a clear sense of what to expect.

We sailed on Star Breeze for a seven-night French Polynesia cruise through the Society Islands — and it was fabulous. Originally Seabourn Spirit, Star Breeze was “stretched” in 2019, adding additional suites while retaining her boutique feel. With just 312 guests and 190 crew, this is true small ship cruising in Tahiti — intimate, relaxed, and highly personalised.

Luxurious Accommodations

The suites are exceptionally spacious at 26sqm. If you are planning a Bora Bora cruise or romantic escape, I strongly recommend upgrading to a Juliet Balcony. Being able to open the doors to the warm tropical air transforms the experience. We slept with ours open most nights, listening to the sea — an overwater bungalow alternative that floats.

Onboard Experience

There’s a theatre and lounge, two main restaurants, and a relaxed pool grill. Dining is flexible — buffet or à la carte — with indoor and al fresco options. The service throughout this Windstar Tahiti cruise was warm and intuitive.

Windstar offers an ‘All In’ package including beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. For a seamless Tahiti luxury cruise experience, it is well worth considering.

Entertainment ranged from talented guest performers to a wonderfully entertaining crew show. I’m also delighted to report that our trivia team secured the coveted grand prize — a Windstar fridge magnet!

One evening, local Polynesian dancers joined us poolside for traditional performances under the stars — exactly the cultural immersion you hope for on a French Polynesia cruise.

Exploring Bora Bora, Moorea & Huahine

This seven-night itinerary includes:

• Moorea — dramatic peaks and lagoon adventures

• Bora Bora — iconic turquoise waters

• Huahine — lush, authentic, and beautifully unspoiled

• Return to Papeete

  
  

In Bora Bora, we spent four hours circling the lagoon by speedboat — a true Bora Bora lagoon cruise experience. At a reef “cleaning station,” we swam above a majestic manta ray while tiny reef fish attended to it. It moved slowly and gracefully beneath us in shallow water. Unforgettable.

The watersports marina is another highlight of this small ship cruise in Tahiti. A platform lowers from the stern, providing direct access to the lagoon, with paddleboards, kayaks, and floating mats available — all supervised by attentive crew.

We also enjoyed a day on a private motu with snorkelling and white sand beaches, followed by a private island BBQ with local entertainment and mesmerising fire dancers. These are the moments that define a Tahiti cruise holiday.

Is a Tahiti Cruise Worth It?

January falls within the rainy season, so we were fortunate with mostly warm tropical weather and only brief showers.

For travellers considering a Tahiti winter escape from NZ or Australia, this itinerary is ideal. No long-haul flight to Europe is required — yet you still enjoy a world-class tropical experience close to home.

Tahiti is not inexpensive; however, a French Polynesia small ship cruise offers excellent value when you consider accommodation, dining, entertainment, and experiences are included. It truly is the ultimate overwater bungalow — one that carries you effortlessly between Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine.

Returning 37 years later confirmed it for me: Tahiti by sea remains one of the most romantic and rewarding ways to experience French Polynesia.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude. The beauty of Tahiti is unparalleled, and the memories we created will last a lifetime. If you are considering a luxury cruise, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge. You won't regret it.

Travel well,

Kerry