28 nights · Tahiti Island French Polynesia · Departs Papeete · Visiting Fakarava Atoll Tuamotus, Fatu Hiva Island, Hiva Oa Island, Nuku Hiva Island, Rangiroa Atoll Tuamotus, Tahaa Island, Bora Bora Island, Moorea Island, Aitutaki Island, Rarotonga Island, Nukualofa, Taveuni Island Fiji, Savusavu, Dravuni Island Fiji, Lautoka · Aboard Windstar Cruises on the Star Breeze
Image courtesy of Windstar Cruises ©
| Cruise line | Windstar Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Star Breeze |
| Duration | 28 nights |
| Port calls | 16 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $9,997 per person |
| Year built | 1989 |
| Guests | 343 |
| Cabins | 156 |
| Crew | 190 |
| Length | 159 m |
| Beam | 19 m |
| Cruising speed | 15.0 kn |
Papeete is French Polynesia’s lively capital, set on Tahiti’s northwest coast beneath green volcanic peaks. Its waterfront, central market and shaded streets offer a vivid introduction to island life. Browse the Marché de Papeete for vanilla, pareos and tropical fruit, then pause over poisson cru, Tahiti’s lime-and-coconut-marinated fish. Beyond town, black-sand beaches and waterfalls await, while ferry links make Moorea an easy day trip. Papeete rewards a few hours on foot—and a longer look at Tahiti.
Fakarava is a vast coral atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago, where a narrow ribbon of land encloses a luminous lagoon. It is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its reefs, lagoons and fragile island ecosystems. At Garuae and Tumakohua passes, strong currents draw divers to schools of fish and gray reef sharks. On land, Rotoava offers a quiet glimpse of Tuamotu life, far from resort crowds.
Fatu Hiva, in the southern Marquesas, has no airport; most visitors arrive by sea. Ships approach Hanavave through steep volcanic cliffs, opening onto the celebrated Bay of Virgins. In Omoa, artisans make tapa from the bark of paper mulberry and breadfruit trees. Beyond the villages, tropical forest, waterfalls and the rugged road between Omoa and Hanavave invite exploration. Come for living craft and landscapes few travelers reach.
Hiva Oa shows the Marquesas at their most dramatic, with green ridges, deep valleys and volcanic cliffs. Atuona, the island’s principal village, offers a starting point for exploring its layered history. Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel are buried at Calvary Cemetery above the village. At Puamau, the Iipona archaeological site preserves imposing stone tiki and evidence of Marquesan culture. Go inland for an encounter with an island where art, history and landscape remain closely connected.
Nuku Hiva, largest island in the Marquesas, pairs volcanic peaks with deep valleys. Cruise ships anchor in Taiohae Bay, where the main village faces a broad waterfront. Look for tiki and ceremonial platforms, then head inland for waterfalls, forested valleys, and Pacific views. A guided excursion to Hakaui Valley leads on a demanding walk to Vaipo Falls, one of Polynesia’s highest waterfalls.
In the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa is a vast coral atoll, its reef enclosing one of the Pacific’s largest lagoons. At Tiputa Pass, currents draw dolphins, rays and reef fish close to shore, while divers explore blue-water drop-offs. On land, quiet villages, black-pearl farms and coconut palms reveal a Polynesia shaped by the sea. Come for the lagoon’s scale, and discover a slower Polynesia, measured by tides, trade winds and open water.
Taha’a shares a remarkable lagoon with neighbouring Raiatea, yet keeps a distinctly rural pace. Visit family-run vanilla plantations and learn how the island’s prized beans are grown and cured. Beyond the shore, coral gardens and motu-fringed waters invite snorkelling, while pearl farms offer a glimpse of another local craft. For a gentler day, explore the village roads and pause for views across the lagoon to Raiatea.
Bora Bora’s volcanic silhouette rises from one of French Polynesia’s most celebrated lagoons. Mount Otemanu anchors the view, while a coral reef shelters clear water, small motu and abundant marine life. Explore by boat, snorkel among rays and reef fish, or linger on Matira Beach, the island’s best-known public beach. Beyond the resorts, Vaitape offers a glimpse of everyday island life.
Moorea’s jagged volcanic peaks rise above a lagoon so clear that the reef appears close enough to touch. A short ferry ride from Tahiti, this Society Islands destination offers a quieter, greener counterpoint to Papeete. Follow the coast past pineapple fields and small villages. Then climb to Belvedere Lookout for broad views of Cook’s and Opunohu bays. Swim, snorkel or take a lagoon cruise; Moorea rewards unhurried exploration as much as adventure.
Papeete is French Polynesia’s lively capital, set on Tahiti’s northwest coast beneath green volcanic peaks. Its waterfront, central market and shaded streets offer a vivid introduction to island life. Browse the Marché de Papeete for vanilla, pareos and tropical fruit, then pause over poisson cru, Tahiti’s lime-and-coconut-marinated fish. Beyond town, black-sand beaches and waterfalls await, while ferry links make Moorea an easy day trip. Papeete rewards a few hours on foot—and a longer look at Tahiti.
Moorea’s jagged volcanic peaks rise above a lagoon so clear that the reef appears close enough to touch. A short ferry ride from Tahiti, this Society Islands destination offers a quieter, greener counterpoint to Papeete. Follow the coast past pineapple fields and small villages. Then climb to Belvedere Lookout for broad views of Cook’s and Opunohu bays. Swim, snorkel or take a lagoon cruise; Moorea rewards unhurried exploration as much as adventure.
Bora Bora’s volcanic silhouette rises from one of French Polynesia’s most celebrated lagoons. Mount Otemanu anchors the view, while a coral reef shelters clear water, small motu and abundant marine life. Explore by boat, snorkel among rays and reef fish, or linger on Matira Beach, the island’s best-known public beach. Beyond the resorts, Vaitape offers a glimpse of everyday island life.
Aitutaki’s vast lagoon defines the island: shallow turquoise water, coral reefs and palm-fringed motu. Arutanga’s village roads reveal a quiet, low-lying island of churches, small shops and everyday Cook Islands life. Boat trips reach motu beaches and snorkeling grounds, with One Foot Island a popular stop. Allow time to swim or kayak; the lagoon’s changing blues reward a slower pace.
Rarotonga is the Cook Islands’ largest island, ringed by a turquoise lagoon. Beyond the reef, a forested volcanic interior rises to Mount Te Manga. Circle the coast by bus, browse Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, or swim and snorkel from white-sand beaches. On Sundays, church services bring remarkable singing; inland, trails lead through tropical forest. Stay for the lagoon, but make time for the island’s everyday life.
Nuku'alofa, Tonga’s compact capital, brings you ashore on Tongatapu, the kingdom’s largest island. Walk the waterfront to the Royal Palace, a wooden landmark still used by Tonga’s royal family. At Talamahu Market, growers sell taro, yams, coconuts and seasonal fruit beneath a lively roof. Beyond town, Tongatapu’s low coastline reveals blowholes, ancient stone monuments and villages shaped by a living Polynesian culture.
Taveuni is Fiji’s Garden Island, where volcanic slopes, rainforest and waterfalls rise above the Somosomo Strait. From port, explore Bouma National Heritage Park and its Tavoro waterfalls, reached by trails through lush forest. Offshore, Rainbow Reef is famed for coral and marine life, with diving and snorkelling among the island’s signature experiences. Village visits and plantation scenery offer a gentler change of pace; sturdy shoes make inland excursions more rewarding.
Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, offers a quieter, more intimate side of Fiji. Yachts frequent its deep, sheltered bay, while the compact waterfront brings shops, cafés, and local life within easy reach. Steam rises from natural hot springs beside the road; nearby, the market displays tropical fruit, fish, and island produce. Venture inland for rainforest, waterfalls, and village visits, ideally arranged with a local guide.
Dravuni Island lies in Fiji’s southern Kadavu group, beside the Great Astrolabe Reef. Its village, palm-fringed shore and green volcanic rise make a striking first impression. A path climbs to the island’s highest point, where reef and lagoon spread below. Swim or snorkel from the beach, then discover village life on this small, welcoming island.
Lautoka, Fiji’s second-largest city, sits on Viti Levu’s western coast, where sugar fields meet the Pacific. Known as the Sugar City, it offers a glimpse of everyday Fijian life beyond the resorts. Browse the municipal market, stroll the botanical gardens, or take in the waterfront before heading farther west. Lautoka is also a departure point for excursions to the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups.
Published September 20, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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