Star Breeze

Scuba Diving Excursion was disappointing. Felt more like we were being herded as cattle and less about our experience. I would recommend another Dive Shop. This one was too much about $$$.

If you've never been to the islands of Tahiti, it's hard to know which ones to visit. Everyone's heard of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, but there are so many other islands to see and experience. Windstar makes it so easy to experience multiple islands, without packing, moving, and unpacking, by starting its itinerary in Papeete and returning there at the end of the voyage. Some locations have overnight stays, which provide the opportunity for more time in port (this is true in Bora Bora, and some guests fulfilled the dream of staying in an overwater bungalow over night). With Windstar's all-in package, beverages, staff gratuities and wifi are included, so it's a budget conscious way to travel in the islands, not worrying about how much a soda or a meal costs...or even where to go for a good snack! Add in the reasonably priced laundry service for the voyage, and it's ideal! The Star Breeze sails Tahiti regularly, with a maximum occupancy of 350 guests, which is not an overwhelming number for the ports that the ship visits. Every day, there's a port talk about the next day's adventures, so guests get a preview of what to expect on the next island; this is very helpful. Also onboard are guest lecturers who talk about Polynesian history, migration, customs, and nature (such as free diving with whales!). The suites onboard are comfortable and quite spacious, even though there are only a few actual proper balconies; most rooms have a large picture window or a 'french balcony' that opens, but does not take up square footage away from the room. Pro tip: book your excursions in advance so you avoid disappointment! Visiting Tahiti is a 'once in a lifetime' experience for many people, but after seeing the islands by ship, it's no surprise that people are inspired to come back again!

I just returned from Windstar Cruises "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise aboard the Star Pride. I have nothing but excellent things to say about the ship, it's crew, the food and entertainment. I felt the crew went out of their way to get to know me. They knew what I liked and always greeted me with a smile and many new my name by the end of the cruise. This was not my first small ship but the experience was so much better than another luxury line that I have taken. I loved the casual atmosphere. One night I went up to the bridge and was given a tour and the crew even pointed out the Southern Cross star constellation. I had a chance to meet Chef Gavin. He was very personable and his food and menus were really delicious. The Veranda restaurant offered buffet dining for breakfast and dinner with a nice variety along with ala carte menu items you could order. At night the restaurant turns into an intimate specialty restaurant called Candles that served amazing seafood, steaks, chicken and vegetarian dishes. I was able to get Filet Mignon and Prime rib that melted in your mouth. One day I saw Chef Gavin ashore with a fish vendor who had that evenings fresh catch. It was huge and we later saw it being carved in the Star Grill. it was amazing. Arafin was our room attendant, and he was very friendly and helpful. We always had fresh ice without asking and fun towel animals at turn down service. I had a chance to get to know Carlos at guest reception. He became a friend by the end of the cruise and would call out my name and say hello as I walked by. I traveled with a group, and we were introduced to Guenter the hotel manager, Antony the beverage manager and Rafel the Maitre D. They were all very visible during the cruise, always asking how things were going and if they could do anything for us. I really cannot say enough about the staff, the food, the service and entertainment. This cruise featured a destination event and the ship brought the food off the ship and cooked it on an island to include Polynesian entertainment that was second to none. We really enjoyed the crew talent show. Other nights provided very talented singers and dancers. Tahiti was always high on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend doing this by small ship because just when you think you have seen your favorite island, you arrive at another that becomes your new favorite. I cannot wait to book another Windstar cruise in the near future.

The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.

The Windstar Grand Japan cruise itinerary was an ideal introduction to Japan and included a day trip to South Korea. A wide range of excursion options were available and, best of all, the guides were knowledgeable and personable. The onboard lectures by Dr. Emma Thompson were fascinating and offered keen insights into the history and culture of Japan. Onboard the staff and crew were very attentive, thoughtful and always welcoming. Requests were graciously responded to without hesitation. The recently renovated ship was beautiful and the staterooms were well-appointed, decorated nicely and quite comfortable. Several different dining options were always available which satisfied our appetites at all times of day. (We all gained a few pounds). The servers and chefs were very friendly and very attentive. The menu choices were diverse and delicious. The ship’s special on-deck buffet events were creative and enjoyable. And dining with the Chief Engineer and his first officer one evening was a real treat. It was lovely to have a spa onboard. We enjoyed massages and a facial, which were wonderfully relaxing. We also visited the relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms. It was great to have these amenities available to us. Our adventures were topped off by the evenings’ entertainments arranged and hosted by Grace Coddle, who also was a fantastic performer. The entertainment highlight was the crew’s talent show which left us touched by their songs and dances as well as laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. They were all fabulous! It was a very memorable cruise.