Star Collector: The Best of the Marquesas & French Polynesia

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Papeete

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Day 2

Moorea

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you’ll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Day 3

Raiatea

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Day 4

Raiatea

Day 5

Motu Mahaea, Near Taha'a

We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island. If guests would like to visit Taha’a, they must book a Windstar Cruises shore excursion. Guests without a shore excursion booked will be transferred directly to Motu Mahaea for a relaxing beach day.

Day 6

Bora Bora

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Day 7

Bora Bora

Day 8

Huahine

Anchor here in the place whose nickname is “Garden of Eden.” Take your time to explore the lush forests, the tropical landscapes, and the quaint villages to discover one of Polynesia’s best kept secrets. Here, at a slower pace, see a glimpse of the authentic South Pacific island lifestyle. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use And you’ll have your pick of the world’s best snorkeling once again.

Day 9

Papeete

Day 10

Day 11

Fakarava

Here is a rare opportunity to experience one of earth’s most beautiful – and most rare – places. Fakarava, a place so stunning, an ecosystem so diverse it has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This diver’s paradise welcomes you to a world of magnificent cauliflower coral, sleek grey sharks, and neon schools of tropical fish. This “Island of Dreams” is home to rare species of nesting birds and rare marine life living in tranquil harmony.

Day 12

Day 13

Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas

Known as the Island of Tapa, a long-forgotten art elsewhere, Fatu Hiva, with its 650 inhabitants, has a remarkable coastline full of rich vegetation. The locals here live mainly on fishing, coprah producing and growing nono, a fruit with medicinal virtues. Meet the local artists and learn about their time-honored traditions

Day 14

Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas

The final home and resting place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, Hiva Oa is watched over by many large stone tiki statues and boasts the tallest peak in the Marquesas, Mount Temetiu at 3,980 feet. Due to potential ocean swells, landings here are weather dependent. If weather allows, you can relax on black-sand beaches, enjoy exceptional snorkeling and diving, or explore the ancient Tehueto Petroglyphs.

Day 15

Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas

The second largest island in French Polynesia, this remote island is full of natural beauty in is deep bays, lush valleys, rocky peaks and narrow cliffside roads where you might come upon wild ponies. Giant banyan trees are found around ancient marae temples and ceremonial stone platforms as well as tiki statues outside huts. Find the 40-foot-tall Tiki Tuhiva sitting atop Mount Muake. Another interest is Tohua Koueva Archaeological Site with detailed restoration of ancient Marquesan life.

Ship

Your cruise ship

Star Breeze anchored near lush green mountains under a bright blue sky, reflecting in the tranquil water.

About this ship

Star Breeze

Star Breeze is a refined, all-suite yacht that embodies Windstar Cruises’ signature blend of relaxed luxury and immersive, small-ship exploration. Designed for just 312 guests, the ship offers a deeply personalized cruising experience—where attentive service, spacious accommodations, and authentic destination access come together in perfect balance.

Originally launched in 1989 and extensively reimagined in 2021 as part of Windstar’s ambitious $250 million Star Plus Initiative, Star Breeze has been thoughtfully modernized while retaining its classic yachting charm. A newly added 84-foot midsection expanded the ship’s capacity and introduced enhanced public spaces, additional suites, and new dining venues—all while preserving the intimate atmosphere that defines Windstar’s fleet.

Accommodations on Star Breeze are generously proportioned, with 156 ocean-view suites ranging in size from 277 to 820 square feet. Each suite is thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of quiet elegance, with rich materials, neutral tones, and custom furnishings. Guests enjoy queen-sized beds with premium linens, walk-in closets, and spacious marble bathrooms with double vanities and L’Occitane amenities. Many suites include private verandas or French balconies, offering personal access to the sea and fresh ocean air.

Dining aboard Star Breeze reflects Windstar’s focus on culinary excellence and regional authenticity. The ship features multiple dining venues, all included in the cruise fare. Amphora, the main dining room, offers ever-changing menus in an elegant, open-seating setting. Candles transforms the outdoor deck into an intimate steakhouse by night, while Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso delivers bold, modern Spanish flavors in a warmly inviting space. Star Grill by Steven Raichlen offers globally inspired barbecue with a side of ocean views, and the Yacht Club Café provides lighter fare, coffee, and pastries throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour in-suite dining, allowing for complete flexibility and comfort.

Public spaces on Star Breeze are designed for both social connection and serene retreat. The ship features a forward infinity pool and multiple whirlpools, open decks with panoramic views, and a newly enhanced World Spa, which includes treatment rooms, a thermal suite, and a sauna. A fitness center is equipped with modern machines and offers wellness classes. For ocean lovers, the watersports platform at the stern provides direct sea access and complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and more.

One of Star Breeze's most distinctive qualities is its ability to access smaller ports and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot reach. Whether navigating the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia, the colorful coastlines of Central America, or the historic harbors of the Mediterranean, the ship is designed to bring guests closer to the heart of each destination. Its modest size and maneuverability make it ideal for travelers who crave both luxury and authenticity in their journeys.

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