What a year it has been.
our 20th The wedding anniversary has passed. Our son graduated high school and started college. Our daughter is a senior in high school and is going through the excitement and anxiety of applying on her own. Our aging parents need endless time and support. We've faced some real 50+ health challenges ourselves. The story about my brother, well, we’ll save that for another day.
We need a vacation. To a large extent. In a way that only those overwhelmed, middle-aged, sandwich-generation couples with full-time jobs and taking care of everything for everyone can understand.
But even the thought of planning a vacation can be overwhelming. Where should we go? Where do we live? What should we do? Dining reservations, activities, transportation…. There are too many now. My wife, Stephanie, and I have a habit of researching trips endlessly and planning every detail. We have always enjoyed it and consider ourselves very independent travelers. How can we really take a vacation, disappear, relax, without having to plan anything?
“How about taking a cruise?” It felt like a bold suggestion.
Stephanie looked at me like we had never met before. Our friends cruise. They enjoy water slides, family pools, movie theaters, driving ranges, all-you-can-eat buffets. One of the ships even has a roller coaster. A towering hive of bustle, like a small city on the water, they never have to leave the ship. If they had done so, another 3,000 people would have flooded the crowded port for several hours.
“Cruising is not for us,” she said, as if it were obvious. Of course, we love taking part in the action, exploring places, and meeting new people. We like to work on our own schedule and be able to go where we want when we want.
But this trip will be different. My knowledge goes beyond what we know about the way large ships travel. Perhaps less well known, but definitely more attractive to us, is a luxury cruise on a small ship. “What if we try,” I said, more confident this time, “a small cruise ship that takes us to a cute little port where we can explore or relax as we please?”
So we booked Windstar's Tahiti Dream travel. Booked a flight. Calendar marked. And forgot all about it.
No plan? no problem.
Without any plans, we arrived at the port of Papeete, boarded the ship, and began seven glorious days sailing around the Society Islands. We had no idea what to expect, but what we discovered would forever change our view of what a cruise can be and what a vacation should be.
From the outset, the exceptional and highly personalized level of service was evident. Soon we were being called by our first names every time by the smiling staff. We were invited to choose from a range of activities and dining options to suit our tastes. Then go on our own adventure and design our own vacation at our own pace and schedule.
The week was set to be a world of free food, relaxation, adventure and breathtaking scenery, and we would have been hard-pressed to see this otherworldly place any other way. Mornings were leisurely with coffee and reading in the lounge and enjoying a slow start to the day on the foredeck. In our own time, we board a supply ship with a few people and putt our way to port for the day's activities.
One day, while we were spending the day at the beach in Moorea, we slipped into a sandy cove by ourselves and took a nap under a palm tree. There was also an e-bike tour of Huahine Island where we and a small group glided along the coast and learned about life on the island. We snorkeled in the shallow coral gardens and enjoyed a stunning sunset cruise with local musicians playing. And of course, there was the unforgettable day out at the private Motu Mahaea, where the staff prepared a sumptuous lunch filled with island favorites such as fresh seafood, delicious roast chicken, perfectly ripe fruit and a full bar with a variety of warm weather drinks. They brought paddleboards, kayaks, and of course lounge chairs from the dock at Star Breeze so we could spend the day under the palm trees and lazing in the clear water along the white sand beach.
Every day, people set off on their own excursions, scattered across the islands, to experience whatever experience they choose. Not crowded, not rushed, days relaxed and relaxed, based on our own schedule.
After a day of playing in the sea and sun, we returned to the boat to find our cabin meticulously cleaned and a small gift on the bed. And (hands down my wife's favorite part) our clothes are clean and pressed, waiting for us on the bed (or hanging in the walk-in closet). Every other detail was taken care of, too, even down to the new bookmark that slid in on the page my wife had open.
In the evening we sat outside on the deck with a drink in hand, watching the sun slip below the horizon and enjoying one spectacular sunset after another. The golden light sweeps across the waves, a reflection of the day and of us. It’s an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and re-examine everything we do, do and love in our busy family lives.
new perspective
Then into the evening. We would dress elegantly for dinner, meet new friends and share stories from the day. Our favorite restaurant, Amphora, has a new menu every night, including James Beard Award-winning chefs exclusively serve Windstar.
Every night is unique and the perfect way to end a great day. Take a walk on the deck after dinner. The full moon rises above the towering spiers of Bora Bora or behind the lush mountains of Moorea. These nights and scenes will always be with us.
“Cruising isn’t for us,” we initially thought.
But this is no ordinary cruise. A fact that has been proven time and time again.
All week long people have been asking if this is our first Wind Star cruise. “This is our first cruise of any kind,” we replied. The response was a universal “Wow.” Then, as experienced cruisers, they share their insights. We start from the top. We spoil ourselves for others. Picked the best one. There is no turning back now. This is as good as it gets.
As the trip came to an end and we returned to Papeete, we were sad to leave our new friends, staff and guests. Our bookmarks were untouched, a sign that we spent a week exploring the world. Time flies and is filled with new people, places and extraordinary experiences. We all agreed when we disembarked feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready for a fulfilling life back home.
We may not be a “traditional” cruiser. But we are definitely Windstar cruisers.
if you go
In 2026, the star wind sets sail Tahiti is open year roundoffering programs suitable for first-timers, such as Tahiti Dreams, as well as more exotic endeavors in the Marquesas and Cook Islands. In 2027, Windstar's 148-passenger motor sailing vessel Wind Star will serve the region alongside Star Breeze two special ships Experience French Polynesia.
