A Different Way to See the World
We recently had the opportunity to sail with Windstar Cruises in both Europe and Tahiti, giving us firsthand insight into how different two Windstar journeys can be.
What stayed with us was the intimate atmosphere, genuinely wonderful service, excellent cuisine, and relaxed pace onboard. There is a refined simplicity to Windstar. The ships are comfortable and elegant, but the focus remains on where you are going and the experiences you are sharing along the way.
We also discovered that Windstar can be a wonderful choice for multigenerational travel, particularly for families who value time together, destination experiences, and personalized service more than a ship filled with attractions and scheduled entertainment.
What we love about Windstar is that the experience can feel completely different depending on where you choose to sail.
You can explore the historic cities and coastlines of Europe during the quieter winter season, or trade winter coats for the turquoise lagoons and tropical beauty of Tahiti and French Polynesia.
We have experienced both, and there is a lot to love about each.
Winter in Europe With Windstar
Europe in the winter was an amazing surprise.
The destinations were less crowded, lines were shorter, and we could explore at a much more relaxed pace. Places that can feel incredibly busy during the summer took on a different personality, giving us more time to enjoy the architecture, history, restaurants, cafés, and everyday rhythm of each destination.
We also loved the cooler weather.
We would much rather start the day wearing a few layers and take them off as it warms up than spend an afternoon sightseeing while sweating through the summer heat.
For us, winter made exploring Europe more comfortable and, in many ways, more enjoyable.
Why consider a winter cruise in Europe?
- Fewer crowds at popular landmarks
- Shorter lines and a more relaxed sightseeing pace
- Cooler, more comfortable temperatures for exploring
- More opportunities to settle into local restaurants and cafés
- A festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year's sailings
- More time to appreciate Europe's culture, history, and cuisine without the peak-season rush
Windstar's smaller ships are particularly well suited to this style of travel.
The emphasis is not on making the ship the destination. Instead, the ship becomes an intimate home base while you explore the places you traveled so far to experience.
There is still wonderful food, attentive service, and plenty of time to relax onboard, but the destination remains at the center of the journey.
Or Escape to Tahiti and French Polynesia
If warm weather, beautiful islands, and impossibly clear water are calling, Windstar in Tahiti and French Polynesia offers an entirely different experience. Windstar's yacht-style ships feel completely at home here.
Sailing among islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, and Huahine, you never feel far removed from the water or the destination. The ship's smaller scale creates a sense of connection that feels particularly natural in French Polynesia. Depending on the itinerary, experiences may include:
- Overnight stays in Bora Bora on select sailings
- Snorkeling among colorful fish and coral gardens
- Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other activities from the ship's watersports marina when conditions permit
- A private motu experience featuring Polynesian food, music, and dancing
- Beautiful beaches and remarkably clear turquoise lagoons
- Opportunities to experience Polynesian culture and traditions
- Excursions ranging from island exploration and e-biking to snorkeling and pearl experiences
- The option to add an overwater bungalow stay before or after your cruise
One of the things we loved most was how connected we felt to our surroundings. On a larger ship, you can sometimes feel as though you are observing the destination from a distance. On Windstar in French Polynesia, the water, islands, and scenery feel like part of the entire experience.
You are not simply cruising past Tahiti. You feel immersed in it.
Windstar for Multigenerational Travel
Our Windstar cruise was also a wonderful choice for traveling with multiple generations. Everyone could experience the vacation at their own pace while still enjoying plenty of meaningful time together. Some family members could head ashore for a more active excursion, while others could choose a leisurely morning or relax onboard. We could then reconnect over meals, evenings, and the destination experiences we shared.
There are no endless bells and whistles competing for everyone's attention.
You actually spend time together. That was one of our favorite parts of the experience. Windstar can be particularly appealing for:
- Families traveling with older children and young adults
- Adult children traveling with parents
- Couples traveling with parents or extended family
- Milestone birthdays and anniversaries
- Groups of friends
- Travelers who prefer smaller ships and personalized service
- Anyone looking for a relaxed yet refined alternative to a traditional cruise
Windstar does not offer the traditional children's programming and kids' clubs found on many larger cruise ships. For our family, that worked beautifully. With a new destination to explore nearly every day, there was always something for us to experience together. Instead of separating for different onboard activities, we spent our time sightseeing, trying new things, sharing meals, and making memories as a family.
Our son was also one of the youngest guests onboard, and the wonderful crew absolutely spoiled him with attention throughout the cruise. That personal interaction is something we still talk about.
Europe or Tahiti: Which Windstar Experience Is Calling You?
Would you rather wander through Europe's historic cities without the summer crowds or swim in the warm turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia?
They are two completely different vacations, which is exactly why we enjoy Windstar so much. For some travelers, the appeal is winter in Europe, with cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and the chance to experience familiar destinations in an entirely different way. For others, it is Tahiti, where the days revolve around beautiful islands, warm water, Polynesian culture, and an easygoing pace. And for some, the answer may simply be both.
Whether you are considering a Windstar cruise in Europe, a Tahiti and French Polynesia cruise, or trying to decide whether small-ship cruising is the right fit for you or your family, we would be delighted to help.
We can help you sort through ships, itineraries, timing, stateroom options, and experiences to find the journey that fits how you like to travel.
Interested in experiencing Windstar for yourself?
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We can share the Windstar itineraries we recommend, current promotions, and any additional amenities or benefits that may be available when booking through Taylor Elite Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windstar Cruises
What is Windstar Cruises known for?
Windstar Cruises is known for its intimate, small-ship cruising experience, personalized service, destination-focused itineraries, and relaxed onboard atmosphere. Its ships are considerably smaller than traditional mega-ships, creating an experience that often feels more like sailing aboard a private yacht than taking a conventional cruise.
Is Windstar a luxury cruise line?
Windstar offers a relaxed and refined style of small-ship cruising with attentive service, thoughtfully prepared cuisine, and an intimate onboard atmosphere. The experience is less formal than that of some traditional luxury cruise lines, which makes it especially appealing to travelers who appreciate quality and personalized service without seeking a highly structured or formal environment.
Is Windstar good for families and multigenerational travel?
For the right family, Windstar can be an excellent option for multigenerational travel, especially for families traveling with older children and young adults.
Windstar does not focus on children's programming, water parks, or large-scale onboard attractions. Instead, families spend their time exploring destinations, sharing meals, enjoying excursions, and experiencing the journey together.
For families who value meaningful time together and destination-focused travel, that can be one of Windstar's greatest strengths.
Does Windstar cruise in Tahiti and French Polynesia?
Yes. Windstar offers small-ship cruises throughout Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, and Huahine, as well as other destinations in the region, depending on the itinerary.
The smaller yacht-style ships are particularly well-suited to French Polynesia and offer a very different experience from visiting the islands aboard a large cruise ship.
What can you do on a Windstar cruise in Tahiti?
Depending on the itinerary and conditions, a Windstar Tahiti cruise may include opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, island tours, cultural experiences, and excursions throughout French Polynesia.
Select itineraries may also feature overnight stays in Bora Bora, private motu experiences, and opportunities to enjoy Windstar's watersports marina directly from the ship.
Travelers can also consider adding an overwater bungalow stay before or after their cruise for a longer French Polynesian experience.
Does Windstar sail Europe during the winter?
Windstar offers select European and Mediterranean sailings during the quieter winter season.
For travelers who do not mind cooler temperatures, winter can be a wonderful time to experience Europe. There are generally fewer crowds, a more relaxed pace, and seasonal experiences unavailable during the summer months.
Christmas markets, holiday festivities, and New Year's celebrations can also make certain winter itineraries particularly special.
What is the difference between Windstar and a large cruise ship?
The biggest difference is scale.
Windstar's smaller ships create a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. You will not find the water parks, enormous theaters, shopping promenades, or extensive children's facilities associated with today's largest cruise ships.
Instead, Windstar emphasizes personalized service, dining, time in destination, and a quieter onboard experience.
For travelers who care more about where they are going than how many attractions are aboard the ship, that difference can be significant.
Who is Windstar best for?
Windstar can be especially appealing to travelers who enjoy:
- Small ships and fewer guests
- Personalized service
- Destination-focused itineraries
- Excellent food in a relaxed setting
- Couples and multigenerational trips
- Active sightseeing and cultural experiences
- A quieter alternative to large-ship cruising
- Travel that feels refined without being overly formal
The best way to determine whether Windstar is right for you is to consider not only the ship, but also the itinerary, season, and type of experience you want from your vacation.
Curious whether Windstar would be the right fit for your next trip? Click here to connect with Taylor Elite Travel and tell us what you have in mind.
