Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic

The Far Flung French Polynesia and Marquesas Magic is a 11-night Pacific cruise aboard Star Breeze, operated by Windstar Cruises. Departing Papeete on December 17, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports. Fares start from $4,785 per person.

Length: 11 nights
Departs: Dec 17, 2026
Returns: Dec 28, 2026
Ports of call: 7
Days at sea: 3

from $4,785

$435 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 17, 2026 Papeete Departs 18:00 In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Papeete photo — Day 1 Dec 17, 2026 Papeete Departs 18:00 In the heart of the Pacific Ocean exists a paradise of crystal clear waters, white beaches and primitive vegetation. A place of pure beauty, where every corner hides wonderful treasures. It is French Polynesia, home of the island of Tahiti and the bustling port city of Papeete. This is where your incredibly beautiful vacation with MSC World Cruise will start on a journey to discover sensational places. It is the home of pearls; in Papeete, you can visit the first museum in the worlddedicated to the processing of these natural jewels, in particular the black pearl of Tahiti, the protagonist of the museum named after one of the largest cultivators of pearls, Robert Wan. Here each step of the delicate process of harvesting and processing pearls will be explained and you can learn how they become beautiful jewels. The museum also offers a comprehensive guide to the history and legends associated with pearls, crossing various cultures and civilizations. During your MSC Cruise into this exotic land, you will have the opportunity to visit the pulsating center of the city of Papeete, famous for its market. Activity begins at first light, with fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and crafts. It is a place not to be missed especially early in the morning to breathe in its magical atmosphere before it is full of people. The entire island of Tahiti offers visitors a hiking dream, including walks in Bougainville Park, full of flowers and manicured plants, or a ride to Marae Arahurahu, the best place to admire the old traditional Polynesian temples and learn about their history by admiring one of the best preserved on these islands. MSC Cruises also offers a fantastic tour in the sky of Tahiti to see the whole island in one fell swoop. Papeete port guide Search cruises visiting Papeete

Day 3 Dec 19, 2026 Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore The 77 Tuamotus, (the name means “Distant Islands” in Polynesian) comprise the largest chain of coral atolls on earth. They sprawl across the vast blue South Pacific Ocean encompassing an area the size of Western Europe. Atolls are literally the skeletal remains of coral reefs, forming rings of crushed coral sand surrounding a shallow central lagoon. The natural flora and fauna of the Oceanic realm is adapted to this environment, and Fakarava’s large lagoon is designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The people of Fakarava farm coconuts for copra on shore and pearls in the lagoons. They also host the travelers who flock here to bask on the beaches and snorkel or dive in the luxuriant coral gardens along the shore. At the long spit of Les Sables Roses, the pink blush of the sand reveals its coral origin. The sleepy towns of Rotoava and Tetamanu offer scant attractions for visitors, except for their distinctive rock lighthouses shaped like stepped pyramids. Tetamanu does boast a 19th Century church built of coral rock by missionaries, and an adjoining cemetery with coral rock headstones. Aside from snorkeling or beach-basking, some visitors enjoy a visit to a lagoon pearl farm, to see how the large, flat bivalves are coaxed into creating the treasured gems formed by the lustrous nacre inside their shells.

Day 6 Dec 22, 2026 Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marguesas Isl 08:00 – 21:00 13.0 hrs ashore The largest of the southern islands, Hiva Oa, the master pillar or finial post of the ‘Great House’ - which represents the Marquesan archipelago in the local mythology - has always been the rival of Nuku Hiva. The island is shaped like a seahorse and has a mountain range running southwest to northeast whose main peaks, Mt. Temetiu and Mt. Feani form a real wall around Atuona. Atuona, a peaceful little port at the head of the Taaoa Bay, also known as Traitors Bay, has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being the last resting place of Paul Gauguin and of the singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage. In the village, the Gauguin Museum displays items related to the painter's stay there at the beginning of the century and has copies of his works.

Day 7 Dec 23, 2026 Taiohae 08:00 – 14:00 6.0 hrs ashore The dramatic landscape of the Marquesas is like nowhere else in French Polynesia. Formed by volcanoes, islands like Nuku Hiva—home to the charming port town of Taiohae—don't have a barrier reef or lagoon to protect them. As such, the sea crashes directly up onto the shore, creating wild scenery that has inspired artists and writers from Paul Gauguin to Herman Melville. At the base of craggy, soaring peaks, Taiohae may be the main "city" in this far-flung island group, but don't expect tall buildings or massive resorts. Instead, Taiohae has a peaceful village vibe with an air of tropical languor. There's not much to do other than wander and shop. And shop you should, as the Marquesans are known for their excellent handicrafts. On Nuku Hiva you'll find skilled carvers working in wood, bone and volcanic stone to create true pieces of art. Beyond Taiohae are opportunities to explore Nuku Hiva's wild interior—replete with sharp basalt pinnacles and lush, green river valleys—by either horseback or on foot.

Day 9 Dec 25, 2026 Rangiroa 09:00 – 16:00 7.0 hrs ashore The world's second-biggest atoll, Rangiroa, is a wonderfully languorous and remote place to explore. It's beautiful: The stark whiteness of the bleached coral contrasted against the turquoise water creates vivid delight for the eyes. The lagoon here is vast and dazzling, ringed by gorgeous white-sand islets accessible only by boat and just perfect for lazing away a long afternoon. The majority of visitors come here to dive, but Rangi (as locals call it) offers more ways to explore its magnificent lagoon than to just go deep: Opt instead for a relaxed snorkel, or take a glass-bottom boat out for a cruise. The port town of Avatoru may seem middle-of-nowhere quiet to most Westerners, but this is the hub of the Tuamotu Archipelago. The town's paved roads, shops and even gourmet restaurants are not standard amenities on other atolls in this far-flung island group. But should you prefer to not spend the day in the water, there are experiences to be had on terra firma. Head to a small site overlooking Tiputa Pass to watch the daily performances of dolphins dancing in the waves created by the strong current. Or stop in at a pearl farm to learn how the famed black pearls are cultured—and then treat yourself to a bit of shopping afterward.

Day 10 Dec 26, 2026 Bora Bora Arrives 14:00 If you have ever dreamt up your ideal island holiday, we suspect it goes something like this: Soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, first time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway less than 12 m2 in the heart of the South Pacific has been toping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners – spectacularly romantic sunsets are a speciality – Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world’s most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua Safaris will charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora’s lush hinterland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar) are a must. Bora Bora’s peaceful ambience has not always been the case. The island was a US supply base, known as “Operation Bobcat” during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of which is still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vava’u in ancient times. This supports belief that the island was colonised by Tongans prior to French annex in 1888. Bora Bora port guide Search cruises visiting Bora Bora

Bora Bora photo — Day 10 Dec 26, 2026 Bora Bora Arrives 14:00 If you have ever dreamt up your ideal island holiday, we suspect it goes something like this: Soapy blue seas? Check. Sparkling white beaches? Check. Thatched wooden huts, gently sloping palm trees and kaleidoscopic marine life? Check, check and check. And yet, even by ticking every box, first time viewing of Bora Bora still beggars belief. This tropical hideaway less than 12 m2 in the heart of the South Pacific has been toping travel wish lists for years. Long considered the realm of honeymooners – spectacularly romantic sunsets are a speciality – Bora Bora is not just for wandering with your love. If the prismatic shades of blue of the world’s most beautiful lagoon do not fill you up, then perhaps underwater scooters and aqua Safaris will charge your batteries. If exploring Bora Bora’s lush hinterland is more your glass of tequila sunrise, then trips around the island (often stopping off at the celebrity haunt Bloody Mary Restaurant & Bar) are a must. Bora Bora’s peaceful ambience has not always been the case. The island was a US supply base, known as “Operation Bobcat” during WWII. During this time, Bora Bora was home to nine ships, 20,000 tons of equipment and nearly 7,000 men. Eight massive 7-inch naval cannons were installed around the island, all but one of which is still in place. Although little is known of the history of the island, it is known that Bora Bora was called Vava’u in ancient times. This supports belief that the island was colonised by Tongans prior to French annex in 1888. Bora Bora port guide Search cruises visiting Bora Bora

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 78-day span: $3,630 · range $3,630–$4,785

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,785

$435 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,785

$435 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,005

$455 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Star Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,115

$465 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,225

$475 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,335

$485 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $6,435

$585 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,435

$585 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Star Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,710

$610 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,985

$635 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Star Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,370

$670 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $10,120

$920 / night

Fare rows

Deluxe Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,120

$920 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Classic Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,870

$1,170 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $14,190

$1,290 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 19, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Windstar Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 13 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Balcony Suite	BS	Balcony
Balcony Suite	BS1	Balcony
Star Balcony Suite	SBS	Balcony
Star Balcony Suite	SBS1	Balcony
Ocean View Suite	S	Oceanview
Ocean View Suite	S1	Oceanview
Ocean View Suite	S2	Oceanview
Ocean View Suite	S3	Oceanview
Star Porthole Suite	SP	Oceanview
Star Ocean View Suite	SS1	Oceanview
Classic Suite	CS	Suite
Deluxe Suite	DS	Suite
Owner's Suite	OW	Suite