Flights

Getting to Tahiti

One routing we recommend is to connect through Los Angeles (LAX), then fly nonstop to Papeete (PPT) on Air Tahiti Nui. It's a convenient option, but not the only one — other flight paths are available, and we're happy to help you compare.

Returning Home

Air Tahiti Nui operates overnight nonstop flights from Papeete (PPT) to Los Angeles (LAX) on May 10:

• TN002: departs 10:30 PM
• TN008: departs 11:45 PM

The overnight schedule lets you enjoy a full final day in Tahiti before heading to the airport.

Transfers Between Airport & Hotel

Take a taxi, or use a prearranged transfer — we can arrange this for you. Please note: Uber is not available in French Polynesia.

Excursions, Celebrations & Activities

You can explore and book excursions through these options:

Viator: Link

Shore Excursions: Link

Your Windstar Booking: Link (don't forget to sign in)

Where to Stay

Your Options

VRBO — homes & private rentals. Most cost-effective.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa — full-service resort, 5 minutes from the airport and 15 from the Wind Star terminal.

Hilton — trusted, familiar comfort.

Other Hotels — lots to choose from; ask us and we'll help you compare.

Post-Cruise: May 10

You disembark at 8:00 AM, but Air Tahiti Nui flies home late (10:30 PM or 11:45 PM). To bridge the gap:

Buy a day pass — a place to shower, relax, and use the resort facilities right up until your late flight.

• InterContinental Tahiti day pass — booking directions are on the hotel's site. This is a direct transaction between you and the hotel, and it can't be booked until within 3 months of departure.
• Other hotels may offer day passes as well; the InterContinental is the only one we've found with a specific, confirmed list of options. Try apps such as Resort Pass.

Book a room for May 10–11 (request early check-in) — same comforts with somewhere to rest. You won't stay overnight, but you'll have the room through your departure.

Packing List

Clothing

Light, breathable layers — swimwear, shorts, sundresses, and one dressier outfit for a special onboard evening.

Dress code for dinners onboard:

• Men: nice slacks, polo or button-down shirts, and nice shoes (no athletic shoes). Dark, non-ripped/non-distressed designer denim is allowed in all dining venues, optionally with a sport coat. No shorts at dinner.
• Women: nice pants, skirts, a nice top, casual dress, or sundress with nice sandals or casual shoes. Dark, non-ripped/non-distressed designer denim is allowed in all dining venues, optionally with a blazer.
• This dress code does not apply to Candles or the breakfast/lunch venues.

Footwear

Comfortable sandals for walking, water shoes for excursions, and one pair of nice closed-toe shoes for evening dining (see the dress code above).

Sun & Rain

Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light rain jacket — May is dry season, but showers can pass through.

Extras

Reusable water bottle, small day bag, dry bag for excursions, and travel adapter (French Polynesia uses type E/C plugs, 220V).

Weather Tips

May in French Polynesia

Marks the beginning of dry season — warm, sunny, and less humid than summer months.

Temperatures

Expect highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows near 75°F (24°C), with a steady ocean breeze.

Rain

Brief tropical showers are possible but rarely last long. Pack a light rain jacket just in case.

Sun Protection

UV is strong year-round — sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are a must, even on cloudy days.

Money & Currency

Local Currency

The CFP franc (XPF) is used throughout French Polynesia. 1 CAD is roughly 74 XPF, and the rate has held fairly steady, so no major swings to plan around. For today's rate, check a live converter such as XE before you go.

Cards vs. Cash

Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and larger shops. Bring some cash for local markets, small vendors, and tips.

Exchanging Money

ATMs are available in Papeete and at resorts.

Onboard Spending

Wind Star charges purchases to your shipboard account in USD, settled at the end of the cruise.

Embarkation & Disembarkation

Wind Star Cruise Port

Fingers Pier — Quai des Paquebots

Embark — Mon, May 3, 2027

Boarding from ~1:00 pm; sail at 5:30 pm.

Disembark — Mon, May 10, 2027

In port overnight; leave the ship around 8:00 am.

Port times set by Windstar; subject to change.

7-Night Itinerary

Round-trip from Papeete aboard the Wind Star, May 3 – 10, 2027 — threading through French Polynesia's Society Islands.

Day by Day

• Day 1 · May 3 — Papeete. Board at 1:00pm; set sail 5:30pm.
• Day 2 · May 4 — Raiatea. Arrive morning; overnight.
• Day 3 · May 5 — Motu Mahaea (Taha'a). Private-island day: beach BBQ and watersports.
• Day 4 · May 6 — Bora Bora. Arrive morning; overnight.
• Day 5 · May 7 — Bora Bora. Full day; sail in the evening.
• Day 6 · May 8 — Huahine. Full day ashore.
• Day 7 · May 9 — Moorea. Full day, then back to Papeete.
• Day 8 · May 10 — Papeete. Disembark at 8:00am.

Itinerary, ports, and times are subject to change by Windstar.

What's Included

• Unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails — with the optional all-inclusive beverage package only (not every guest has purchased it)
• Wi-Fi — onboard only; not included while ashore (use an eSIM or data roaming off the ship)
• All gratuities
• 30% off bottled wine and sparkling wine
• Your ocean-view stateroom aboard the Wind Star
• All meals in every onboard dining venue — no specialty-restaurant surcharges
• 24-hour room service
• Onboard entertainment, including the signature Destination Discovery beach party with Polynesian fire dancing
• The watersports platform off the back of the yacht (available on select days) — kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and swimming
• Still water, coffee, and tea

What's Not Included

A few things fall outside the cruise fare — worth budgeting for as you plan:

• Round-trip airfare and airport transfers
• Pre- and post-cruise hotel nights
• Shore excursions
• Spa and salon services
• Alcoholic drinks, unless you’ve purchased the all-inclusive beverage package
• Premium spirits and top-shelf liquor upgrades beyond the All-Inclusive selection
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses — laundry, boutique purchases, and the like

Insider Tips

• You'll receive your own personal set of snorkeling equipment and fins for the duration of the voyage, custom-fit by our Marina team. So you can snorkel from the beach without having to wait in line to rent equipment.
• One thing you'll want to do as soon as you get on board — make a reservation to dine in Candles. This signature outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to watch a tropical sunset and enjoy a romantic tête-à-tête.
• In the islands you're almost guaranteed to come across noni (NO-nee) juice, made from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree. Polynesians have used noni in traditional folk medicine for over 2,000 years and it's packed with antioxidants.
• While colorful reef fish are plentiful, French Polynesia is renowned for its big marine animals. And if you're into sharks, this is simply one of the best dive destinations in the world.
• We recommend all guests bring water shoes, as the beaches may be rocky and the coral can be sharp.

Cancellation Penalties

Windstar's standard penalty schedule is based on how many days before sailing (May 3, 2027) you cancel. Charges are per guest:

• Booking – 121 days out (through ~Jan 2, 2027): $50 per person fee
• 120 – 90 days (~Jan 3 – Feb 2, 2027): 15% of fare (typically the deposit)
• 89 – 60 days (~Feb 3 – Mar 4, 2027): 35% of fare
• 59 – 30 days (~Mar 5 – Apr 3, 2027): 50% of fare
• 29 – 0 days (Apr 4 – May 3, 2027): 100% — no refund

These are Windstar's standard published terms and can vary by fare type and for group bookings; Windstar also offers a flexible booking option for 2026–27 sailings. Please confirm the exact terms for our group with Debbie before the final payment date.

Travel Insurance

Before you travel, take a few minutes to review the coverage you may already have — through your work benefits, a credit card, or an existing policy.

Check what's included for out-of-country medical, trip cancellation, and trip interruption, and note any limits or exclusions.

Where your current coverage falls short, we recommend topping it up so you're fully protected for the trip.

Get a Quote

Explore Manulife options and get a quote here.

Questions?

Email Debbie at kitchener@expediacruises.com and we'll be happy to help.

Documents

Passport

Your passport must be valid until November 2027 (for this cruise). If yours expires before then, please renew it well ahead of the trip.

Visa & Travel Requirements

Find the latest visa and travel requirements for your trip at www.joinsherpa.com.

Recommended Vaccines

Health organizations like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health Agency of Canada suggest or recommend the following vaccines, depending on your health history and travel plans:

• Routine vaccines: make sure your routine shots — MMR, Tdap, and polio — are up to date.
• Hepatitis A: recommended for most travellers due to food and water risks.

Sources: CDC · Travel.gc.ca

Trip Extension Ideas

Explore Moorea

• Short ferry ride from Tahiti
• Hotels with overwater bungalows:
  • Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
  • Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
  • Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

Explore Bora Bora

• Short flight from Tahiti
• Hotels with overwater bungalows:
  • Four Seasons Bora Bora
  • Le Bora Bora
  • St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
  • Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

Explore New Zealand or Australia

• Fly direct from PPT
• Cruise or tour
• Book an Airbnb and relax

Breathe. Marvel. Smile. Repeat.

Get Help Booking Your Extras

Flights, hotels, transfers, insurance, or excursions — Debbie is happy to help.

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Polynesian Feast & Fire

For full details, pricing, and the complete list of available excursions, sign into your Windstar account.

Moorea Lagoon Snorkel

For full details, pricing, and the complete list of available excursions, sign into your Windstar account.

Bora Bora Lagoon Cruise

For full details, pricing, and the complete list of available excursions, sign into your Windstar account.

Send Debbie Romhild a message

Questions about flights, hotels, insurance, excursions, or anything else? Send Debbie a note and we’ll get back to you.

Prefer to reach Debbie directly? Call 519.896.0018