We booked the inaugural 10-day voyage of the Wind Spirit in French Polynesia as our wedding venue, accompanied by our teen-and-older boys and my bride’s parents. The ship had just returned to Tahiti from extensive renovation, and was in immaculate condition. The state rooms were perfect in both décor and layout. The common areas were perfect. Most importantly, they accommodated our wedding ceremony on board beautifully, for which we are grateful. The staff, particularly Monge, gave us guidance but was accommodating. The spa staff Daniela and Lan took excellent care of my bride, detailing her hair with flowers. She looked stunning for the wedding. It was perfect – dream come true.

The itinerary was terrific as the boat first sailed from Tahiti to the Tuamotus – remote islands to the northeast of the Society Islands. Unfortunately we missed the first landing because the sea was bit rough for the tenders to dock (more on that below.) but the other islands were interesting and somehow we managed to have perfect weather the entire rest of the trip. Sailing into the lagoons in the early morning was a thrill. The afternoon or evening “sail-aways” were dramatic (accompanied by Vangelis music!) with the unfurling of the sails once we cleared the reefs.

The food and beverages were excellent almost without exception. They even had coffee and pastries ready on deck at 6:00 am to accommodate those of us obsessed with sunrises (they were always dramatic). Breakfast and lunch could be by menu or buffet. Dinner was “formal” (meaning “long-pants” on men) and each patron was given one evening “candlelight” meal on deck. The service was attentive and the food quality was very high. Read more