Our cruise was the Trans-Pacific Cruise along with the inaugural cruise of Tahiti after 12 years being absent. The crossing was extraordinary. We left Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica and 4196 nautical miles later and 18 days we arrived in Papeete, Tahiti. Leaving the continent for a crossing is always exciting. There were 70 of us, mostly people who have completed other crossings with Windstar Cruises. On our first day out we saw a bird on a turtle, a freightor on the horizon and a whale, then for two weeks we saw only the ocean and amazing sunsets. Vast, warm, beautiful tail winds and calm waters. We crossed the equator with King Neptune and his Queen, a fun celebration shared by crew and passengers. The first land we saw was after 14 days and that was the Islands of Disappointment. Because we made such good time the last two days the Wind Spirit was under sail only. The peace, the gentle bow gracefully riding the waves and the warm breezes made for a spectacular sail. On the 18th day we woke up to Tahiti on the horizon and after each passing hour Tahiti became larger and clearer all without a motor. It was thrilling. We arrived at the dock in Papeete with traditional dancers and musicians welcoming us. The day the Tahiti cruise was to begin the President of Tahiti came on board and there was a very nice welcoming ceremony. Captain Pedro Pinto and his crew did an amazing job.The service was outstanding as it always is .Chef Darin was inventive and the food was delicious considering that he had no fresh provisions for 18 days. This great crossing was a terrific introduction to the cruise ahead.

The cruise was the first time Windstar had sailed the Polynesia waters in 12 years. Of the 70 people on the crossing 35 of us stayed on and for the inaugural cruise it was a full ship of 148. Boarding is always easy and welcoming on the Windstar. We sailed away with a beautiful sunset. We anchored in Cook's Bay Moorea, it was georgeous. We took a ship's tour with Michael Poole watching the spinner dolphins, we watched these dolphins dance on the water it was unbelievable. Highly recommend this tour we learned so much. The next day we anchored off Tahaa where Windstar rented a motu ( little Islands in the lagoon) where we had the beach barbecue. The lagoons are shallow, you walk in the water and swim with beautiful fish in the coral gardens. It was a glorious day. The sail to Raiatea was a highlight for we sailed around the lagoon and we saw the sunset on the horizon with the peaks of Bora Bora in the back ground. Visually exquisite. Here we docked and had our deck barbecue and a demonstration of lei making and tying the pareu. It was great, colorful, there was music it was a wonderful demo. For the next two days were anchored off Bora Bora. We took the ship's tour of swimming with the sting rays, black fin sharks and snorkeling in the lagoon. Wonderful and thrilling again. I was so happy about the safety procedures to make it a safe, exciting and stressless, experience. The sting rays were gentle, friendly and graceful. The sharks completely ignored us which was very funny and the fish were as colorful as a fauvism painting. The Windstar rented another motu here where we experienced a traditional Tahitian barbecue with a performance by fire dancers. Beautiful evening after a day of clouds and on and off showers. Our last island was Huahine, we took a tour of the Sacred Sites where the royalty of the ancient times lived. I had seen the ancient sites of Easter Island and Hawaii so now I completed the Polynesian Triangle. It was a tour for people who love history. Paul was an excellent teacher. This was a busy, generous cruise with lots to do, experience and see. Service impeccable as usual. Food wonderful. The sail aways with the music of 1492 enhanced the majestic scenery that surrounded us. Despite the fact that this was Windstar's first cruise back everything was flawless. Steve, the cruise director, gave out great information. This ended our 14th cruise with Windstsr and we are already reserved for 2015. Tahiti was thrilled Windstar returned and I am sure the passengers were thrilled as well. Great Job Windstar!