Windstar Cruises Begins New Era of Sailing in French Polynesia

The captain of Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit, one of the line’s smaller sailing vessels, officially handed over the flag of French Polynesia to the captain of Star Breeze during a small handover ceremony in the port of Papeete on Sunday evening. The line’s larger motor yacht is taking over Windstar’s presence in the South Pacific, the first time in 35 years of sailing the region that the cruise line will not have a sailing yacht in the destination.

“As captain of the Star Breeze, it is our honor and privilege to continue the Windstar Cruises’ immersive journey,” in French Polynesia, said captain Simon Terry.

Present at the handover was the president of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, along with Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog and chief commercial officer Janet Bava. Joining the dignitaries was some 200 Windstar guests, members of the media, and other tourism executives.

“The relationships, the friendships that we have here in Tahiti are so strong, so profound,” Prelog told the audience, adding that the Wind Spirit has been a backdrop of Tahiti for many years.

Prelog also indicated that although Wind Spirit was sailing away – ultimately for a full refurbishment in Europe – he believes the ship will one day return to Tahiti.

“I have this dream that we are going to have two ships in Tahiti,” she said. “So, I’m not going to say good bye. I’m going to say until we meet again.”