Why Windstar Is a Winning Choice for Groups in Tahiti

When it comes to choosing a cruise line for a group of discerning clients, travel advisor Stacey Ray knows a thing or two.

She’s sailed on dozens of cruises, many while wearing the hat of CEO and founder of Sisterhood Travels, a travel agency that caters to solo female travelers over the age of 45. When Ray posed the question, “What is your No. 1 bucket-list destination?” to her network of nearly 46,000 women via her agency’s private Facebook group, one place came up repeatedly: Tahiti.

And, Ray says, no one knows cruising in Tahiti quite like Windstar Cruises. The small-ship line famously sails the destination all year on its Star Breeze motor yacht, which was stretched in 2020 to add 50 suites, two new restaurants and a larger pool and deck.

Come One, Come All

Last month, Ray and her daughter (and Sisterhood’s COO), Sami, escorted a spirited squad of 33 women on Windstar’s 10-day Tahiti & the Tuamotu Islands itinerary, which island-hopped between Fakarava, Rangiroa and the Society Islands of Raiatea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Huahine, Moorea and Tahiti.

I was also onboard the sailing and quickly realized that, in addition to Ray’s Sisterhood clients, Star Breeze was home to several other groups. This fact was cemented during the first night’s “Think and Drink” trivia, when my tiny team of two tumbled down the leaderboard against tables of multigenerational families, milestone-celebrating friends and even a Chicago-based ski and adventure club.

Unlike the mega-ships, we create an atmosphere that feels personal and exclusive.

Indeed, Windstar has a knack for catering to groups, says Dianna Rom, the line’s vice president of sales. Groups make up about 20% of Windstar’s overall business.

“Unlike the mega-ships, we create an atmosphere that feels personal and exclusive, from private dining takeovers and customized shore excursions to our relaxed onboard vibe and open-seating dining,” she said. “Tahiti is pure magic, and it’s even more powerful when shared with a group.”

That balance of intimacy and community was clear throughout the sailing. While large group trips can sometimes feel overstructured, Windstar mixed relaxed, plan-as-you-go options with exclusive experiences (such as reserved seating at the line’s private fire dance show on a motu off Bora Bora, or an exclusive nighttime takeover of Star Breeze’s Veranda restaurant).

Excursions were equally flexible, with thorough descriptions and activity ratings by intensity level, so each member of the group could book their ideal option.

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“There’s something for everyone,” Ray told me one morning over breakfast at Veranda, mentioning that she prefers a more intimate atmosphere for groups.

“We tried the bigger ships, but the women couldn’t find each other, and the connection wasn’t there,” she said. “[Sisterhood groups] are about a built-in community, and making friendships. It doesn’t matter where you are on this ship, you’ll see each other.” 

Onboard Star Breeze

Windstar has three sailing yachts (Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit) and three all-suite motor yachts (Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend). Two more are coming: Star Seeker, later this year, and Star Explorer in 2026.

But I quickly realized that the 312-guest Star Breeze, in particular, shines in the group space.

“Star Breeze is one of our most group-friendly yachts,” Rom of Windstar said. She notes that even with 156 suites, spacious outdoor areas and multiple dining venues, “it’s easy to gather as a group — or find your own quiet corner."

That was true, whether groups sunbathed together on the top deck, used the ship’s watersports platform or relaxed in one of the ship’s many bars and lounges. (My favorite? The Yacht Club, on Deck 8.)

The suites are also great for groups, particularly for those who are sharing staterooms. With an all-suite configuration, the staterooms provide ample space, featuring two twin beds (or a queen), a sitting area, a balcony and a walk-in closet.

Group Offerings and Other Selling Tips

Affinity groups are especially common on Windstar. Rom noted that the line will soon unveil three arts-themed cruises in partnership with Fountainhead Arts, a Miami-based nonprofit that supports visual arts by offering residencies and community programs, as well as new wellness itineraries for 2026.

Groups aren’t just accommodated. They’re celebrated.

“Advisors often find their interest and make a group out of it,” she said, citing pickleball, plant-based food, mahjong, solo travel, wellness and wine as examples. “Our itineraries are intentionally crafted to appeal to curious, experience-driven groups that want more than just a vacation. They want connection, culture and a story worth sharing.

For Sisterhood Travels, the formula has worked: Ray is already planning another group onboard Star Seeker next summer in Alaska.

“Groups aren’t just accommodated,” Rom said. “They’re celebrated.”