All boats! Windstar's statuesque yacht Star Breeze, a yacht the length of five football fields, shows off its stunning steel body at a dock on this Tahiti coastline. Tropical temperatures are soaring in Papeete, and a guest list of more than 300 is expected to arrive.
As I waited to board the whales on various decks of the ship, I was greeted by the third Polynesian Ray I had ever received in my life to board my first cruise ship adventure. I feel out of place as I stand aloof in a crowd of strangers from all over the world: travel enthusiasts, vacation-thirsty professionals, and journalists.
My first cruise ship experience
My excitement was tempered by unpleasant thoughts I had about life on a cruise ship, surrounded by vast ocean horizons and unknown lands in between. As pleasure seekers turn in all directions, my better half and I are left alone for the next 11 days to get used to our new home. Neither I nor any of the guests could have predicted what our future destination would be.
![Windstar Luxury Island Cruises in the Marquesas Islands Marquesas Islands watching sunrise from the Windstar Star Breeze ship](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/windstar-luxury-island-cruise-marquesas.jpg)
![Windstar Luxury Island Cruises in the Marquesas Islands Marquesas Islands watching sunrise from the Windstar Star Breeze ship](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/windstar-luxury-island-cruise-marquesas.jpg)
Waking up from my luxurious bed, I remembered that the ship carrying us was cruising at 15 knots on the high seas, and I turned sharply, balancing on one foot. Then we open the window curtains and see the monstrous force and size of the sea, which makes our ship look like a mere ant in an endless forest.
The sun sets and the day of exploration begins. I wanted the beach to reflect the pictures I remembered from surfing and travel magazines. The sail to the Archipelago of Tuamotu required a full day at sea, so I was ready to get my amateur sea legs on deck and start the morning with a latte and a bow view of the yacht club.
![My first cruise ship experience Marquesas Islands The most remote islands in French Polynesia](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/most-remote-islands-french-polynesia.jpg)
![My first cruise ship experience Marquesas Islands The most remote islands in French Polynesia](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/most-remote-islands-french-polynesia.jpg)
Fakarava: A pristine atoll
Our itinerary included the pristine Fakarava Atoll, and we were eager to set foot in the clear blue waters of French Polynesia. With no trip planned, we boarded the tender boat armed with swimsuits, camera gear, sunscreen, and water.
The long stretch of land seemed like it would take several hours to walk, and there was an unfamiliar beach that curved in the distance. The town was quiet, with a main road along the beach with a couple of shops and restaurants near the pier.
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll French Polynesia Tuamotus](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-cruise-port-tuamotus.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll French Polynesia Tuamotus](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-cruise-port-tuamotus.jpg)
A quick walk through the businesses gave us our first beach photo opportunity and a surprising visit from a local nurse shark. The water was turquoise and the temperature was tropically hot, making it a pleasant introduction to cruise guests getting off the ship for the first time.
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll French Polynesia](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-atoll-french-polynesia.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll French Polynesia](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-atoll-french-polynesia.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll Tuamotus Cruise Port](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-atoll-tuamotus-french-polynesia.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Fakarava Atoll Tuamotus Cruise Port](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fakarava-atoll-tuamotus-french-polynesia.jpg)
After exploring the beaches of our first anchorage for a few hours, we returned to Star Breeze and indulged in a selection of dishes on board.
Lying on the gorgeous top deck, I ponder the thought of returning to the island to further experience the exotic simplicity of Fakarava. Knowing that my early sun-exposed skin should not underestimate the Tahitian sun, I settle for some shade and an ice-cold drink by the pool.
![My first cruise ship experience Windstar Star Breeze Pool Deck 7](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/marquesas-islands-windstar-cruise.jpg)
![My first cruise ship experience Windstar Star Breeze Pool Deck 7](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/marquesas-islands-windstar-cruise.jpg)
![My first cruise ship experience Windstar Star Breeze Pool Deck 7](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/windstar-cruise-remote-marquesas.jpg)
![My first cruise ship experience Windstar Star Breeze Pool Deck 7](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/windstar-cruise-remote-marquesas.jpg)
Our journey has just begun. Tonight's “port talk” will fulfill my excited hopes for tomorrow's new island introduction. The Society Islands lie ahead, and my dream of experiencing Bora Bora personally was inspired by my sister's captivating honeymoon photos from the early 1990s.
embrace the unexpected
As the destination director sits down for a port talk, he greets the audience, his tone of voice changes, and he declares the word “Cyclone” as it echoes through the caverns. Unbeknownst to us, the Category 1 cyclone forecast threatens the travel and safety of our ships and the people living on the surrounding Society Islands.
While the immediate cause of withdrawing planned destinations was in motion, Windstar's executives and crew responded quickly to create a new itinerary that was not only suitable for replacement, but worthy of a monumental first experience for passengers.
While suffering an incredible loss, we simultaneously had the opportunity to visit the exclusive Marquesas Islands. Unfamiliar with these islands, I relied on my companion's travel credentials and insight to explain the magnitude of this double-edged gift.
So we sailed towards the equatorial horizon to one of the most remote islands in the world.
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Nuku Hiva sunrise rainbow from the Windstar ship](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nuku-hiva-marquesas-islands-sunrise-rainbow.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Nuku Hiva sunrise rainbow from the Windstar ship](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nuku-hiva-marquesas-islands-sunrise-rainbow.jpg)
Windstar's Expertise in Sailing French Polynesia
As a novice cruise traveler, I didn't realize the depth of difficulty that comes with sudden travel itinerary changes. Once aboard this majestic vessel, you never had to worry about cyclones or find a private tour that could meet your expectations of beauty and lifelong memories.
Even in times of uncertainty, Windstar's expertise shines. With over 35 years of sailing experience in French Polynesia, the company proves to be the most knowledgeable cruise line with seamless connections to the Marquesas Islands. The depth of their knowledge puts us at ease and turns every day into a unique adventure tailored to excellent industry standards.
Our trip spans three days in the Marquesas, continues with the iconic Bora Bora and concludes in Moorea.
![Marquesas Islands Cruise with Windstar Hanaki Lodge Pool Hiva Oa Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hiva-oa-marquesas-french-polynesia.jpg)
![Marquesas Islands Cruise with Windstar Hanaki Lodge Pool Hiva Oa Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hiva-oa-marquesas-french-polynesia.jpg)
The charm of this remote island, combined with Windstar's unrivaled expertise, turns a potential frustration into a voyage of extraordinary experience, proving that remote islands often hold the most unexpected and beautiful surprises.
Marquesas Islands cruise tour
Venturing into the heart of French Polynesia's most remote islands offers a rare and immersive experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Hiva Oa black sand beach Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hiva-oa-marquesas-islands-beach.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Hiva Oa black sand beach Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hiva-oa-marquesas-islands-beach.jpg)
Our travels not only revealed rugged cliffs, beautiful black sand beaches, and pristine bays leading to the Pacific Ocean, but also fostered deep encounters with the local people of an area whose ancestral cultures continue to thrive to this day. Windstar organized cultural performances and immersive tours to provide a glimpse into the lives of the islanders.
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Nut Khiva Beach Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nuku-hiva-beach-marquesas-islands.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Nut Khiva Beach Marquesas Islands](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nuku-hiva-beach-marquesas-islands.jpg)
Windstar initially planned a debut trip to the Marquesas Islands in July, making this exclusive itinerary available to future Windstar travelers. Adding to the charm, your upcoming Marquesas itinerary includes a visit to four of French Polynesia's most beautiful islands: Bora Bora, Moorea, Motu Mahea, and Rangiroa!
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Motu Mahea Taha French Polynesia Windstar](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cruising-french-polynesia.jpg)
![Visit the most remote island in French Polynesia Motu Mahea Taha French Polynesia Windstar](https://ordinarytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cruising-french-polynesia.jpg)
Check out our full itinerary below and contact me or Windstar to plan and book your perfect luxury island cruise. Also, check out our comprehensive guide that details what awaits you on a 7-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise.
- Papeete
- at sea
- Parkara Bar
- at sea
- Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Marquesas
- Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas
- Taiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
- at sea
- Rangiroa
- at sea
- Motu Mahaa (Tahaa)
- Look look
- Look look
- Moorea
As the Marquesas, Bora Bora, and Moorea disappeared behind us, I found myself reflecting on the ever-changing nature of this voyage. Our long-awaited cruise travel experience was a surprise that exceeded our wildest expectations. In uncertainty, I have experienced the best stewardship.
Windstar's seamless adaptation to unexpected challenges, combined with unparalleled expertise, turned what could have been a frustrating experience into the journey of a lifetime.
Read more:
Best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
South Pacific Cruise Packing List
Safest Caribbean Islands + Where to Stay
The Best Islands to See in Hawaii – 2020
Island hopping in Yasawa Islands, Fiji
flight: When we search for cheap flights, the first thing we check is where we are going. Sign up for email alerts to receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their airline products.
lodging: Booking.com offers discounts on hotels, apartments and villas in 80,000 destinations around the world. Search hotel reviews and get guaranteed best hotel prices for every budget.
Travel Insurance: We never travel without travel insurance because it's not worth the risk! We trust and have been using Visitor Coverage for the past 10 years.
Book your trip! Are you looking for a travel advisor to help you plan your trip? Contact us here for more information!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also a member of other affiliate programs. Please read my privacy policy for more information.