Ski Mom 2

Has anyone gone out to dinner in Bora Bora that first night? We love to take advantage of late nights in ports and finding a great local restaurant is right up our alley. 

Thanks! We did just change it!

We are now booked on Cruise Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji departing January 4, 2025. It ends in Fiji on January 19 and we will fly to Auckland and board Azamara for New Zealand Intensive starting on January 20. It lines up perfectly!!

Hello! New PG cruiser but not new to cruising. We have cabin 439 on hold (it was the only one that said it was available yesterday). Today 437 says it’s available. 
 

My question is when I look at deck 4 map, what is next to 439? I see the door that heads to the marina and the map makes reference to crews quarters but it’s hard to know what is all that blank space next to 439. Should I stay in 439 or am I missing something and should try to move? I realize it’s probably no big deal but I thought I would ask. 

Thanks!

Thank you so much for your response TheDarkestBlue! We already have an Azamara cruise of New Zealand booked later in January 2025 and this PG cruise lines up perfectly for us. We do realize it’s the rainy season but we are ok with that. I’ve spent the bulk of the afternoon and now all evening reading up on PG and it looks and sounds like what we enjoy and we are pretty excited. We have a cabin on hold and have a few days to make our final decision. We already have flights to Tahiti so at least we won’t have to switch those. So instead of having 3 nights in Fiji following the WS cruise that is no longer we will have 3 nights ahead in Tahiti for this cruise. We will then fly direct to Auckland from Fiji and jump on our Azamara cruise the next day! Crazy I know but it will be an adventure!

I know I’ll have more questions about PG. I will post those as I think of them. Again thanks so much!

Here is what the letter stated:

We have been looking forward to you joining us on the Star Breeze, South Pacific – January  2, 2025 – February 5, 2025 sailings. Due to necessary fleet maintenance, it is our regret to inform you that the Star Breeze will not be operating in this region. As a result, your itinerary has been cancelled.

I am currently booked on Star Breeze Tahiti to Fiji for January 2025. I just received notice that my cruise has been canceled! In fact, it sounds like many of the Tahiti cruises on Star Breeze for 2025 have been canceled. There is a Paul Gauguin cruise that almost lines up perfectly that we currently are looking at. This is the second time Windstar has canceled this cruise on us. Once in January 2024 and now January 2025. We are avid WS cruisers but this might be the final straw. I know nothing about Paul Gauguin but am reading all I can find here on CC now...

We are also on Azamara New Zealand Intensive departing Auckland on 1/20/2025. We had added Star Breeze Tahiti to Fiji so my air is booked, some of my hotels are booked etc. Now it looks like Paul Gauguin has almost the same itinerary for almost the same dates (althought more expensive) so we are working on that now. Something is up and it doesn't sound pretty.

We already have our airfare booked to Tahiti. This is just ridiculous if you ask me. We are currently on hold with Paul Gauguin; they have a cruise that matches up with what we were doing Tahiti to Fiji. But I'm serious when I say my WS days may be over...

BAD NEWS! our WS cruise from Papeete to Fiji in January 2025 has just been canceled!!😡 This is the second time they have done this to us and now I’m not sure we will sail with them again. 

This happened to us as well for a Star Breeze around New Zealand that was scheduled for January 2024. We took our money and the $200 OBC for another cruise. We too had had the cruise scheduled for over a year or more and were pretty unhappy. I don’t think we received any reason why. 

16 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

We are booked on Star Pride's Star Collector: Windward Islands & Spanish New World itinerary in January 2025.  I have been waiting for the shore excursions to be posted, but there are still some open issues that I hope folks here can help me with.  [This itinerary seems to be offered a lot by Windstar, so I hope there will be folks who have already done it or researched it.]

We have just returned from this Star Collector (and have done the first 7 days prior) so I will add my two cents in.

 

(1)  Man-O-Way Bay, Tobago – has anyone taken the Argyle Waterfalls excursion?  comments on it?  This day also has the Watersports Platform listed – should we just stay on board and play with the toys?

The first time we cruised we did this tour. If I remember correctly we were one of the first tours into the falls area which helped since there were other cruise ships in port that day and it got crowded. It's a pretty waterfall but it's just a waterfall.

(2)  Mayreau, the Grenadines – there is only one shore excursion listed, to Mopion (which is apparently a shade-less atoll - no thanks!).  But someone suggested that this may be the Signature Beach Party day – which isn't listed anywhere for my sailing.  Does that seem likely?  And just what is this beach party all about?  [Most importantly, is there shade?]

This will be your beach picnic day. There will be loungers set up on the beach.  Feel free to move them if the ones you choose don't have any shade. There will be live music and some locals with items to sell as you walk to the picnic area. All the toys will be at the beach for your use and the water sports platform will not be opened. This is a great day/beach day. Set up on your loungers. Hang in the water. Use the beach toys. Enjoy the bbq they set up. Alcohol package works here or you charge to your account if you don't have one. A wonderful, relaxing day. 

(3)  Soufriere, St. Lucia – I have booked the Concierge Collection: Taste of St. Lucia at Chef Orlando Satchell's restaurant.  Can anyone give it a review?

We went to Orlando's on our own the first time we were here. He is a wonderful chef and at that time, we were one of only two couples having lunch. We were treated like royalty. We did not do the tour this time since we had already eaten at his restaurant. I'm sure it was fun and the food fantastic. This go around we did the Aquaponics Farm Tour and thought it was wonderful! A bus ride to a generational farmer who has put in aquaponics in which tilapia fish help him raise vegetables for sale on the island. He is an entrepreneur and has such love for his land, his country and the environment. After the tour of his farm his cousin the chef made us lunch using the items grown on the farm. A fascinating tour and one of our favorites!

16 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

(4)  Willemstad, Curaçao – none of the shore excursions appeal, and we've already explored Willemstad twice.  The Curaçao Ostrich Farm sounds like a possiblity for a DIY via taxi – has anyone gone to it? [We're traveling without kids, so the question is its appeal for adults...]

The first time here we took one of the ship's tour for a couple of hours and then wandered on our own. This is what we like best to do. There are some nice shops with local crafts and some bars and restaurants. Very easy to walk around. There are many bars along where the bridge is where you can sit and watch the bridge open and close.

(5)  Kralendijk, Bonaire – I'm thinking of taking the Glass Bottom Boat excursion.  @Abuckett gave the similar excursion on Tobago a bad review.  Is this one better?

The first time here we took WS's glass bottom boat. I do not snorkel so it let us see lots of fish. I would say it's a typical glass bottom boat experience. This is a very easy port to walk, shop, eat and drink in. There is a local brewery that opens at 11 a.m. that has some great Dutch appetizers and local beer and nice bartenders. We were in Bonaire late both times we have sailed here and both times we have made reservations at "It Rains Fishes" and had dinner. It is easily walkable and has wonderful food. Nice shopping here as well.

(6)  Oranjestad, Aruba –  This is the turnaround day for my B2B, and the only excursion is for those leaving after the first leg and heading to the airport.  Is it likely that Windstar will offer something for the Star Collector passengers, or should I book a private tour?

Our first cruise this was our last stop and we stayed in Aruba a few extra days. This go around it was our turnaround day. We walked down to a beach (just to see it) and then went and had lunch and looked for wifi. Nothing spectacular to really mention. There does seem to be some sights to see but I can't comment.

    Two local attractions that seem interesting are Arikok National Park, and Donkey Sanctuary Aruba.  Any reports?

(7)  Cartagena, Colombia – We have an overnight from 7 am the first day to 4 pm the second.  We will do Getsemani at Night on the first evening, and would like to visit the National Aviary on the second day (but Windstar hasn't scheduled that tour at all for this cruise).  Can I get a taxi to the National Aviary, or do I need to book a guide (with e.g. ToursByLocals)?

You MUST go on WS's National Aviary tour! This was the most wonderful experience! Our guide was top notch and we were the very first group into the aviary so we had the place all to ourselves for quite a while. My son works with raptors in the US and when we told him about our experience he was impressed with what they do and how the aviary is set up. One of our top tours ever in the Caribbean! Up close and personal with all the birds; it took them 10 years to build it and they did it right.

(8)  San Blas Islands, Panamá – nothing is offered except the Water Sports Platform, so I guess that's what we should plan to do?

This will be your BBQ picnic again today. The location is probably the best one of all WS's Caribbean BBQ picnic days. Once again, loungers available on the deserted island and you can move them if needed. All the beach toys will be there (the sports platform will not be open) and the indigenous people will be there with all their crafts and will perform dances for you as well. You can walk around the entire island, hang out in the water, eat, drink, shop. What more could a person ask for in a beach day?

(9)  Bocas del Toro, Panama – None of the three excursions appeals (snorkeling, lying on a beach, Indian Village Chocolate Farm).  Any ideas?

We took a WS tour to Red Frog Beach to see tiny poisonous red frogs. We tendered to the port and then boarded a small boat (16 passengers) and went to an area to see dolphins. Now, we live on the beach in Florida for 1/2 the year and we see dolphins all the time so we weren't impressed but many were. After that we were taken to Red Frog Beach where our guide took us on a nature walk and spotted all these tiny red frogs. Once at the beach (it was red flags flying so no swimming) we had a beer at Red Frog Bar and after @30 minutes we went back to the boat and back to port. I will qualify this tour because it poured rain on us almost the entire time. It would have been much more fun without all the rain and they actually gave people the option to bag the boat once they realized it wasn't going to stop. We figured it was an adventure and it was.

(10)  Balboa/Fuerte Amador/Panama City – we will be heading to the PTY airport for a 12:02 pm flight.  Will Windstar offer transfers?  or should I book a cab?

Our flight was at 4:15 p.m. so we took the new city/old city tour that dropped us at the airport after the tour. I love the UNESCO world heritage part of Panama and if you've never been it would be on my list. However, with your flight at 12 noon I think I would head to the airport (I think we were one of the last to depart the ship at 8:45 a.m.)

 

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

With Star Breeze cruising Tahiti now, there are a few “Sailing the South Pacific” or “Pearls of Paradise” cruises where she sails Tahiti to Auckland via Fiji and vice versa. I believe the first sailing was January 20 2024.

We are on the January 2025 sailing (but only sailing to Lautoka) and I was wondering if anyone could give us some insight on how the cruise was. We are avid WS fans and I’m looking for info on the ports, the crossings, etc versus how the ship was. 
 

PAPEETE

BORA BORA

AVATIU

NUKUALOFA, TONATAPU

SUVA

TAVEUNI

SAVUSAVU

LAUTOKA

AUCKLAND

We will take advantage of WS’s one night in Papeete offering before boarding and departing in Lautoka where we will be looking for a resort to stay for 3 nights. 
 

Thanks!

Look at where WS goes in that area of the world. That should give you a good indication of where you might stop. Do you enjoy Greece and Turkey? That would be my bet and in April the weather should be pretty enjoyable I would think. I’m with your spouse…book it! It will be an adventure!!

Update:

We have recently returned from our Star Collector cruise that included Barbados to Aruba and through the Panama Canal cruise. I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed the Aruba through the canal cruise. Our stops were almost all new ports for us (with the exception of St Lucia and ending in Panama) and totally enjoyed the new stops. Prior to the cruise they changed our itinerary to an overnight in Cartegena (instead of the stop in Santa Marta) so we ended up going on 2 WS tours that were both outstanding there. We also had a wonderful WS tour out of St Lucia that we enjoyed. The location of the beach bbq on San Blas Island  was a one of our favorites.

I don't think you can go wrong with either cruise!

We like to wander as well so this is good to know. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences!

55 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

We have done many Celebrity sailings and love sea days.  This sailing had 2 stretches of 3 days at sea and another single sea day.  For some reason we did get tired of sea days.

 

We chose this sailing for 2 reasons.  1) never been to South Pacific and 2) did Auckland to Sydney cruise before but didn't do anything north of Auckland.  We spent about a week prior to the sailing touring North of Auckland with 3 days in Bay of Islands.  We also figured it would be easier to get a flight to Auckland vs Fiji.

 

As far as the sailing we were pretty disappointed with the port stops in Fiji but did enjoy Cook Islands, Bora Bora and Moorea as they met our expectations of South Pacific islands.

Thank you! It's so nice to chat with someone that's done this particular cruise, especially since it hasn't run before. May I ask what you were disappointed in with the Fiji stops? Weather? Not enough time? Not as beautiful as other stops? This cruise is pretty spendy so I'm trying to decide if it's worth the money or I should book something else. We are actually on an Azamara cruise Auckland to Auckland following this cruise and thought it would be fun to add the South Pacific since it's such a long haul to get there.

On 2/9/2024 at 1:07 PM, wrk2cruise said:

 

It was the 15 night Auckland to Tahiti sailing.  We did 2 excursions on Bora Bora which we liked.

Bora Bora 4x4

Deluxe Lagoon Tour  (Bayliner boats with 8 people each)

We are on the Tahiti to Auckland cruise in January 2025. Could you tell me a little bit more about this particular cruise? It's a lot of sea days for husband so I'm wondering what makes it special to have those 8 sea days. Thanks!

Just got off Star Pride. Our AC worked fine. It did seem to get just a bit warmer towards the end of our cruise but not enough to disrupt our sleep (we like it pretty cold at night). 

Would you be willing to share the AirBnB in Papeete? We are going in January 2025 and are trying to decide where to stay precruise.

We are on an Azamara cruise Auckland to Auckland in January 2025. We booked a Windstar cruise from Tahiti to Fiji ending in Auckland arriving 2 days before the Azamara cruise sets sail.

I'm attempting to sort out air and hotel and hoping to use my AA miles at some point. The cost of flights is crazy if you're wanting laydown seats whether you're paying or using miles/points. Part of the reason we booked the Tahiti - NZ cruise was to have a shorter flight over (and maybe catch a daytime flight) and potentially save the miles for the return from Auckland.

I'm also trying to decide where to land for what will most likely be 4 nights prior to the cruise. Papeete? Mooreau? Resort? AirBnB type?

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading through your posts! Thank you!

Hmmm. Different experiences.
 

Josefina’s gave us a chance to visit with her and her helpers; learn about her take on local foods; visit the market; help prepare the meal; and enjoy! We did help “pick” the menu which was fun too and since it was only us and one other couple that was easier I think than if it was a bigger group (I don’t eat a lot of fish so she also made chicken too).

For the food tour I loved visiting places we never would have found on our own. And we for so lucky that we were the only ones on the tour so one on one service was special. 
 

Both were wonderful in their own way; I don’t think you can go wrong!
 

So I have a question and I hope it's not a dumb one...

To book Club Orange, one must call Holland to first ask about availability.

Two, if it's available you tell them to book the lowest price cabin in the category you'd like (veranda seems to be the best value).

Three, once you tell them the cabin you'd like, they will automatically upgrade you to the "real one" you'd like (the higher valued cabin in that category).

So it all happens at the same time?

We booked an Azamara cruise around New Zealand departing Auckland 1.20.2025. My DH has now decided we should add on some of the South Pacific so we found a Windstar cruise departing 1.2.205 from Tahiti to Fiji to Auckland prior to the Azamara cruise!

We've never been to this part of the world and are pretty excited about it. Of course I'm not a big snorkeler but hopefully that will change prior to these two cruises. 

I will be looking to figure out the best flights back and forth plus a couple nights stay prior to departing Tahiti and afterwards in Auckland.

Thank you all for answering my questions. We are looking forward to our Holland cruise!

Another question if y’all don’t mind. I know it’s been asked (it always is for every cruise line 😁) but did I read Holland still has dressy nights, is that correct? We have been cruising Windstar (no dressy nights) and at dinner my husband wears khakis and a nice button down or silky short sleeve Tommy Bahama type shirt and I wear a nicer sundress (typically not what I would call a fancy cocktail dress). 
 

He doesn’t need a sport coat does he? And I’m not keen on packing a sparkly cocktail dress especially for the Caribbean.