Small Ships, Big Adventures: Exploring Tahiti with Windstar Cruises and Joanna Vapor
Sun Feb 08 2026
Recorded onboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze, this episode features a lively and personal conversation with Joanna Vapor, Shore Excursion Manager, who has been with Windstar Cruises for ten years. We explore what makes small-ship sailing in French Polynesia so unforgettable, and Joanna shares her insights on both the ship and the destinations, from Tahiti and Moorea to Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine, and other Windstar ports around the world.
We dive into the ship’s design, daily life onboard, and culinary highlights — from the elegant Amphora to the new Basil + Bamboo fusion eatery and the classic Candles Steakhouse. Joanna explains how the crew’s warmth, professionalism, and expertise elevate every experience, from officers greeting guests on deck to line dancing evenings in the salon with a multi-generational Polynesian dance troupe that joined the ship, bringing culture, music, and energy to all ages.
We talk about the signature Marina, where guests can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or relax on floating loungers in crystal-clear waters — completely included, effortless, and unforgettable — and how access to the turquoise lagoons makes French Polynesia even more magical. Joanna also shares about the incredible destination discovery experiences, from a private Motu Mahaea lunch in Taha’a to the spectacular Feast & Fire dinner in Bora Bora, and how she helped me plan shore excursions like visiting a pearl farm and snorkeling with manta rays and spotted eagle rays. Each stop was curated yet personal, allowing time to truly immerse in the islands’ natural beauty, culture, and marine life.
My memoir, BRAVE-ish, is now part of the Star Breeze library, a symbolic reminder that travel is about new journeys, friendships, and courage — exploring both the world and oneself. With Joanna’s stories, insider tips, and the magic of small-ship sailing, this episode captures why Windstar Cruises delivers a deeply personal, intimate, and immersive way to experience French Polynesia, with every journey feeling joyful, seamless, and unforgettable.
Learn more about my journey: https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/windstarcruises-tahiti/
VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcR6s5CZ8A_nKsA98fubnSym
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Recorded onboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze, this episode features a lively and personal conversation with Joanna Vapor, Shore Excursion Manager, who has been with Windstar Cruises for ten years. We explore what makes small-ship sailing in French Polynesia so unforgettable, and Joanna shares her insights on both the ship and the destinations, from Tahiti and Moorea to Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine, and other Windstar ports around the world. We dive into the ship’s design, daily life onboard, and culinary highlights — from the elegant Amphora to the new Basil + Bamboo fusion eatery and the classic Candles Steakhouse. Joanna explains how the crew’s warmth, professionalism, and expertise elevate every experience, from officers greeting guests on deck to line dancing evenings in the salon with a multi-generational Polynesian dance troupe that joined the ship, bringing culture, music, and energy to all ages. We talk about the signature Marina, where guests can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or relax on floating loungers in crystal-clear waters — completely included, effortless, and unforgettable — and how access to the turquoise lagoons makes French Polynesia even more magical. Joanna also shares about the incredible destination discovery experiences, from a private Motu Mahaea lunch in Taha’a to the spectacular Feast & Fire dinner in Bora Bora, and how she helped me plan shore excursions like visiting a pearl farm and snorkeling with manta rays and spotted eagle rays. Each stop was curated yet personal, allowing time to truly immerse in the islands’ natural beauty, culture, and marine life. My memoir, BRAVE-ish, is now part of the Star Breeze library, a symbolic reminder that travel is about new journeys, friendships, and courage — exploring both the world and oneself. With Joanna’s stories, insider tips, and the magic of small-ship sailing, this episode captures why Windstar Cruises delivers a deeply personal, intimate, and immersive way to experience French Polynesia, with every journey feeling joyful, seamless, and unforgettable. Learn more about my journey: https://www.wesaidgotravel.com/windstarcruises-tahiti/ VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv_jKkCiDQcR6s5CZ8A_nKsA98fubnSym