Star Collector: Polynesia, Melanesia & Indonesia Discovery

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time - and luggage space - for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you'll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you'll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs - and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

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Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning turquoise lagoon and pristine white-sand beaches. The island is a volcanic atoll with a coral reef ring around it with a lagoon in the center. Often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, it offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island's serene atmosphere is complemented by its friendly locals and rich Polynesian culture.  Please note: This destination is an open anchorage, and calls are subject to change or cancellation based on weather and sea conditions.

The natural playground of Rarotonga is the hub of the Cook Islands. Surrounded by a lagoon, it offers palm-studded white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters of Muri Lagoon and lush jungle forests. Just 20 miles (32 km) around, this popular island is becoming a foodie location with its numerous cafes and artisan and organic food scene. Other sights to see include Te Rua Manga peak ("The Needle") and Takitumu Conservation Area.

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Tonatapu is the main island of Tonga and Nuku'alofa is the capital city and home to the Talamahu Market and the waterfront Royal Palace where the Royal Family resides. Sites to see include the Free Church of Tonga, the Cenotaph, the Royal Tombs and Kingdomkoffie.

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Known as the "Garden Island of Fiji"  cigar-shaped Taveuni's most famous tourist attraction is Lake Tagimaucia, the habitat of the rare tagimaucia flower. It is also the home of three major diving areas, with Rainbow Reef recognized as one of the world's best soft coral dives. Two sanctuaries, Ravilevu Nature Reserve and Taveuni Forest Reserve have been created to protect Fiji's wildlife.

Known as "the hidden paradise of Fiji," beautiful Savusavu with its abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, rainforests and black pearls, has recently been realized to be a tourist hotspot. The shabby-chic main street is a hodgepodge of eclectic watering holes, a bustling market, and a variety of shops and cosmopolitan restaurants. Find a black pearl farm, see the Vuadomo and Nakawaga Waterfalls or kayak, snorkel, sail, fish or take an easy hike. Bula!

One of Fiji's few inhabited islands accessible by cruise ship, Dravuni is a picture-perfect escape fringed by powder-soft beaches and crystalline turquoise waters. This tiny, unspoiled gem in the Kadavu Group offers an authentically warm welcome from its close-knit village community, where local culture and tradition remain beautifully intact. Above the beach, a short hike to the island's high point rewards with sweeping panoramic views across the surrounding reef and South Pacific horizon — a moment that captures everything Fiji is famous for.

Nicknamed the "Sugar City" due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka's biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.

Nicknamed the "Sugar City" due to its expansive sugarcane plantations, Lautoka's biggest employer is the Lautoka Sugar Mill, founded in 1903. Lautoka is the birthplace of PGA star Vijay Singh and is lovely with its tree-lined streets, colonial homes, outdoor markets and a cheerful, vibrant culture. Sights to see include South Sea Orchid Garden, Sabeto Village and Nadi Marketplace or Temple. This is also the place to make time for a relaxing mud pool bath.

This small, hidden island in a group of 6 islands offers a private beautiful beach off the beaten path with crystal-clear waters inviting amazing snorkeling. In 2002 a developer offered to buy one of the islands, which the villagers declined and instead signed an agreement with Seacology prohibiting island development for 20 years and establishing a no-take fishing reserve for 10 years

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Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, offers a downtown with a delightful mix of colorful market stalls selling produce and local crafts and Mama’s Market with fresh seasonal fruit samples. Take a boat to Tranquility Island to see the Hawksbill Turtle Sanctuary there. Or head to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with lovely rock pools or Jade Beach with excellent swimming and snorkeling.

CHAMPAGNE BAY, ESPIRITU SANTO

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Honiara offers rich cultural experiences and deep historical significance, drawing visitors interested in World War II heritage and the pivotal battles that took place on Guadalcanal. Museums, memorials, and relic sites provide powerful insight into the island’s wartime past, while vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and friendly local communities reveal the living culture of the Solomon Islands. It’s a compelling blend of history, tradition, and tropical island life.

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Alotau is known for its warm hospitality, lush landscapes, and authentic exposure to Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay culture. Travelers visit for its coastal beauty, traditional music and dance performances, and opportunities to learn local culinary techniques—such as clay-pot cooking using fresh root vegetables and island spices. With its relaxed pace and strong cultural identity, Alotau offers a meaningful glimpse into everyday life in PNG.

The Conflict Islands captivate travelers with their extraordinary natural beauty—turquoise lagoons, dazzling coral reefs, and some of the most vibrant marine life found anywhere within the Coral Triangle, one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity zones. As one of Papua New Guinea’s most pristine and remote island groups, they offer idyllic conditions for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife encounters far from typical tourist routes. Visitors are drawn to the serenity, ecological richness, and the rare feeling of discovering a truly untouched paradise.

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The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

Described as paradise, Bali's spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country's most highly developed art forms.

Described as paradise, Bali's spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country's most highly developed art forms.