From Bora Bora’s fire-lit evenings to private motu lunches and life onboard Star Breeze, this is French Polynesia at its most personal
There are some destinations that stay with you — and for me, French Polynesia has always been one of them. The blues of the water, the rhythm of the islands, the feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere both remote and deeply welcoming. Years ago, I worked at sea so I could dive in places like this. I fell in love with the ocean here — and I’ve always wanted to return.
This time, I didn’t just go back — I got to share the experience on The Jet Set TV.
As a frequent contributor on The Jet Set TV, it’s always a joy to talk travel — and even better when it’s a destination and cruise line I genuinely love. Sitting down with Nikki Noya to talk about sailing with Windstar Cruises felt like a full-circle moment. It wasn’t just an interview — it was two travelers swapping stories about a place and a style of travel that truly delivers.
Photo from Windstar Cruises
Small Ship, Big Feeling
Sailing through Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine on Star Breeze feels completely different from a traditional cruise. It’s intimate, relaxed, and genuinely human — more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship.
The suites are spacious and serene, with picture windows framing those endless shades of blue. It’s the kind of space where you instantly exhale — and then head right back out to experience it all.
The Marina: Where It All Comes to Life
One of the highlights Nikki and I both lit up talking about is the Marina.
When it opens, the ship transforms. Suddenly, you’re swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding — stepping directly into that crystal-clear water. No rush, no reservations — just pure, spontaneous joy. It’s one of those signature Windstar moments that feels effortless and unforgettable.
Destination Events That Stay With You
What truly sets this journey apart — and what we loved talking about on The Jet Set TV — are the destination experiences that bring the islands to life.
In Taha’a, a private motu lunch feels like stepping into a postcard: soft sand, swaying palms, a beach barbecue, and shallow turquoise water where stingrays glide past as you wade in. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and joy-filled — the kind of afternoon you wish you could pause.
And then there’s Bora Bora. The Feast & Fire evening begins with a catamaran ride at sunset to a private motu, where you’re welcomed with flower leis and the warm glow of torchlight. Dinner unfolds under the stars, followed by a powerful Polynesian performance — music, dance, and fire — with a multi-generational group that brings the culture to life in a way that feels authentic, celebratory, and deeply moving.
These aren’t just excursions — they’re the moments that stay with you.
Dining That Reflects the Journey
Food is a huge part of the experience, and Windstar delivers. As the only cruise line partnered with the James Beard Foundation, there’s a clear commitment to quality — and you can taste it.
From dinners in Amphora to specialty restaurants, each experience feels thoughtful and elevated. I especially loved Basil + Bamboo, new to the fleet and full of vibrant, globally inspired flavors, and Candles Steakhouse, where dining under the stars feels both relaxed and special at the same time.
A Crew That Makes It Personal
What really stayed with me is the people.
From Captain Roman Krstanovic to Hotel General Manager Iulian Petrasuc, the leadership sets the tone: warm, welcoming, and genuinely engaged. The crew doesn’t just provide great service — they create connection. Whether it’s greeting you by name, helping plan your perfect day ashore, or joining in the fun onboard, there’s a sense of pride and joy that you feel everywhere on the ship.
It’s that human element that transforms a beautiful trip into something meaningful.
Why Talking About It on TV Felt Different
I’ve shared this journey across articles, videos, and a podcast recorded onboard — but talking about it on The Jet Set TV felt different.
Maybe it’s because Nikki understands it firsthand. Maybe it’s because we both love this style of travel. Or maybe it’s because some experiences — like sailing through French Polynesia — are just too special not to talk about out loud.
Still My Kind of Travel
What I shared on TV is simple: this is the kind of travel I love — where the ship feels personal, the experiences feel meaningful, and the destination has space to shine. With Windstar Cruises, every detail supports the journey without ever overwhelming it.
And in a place as magical as French Polynesia, that balance is everything. ✨
My VIDEOS FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA on STAR BREEZE:
Kupershtein endured extreme hunger, inhumane conditions and constant psychological torment. Yet even in those depths, he fought daily to preserve his humanity.
Kudrow’s connection to comedy runs deeper than her Hollywood career. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in a family where humor wasn’t just entertainment — it was a way to cope.
While the documentary succeeds in showing the band’s power and chemistry, and is full of energy, one is left wondering what would have happened if Slovak lived.
The war against two stubborn enemies, such as Iran and Hezbollah, has an interesting lesson to teach on obstacles created by regimes that are polar opposites.
There is something deeply cyclical about Judaism and our holidays. We return to the same story—the same words, the same questions—but we are not the same people telling it. And that changes everything.
Emma’s diary represents testimony of an America, and an American Jewish community, torn asunder during America’s strenuous effort to manifest its founding ideal of the equality of all people who were created in the image of God.
On Yom HaShoah, we speak of six million who were murdered. But I also remember the nine million who lived. Nine million Jews who got up every morning, took their children to school, and strove every day to survive, because they believed in life.
Gratitude is greatly emphasized in much of Jewish observance, from blessings before and after meals, the celebration of holidays such as Passover, a festival that celebrates liberation from slavery, and in the psalms.
The seder table itself is a model of radical welcome: we are told explicitly to invite the stranger, to make room for those who ask questions and for those who do not yet know how to ask.
Sailing Tahiti on The Jet Set TV: Why Windstar Cruises Delivers Small Ships, Big Experiences
Lisa Ellen Niver
From Bora Bora’s fire-lit evenings to private motu lunches and life onboard Star Breeze, this is French Polynesia at its most personal
There are some destinations that stay with you — and for me, French Polynesia has always been one of them. The blues of the water, the rhythm of the islands, the feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere both remote and deeply welcoming. Years ago, I worked at sea so I could dive in places like this. I fell in love with the ocean here — and I’ve always wanted to return.
Small Ship, Big Feeling
Sailing through Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine on Star Breeze feels completely different from a traditional cruise. It’s intimate, relaxed, and genuinely human — more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship. The suites are spacious and serene, with picture windows framing those endless shades of blue. It’s the kind of space where you instantly exhale — and then head right back out to experience it all.The Marina: Where It All Comes to Life
One of the highlights Nikki and I both lit up talking about is the Marina. When it opens, the ship transforms. Suddenly, you’re swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding — stepping directly into that crystal-clear water. No rush, no reservations — just pure, spontaneous joy. It’s one of those signature Windstar moments that feels effortless and unforgettable.Destination Events That Stay With You
What truly sets this journey apart — and what we loved talking about on The Jet Set TV — are the destination experiences that bring the islands to life. In Taha’a, a private motu lunch feels like stepping into a postcard: soft sand, swaying palms, a beach barbecue, and shallow turquoise water where stingrays glide past as you wade in. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and joy-filled — the kind of afternoon you wish you could pause. And then there’s Bora Bora. The Feast & Fire evening begins with a catamaran ride at sunset to a private motu, where you’re welcomed with flower leis and the warm glow of torchlight. Dinner unfolds under the stars, followed by a powerful Polynesian performance — music, dance, and fire — with a multi-generational group that brings the culture to life in a way that feels authentic, celebratory, and deeply moving. These aren’t just excursions — they’re the moments that stay with you.Dining That Reflects the Journey
Food is a huge part of the experience, and Windstar delivers. As the only cruise line partnered with the James Beard Foundation, there’s a clear commitment to quality — and you can taste it. From dinners in Amphora to specialty restaurants, each experience feels thoughtful and elevated. I especially loved Basil + Bamboo, new to the fleet and full of vibrant, globally inspired flavors, and Candles Steakhouse, where dining under the stars feels both relaxed and special at the same time.A Crew That Makes It Personal
What really stayed with me is the people. From Captain Roman Krstanovic to Hotel General Manager Iulian Petrasuc, the leadership sets the tone: warm, welcoming, and genuinely engaged. The crew doesn’t just provide great service — they create connection. Whether it’s greeting you by name, helping plan your perfect day ashore, or joining in the fun onboard, there’s a sense of pride and joy that you feel everywhere on the ship. It’s that human element that transforms a beautiful trip into something meaningful.Why Talking About It on TV Felt Different
I’ve shared this journey across articles, videos, and a podcast recorded onboard — but talking about it on The Jet Set TV felt different. Maybe it’s because Nikki understands it firsthand. Maybe it’s because we both love this style of travel. Or maybe it’s because some experiences — like sailing through French Polynesia — are just too special not to talk about out loud.Still My Kind of Travel
What I shared on TV is simple: this is the kind of travel I love — where the ship feels personal, the experiences feel meaningful, and the destination has space to shine. With Windstar Cruises, every detail supports the journey without ever overwhelming it. And in a place as magical as French Polynesia, that balance is everything. ✨ My VIDEOS FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA on STAR BREEZE:ARTICLE: Sailing French Polynesia with Windstar Cruises: A Return to Tahiti and Life at Sea
Read it on MSN and the Jewish Journal
On Bored Panda: I Thought I’d Seen Every Shade Of Blue, Until I Sailed Through French Polynesia
PODCAST: Small Ships, Big Adventures: Exploring Tahiti with Windstar Cruises and Joanna Vapor
More of my coverage including all of my social media posts: CLICK HERE
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Trump’s Tantrums
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Guzik’s Healthy Choice
L.A. Jewish Symphony Concert, Open Temple Seder Crawl
Rationales of the Passover
A Moment in Time: “Chol HaMoed – When the Ordinary Reveals Holiness”
A Bisl Torah — Reconsideration
Print Issue: How Do We Regain Our Mojo? | April 10, 2026
How a Mark Twain passage at our Passover seder led me to reflect on the themes of envy and Jewish self-esteem.
‘Unbroken’: Bar Kupershtein Recounts 738 Days in Hamas’ Hands
Kupershtein endured extreme hunger, inhumane conditions and constant psychological torment. Yet even in those depths, he fought daily to preserve his humanity.
‘The Comeback’: Lisa Kudrow Returns to Stage 24, Where It All Began
Kudrow’s connection to comedy runs deeper than her Hollywood career. As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, she grew up in a family where humor wasn’t just entertainment — it was a way to cope.
Israeli Guitarist Nili Brosh Releases Signature Ibanez Guitar
Brosh, 37, was born in Rishon LeZion, Israel, a city that also produced the late singer Shoshana Damari, “the Queen of Hebrew Music.”
Netflix Doc Shows Hillel Slovak Sparking the Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
While the documentary succeeds in showing the band’s power and chemistry, and is full of energy, one is left wondering what would have happened if Slovak lived.
A Semester to Remember: de Toledo High School Students Study in Israel Under Fire
Shortly after arriving for the exchange program, the war with Iran began on Feb. 28.
NASA’s Jewish Administrator and Jewish Astronauts Reflect on Artemis II’s Historic Moon Flyby
By some measures, 16 Jews have been to space.
Noa Tishby Brings Clarity, Courage and a Call to Action to Beth Jacob
“The Jewish people are patient zero in a worldwide war on truth.”
Golden Memories – a Great Challah Recipe
This challah has a soft, fluffy, airy texture, with a wonderful chewy crumb, a hint of sweetness and an enticing golden crust.
Post-Passover Pasta and Pizza
What carbs do you miss the most during Passover? Do you go for the sweet stuff, like cookies and cakes, or heartier items like breads and pasta?
Table for Five: Shemini
Kosher Fish
Rosner’s Domain | The Too Strong and Too Weak Challenge
The war against two stubborn enemies, such as Iran and Hezbollah, has an interesting lesson to teach on obstacles created by regimes that are polar opposites.
Fake Until Proven Real: As AI Images Spread, Skepticism May Be the Best Safeguard
When it comes to images and video online, the safest starting point is the presumption that what we see is not authentic until it is verified.
Freedom, This Year
There is something deeply cyclical about Judaism and our holidays. We return to the same story—the same words, the same questions—but we are not the same people telling it. And that changes everything.
A Diary Amidst Division and the Fight for Freedom
Emma’s diary represents testimony of an America, and an American Jewish community, torn asunder during America’s strenuous effort to manifest its founding ideal of the equality of all people who were created in the image of God.
When Criticism of Israel Becomes a Test for Jews Everywhere
Judge Israel as you would judge any state: rigorously, truthfully and proportionately.
More than Names
On Yom HaShoah, we speak of six million who were murdered. But I also remember the nine million who lived. Nine million Jews who got up every morning, took their children to school, and strove every day to survive, because they believed in life.
Gratitude
Gratitude is greatly emphasized in much of Jewish observance, from blessings before and after meals, the celebration of holidays such as Passover, a festival that celebrates liberation from slavery, and in the psalms.
Freedom’s Unfinished Journey
The seder table itself is a model of radical welcome: we are told explicitly to invite the stranger, to make room for those who ask questions and for those who do not yet know how to ask.
Thoughts on Security
For students at Jewish schools, armed guards, security gates, and ID checks are now woven into the rhythm of daily life.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.