Windstar Cruises began sailing in 2024 to the Marquesas Islands – a remote, South Pacific paradise that welcomes just a few thousand visitors per year, and in July the Marquesas received broad international recognition by being named one of the planet’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Windstar is commemorating the moment by offering a celebration 14-night Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas sailing departing 26th September 2024 hosted by Windstar’s French Polynesian Attaché Hironui Johnston, along with three Marquesas Islands mayors.
An additional celebratory sailing will take place on 27th March 2025. Suites are available for booking on both dates.
UNESCO recognised the Marquesas for its gorgeous geography and remote location, in addition to the surrounding waters being “among the world’s last marine wilderness areas”. UNESCO also recognised the Marquesas’ unique culture and heritage.
Windstar has been sailing in French Polynesia for more than 36 years creating deep relationships and partnerships with local officials across the region and enabling the line to expand its itineraries further to include the remote Marquesas bringing the total number of islands visited in the South Pacific to eleven.
Windstar’s year-round cruises (also including the Society Islands and the Tuamotus) bring the culture of French Polynesia onboard with a designated cultural ambassador for all sailings.
All itineraries include a complimentary Bora Bora Celebration Destination Discovery Event, which is a private feast on a beach with local performances from music to fire dancing. Local food and beer/spirits are highlighted onboard, while curated shore excursions led by locals enrich the cruise.
“We are honoured to host the mayors of these incredible islands on board Star Breeze for this celebration of the UNESCO World Heritage status,” said Stijn Creupelandt, vice president of hotel operations at Windstar Cruises. “This designation is a testament to their work at preserving their culture and environment.”
The mayors from the Marquesas’ Ua Huka, Fatu Hiva, and Tahuata joining Windstar on the 26th September sailing will speak about the process and journey of being recognised as an UNESCO site.
They will also discuss rāhui – a traditional community-based approach to resource management; why the mayors of the Marquesas work together and the legends that inspire this cooperation; and how they are empowering the next generation to conserve and protect the destination.
Workshops will also be led on board with hands-on topics such as traditional Marquesas lei crafting, Haka Manu (Bird Dance) lessons, and culinary demonstrations on how to make I’a mito (the Marquesas’ version of poisson cru – a dish similar to ceviche) and Keukeu, which is a traditional dish of goat with coconut milk.
Additionally, professional photographers Pat and Rosemarie Keough will round out the programming with photography workshops aimed at expertly capturing the island’s natural beauty and teeming underwater life.
The two Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas sailings are round trip from Papeete with calls in Fakarava, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Moorea.
Cruise prices for the 26th September 2024 sailing start from £5,620 per person and from £6,598 per person for the 27th March 2025 sailing. Prices include all meals and drinks, gratuities, WiFi and port fees.
For reservations call 0808 178 2233 or visit www.windstarcruises.com & Magnificent Marquesas sailings are round trip from Papeete with calls in Fakarava, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Moorea.
Cruise prices for the 26th September 2024 sailing start from £5,620 per person and from £6,598 per person for the 27th March 2025 sailing. Prices include all meals and drinks, gratuities, WiFi and port fees.
Source: Kate Selley PR
Images: © 2024 Windstar Cruises. All rights reserved.
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