Page 66 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter 2024/2025

F A M I L Y W A V E S
En route to another shore excursion to visit a vanilla
plantation on the island of Taha’a, a humpback whale
unexpectedly breaches in front of our speedboat tender. We’re
on our way to a snorkel spot where dozens of blacktip reef
sharks gather around multicoloured coral. Although the vast
majority of sharks are completely harmless, the ocean’s apex
predator still rattles people’s nerves. I proudly watch as my
daughter exits the boat first. As an explorer and co-host of the
TV series Word Travels, I’ve been known to jump headfirst into
wild adventures. Proving the coconut doesn’t fall far from the
tree, Raquel fearlessly enters the shark-infested waters,
encouraging other passengers to do the same, including her
terrified grandmother. The transfer of wisdom across genera-
tions flows both ways.
FOOD FRENZY
Dining on-board the Wind Spirit has been exceptional, aided
by Windstar’s collaboration with the James Beard Foundation,
and the creative use of fresh, abundant Polynesian fruit by
Canadian Executive Chef Darin Epp. The crisp, sweet pineap-
ples grown on Mo’orea set a benchmark for what the fruit
should taste like. My daughter resolves to try at least one new
culinary experience each day, from star fruit and grilled plan-
tain to creative breakfast smoothies and vanilla-infused
Tahitian po’e (a pudding made with ripe bananas and
coconut).
THE SECRET SAUCE OF
SMALL-SHIP CRUISING
We’re pampered aboard the 134-metre-long ship, the second
oldest in the Windstar fleet.
“We don’t have the theme parks, but we’ve got a crew who
really care,” says Captain Tom Schofield, easily the most
affable and engaging ship captain I’ve encountered after a
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DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2024/2025
half-dozen cruises. We laze on the outer deck enjoying
staggering views of the lush islands and pool-clear water,
play games from the library, drink piña coladas and Shirley
Temples, listen to hits from the on-board musicians, enjoy
quirky evening entertainment (the crew talent show left pas-
sengers in stitches), and participate in at-sea cultural events.
Local “mamas” hop on the ship to demonstrate how ladies
wear a pareo, a colourful wraparound cloth worn for every
occasion. They weave corsages and flower crowns, and
shower Raquel with fragrant Tahitian gardenias.
Exploring any new destination with multiple generations
can transcend the very idea of what a dream vacation can be.
Here are the experiences that ultimately build our traditions,
create our memories, and shape who we will become.
Cruising on a small ship is a particularly enriching way to
discover stunning French Polynesia, but wherever your
winds blow, one truth remains clear: any bucket list experi-
ence is only as special as the people you share it with.
DS
Having visited over 115 countries on seven continents, Robin
Esrock is the bestselling author of The Great Canadian Bucket
List and The Great Global Bucket List.
TRAVEL PLANNER
Learn more about Windstar Cruises at
windstarcruises.com
PHOTOS: WINDSTAR CRUISES | ROBIN ESROCK