Explora Journeys vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

Explora Journeys and Windstar Cruises are rarely compared directly — they operate at different scales, different price points, and with fundamentally different philosophies about what a luxury cruise should feel like. But both attract travellers who reject the mega-ship experience, and the choice between them reveals whether you prioritise the newest hardware or the romance of the sea.

Explora is the modern ultra-luxury resort. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group with a reported EUR 3.5 billion investment, the line operates 922-guest ships with nine dining venues, a 7,500-square-foot complimentary thermal spa, all-suite all-balcony accommodation from 375 square feet, and a contemporary European atmosphere. The ships feel like floating boutique hotels — muted tones, Italian furnishings, Calacatta marble. EXPLORA III arrives summer 2026 as the first of a larger, LNG-powered class. The philosophy is ocean living without cruise conventions.

Windstar is the romantic sailing yacht. The fleet includes three motor-sailing yachts — Wind Surf (342 guests, the world’s largest motor-sailing yacht), Wind Star and Wind Spirit (approximately 148 guests each) — with computer-controlled sails on four or five masts, plus four Star-class all-suite motor vessels (approximately 312 guests each). The watersport marina deploys from the stern for kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and water skiing. Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso and the 180 Under the Stars open-air deck barbecue are culinary highlights. Star Seeker joins the fleet in 2026. The dress code is resort casual — barefoot on deck is entirely appropriate.

For Australian travellers, both lines offer accessible departures without mega-ship compromises — but the scale, price point, and atmosphere are poles apart.

What is actually included

The inclusion models differ significantly, with Explora offering more at the base fare.

Explora includes: nine dining venues without surcharges (Anthology at approximately EUR $165 and Chef’s Kitchen excepted), unlimited premium spirits, wines, and cocktails, Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary thermal spa access, daily minibar, 24-hour in-suite dining, port shuttle services, and all gratuities. Butler service from Prestige Suites upward.

Windstar’s base fare includes: all dining without surcharges (Cuadro 44 included on Star-class ships), 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages, speciality coffees, and complimentary watersport marina access. The All-In package adds alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities for USD $99 per person per day. Without the package, gratuities are USD $16 per person per day, drinks are à la carte, and Wi-Fi is approximately USD $15 per day.

The practical difference: Explora includes premium drinks, Wi-Fi, spa access, and gratuities at the base fare — value of approximately USD $150–$200 per person per day. Windstar’s All-In package at USD $99 per day covers drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities but not spa or butler service. Windstar’s complimentary watersport marina — kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, water skiing — is a unique inclusion that Explora cannot match. Neither line includes shore excursions or flights.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines take food seriously, but their approaches reflect the different scales and atmospheres.

Explora offers nine dining venues per ship. Anthology features rotating three-Michelin-star guest chefs (surcharge approximately EUR $165). Fil Rouge (French-inspired), Sakura (pan-Asian), Marble & Co. Grill (European steakhouse), Med Yacht Club (casual Mediterranean), and Emporium Marketplace (global food hall) are all included. Won Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best Dining award.

Windstar’s dining programme varies by ship class. Star-class motor vessels offer Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso — Mediterranean Italian cuisine inspired by Basque and Spanish coastal traditions — plus Amphora (main restaurant), Candles (alfresco fine dining), Star Grill by Steven Raichlen, and Veranda. The sailing yachts offer Amphora, Candles, and the Veranda Café. The signature experience across the fleet is 180 Under the Stars — a deck barbecue served on the open aft deck under the night sky, available on every ship. All dining is included without surcharges.

The verdict: Explora offers greater variety and higher culinary peaks through Anthology’s Michelin-star guest chefs. Windstar offers a more intimate and romantic dining experience — Candles on a sailing yacht’s open deck, 180 Under the Stars with the ocean stretching to the horizon, Cuadro 44’s Basque-inspired cuisine on a 312-guest ship where the chef knows your preferences. All of Windstar’s dining is included; Explora gates its creative peak behind a surcharge.

Suites and accommodation

Explora wins on size and modernity; Windstar wins on the romance of its sailing yacht staterooms.

Explora’s Ocean Terrace Suite starts at 375 square feet with a 75-square-foot private terrace. Contemporary residential design with Italian furnishings, natural stone bathroom, European king bed. The Owner’s Residence spans approximately 3,015 square feet. Fleet is uniformly modern with identical quality across all ships.

Windstar’s accommodation varies by ship class. Star-class all-suite motor vessels offer Star Balcony Suites from 277 square feet with a balcony — smaller than Explora but competitive for the yacht category. Star Seeker (arriving 2026) introduces the Horizon Owner’s Suite at 796 square feet. On the sailing yachts, staterooms are 188 square feet with portholes rather than balconies — genuinely compact but with the unique character of sleeping aboard a ship under sail. Wind Surf’s Bridge Suites are 376 square feet with picture windows.

The comparison is straightforward on paper — Explora’s suites are larger and more contemporary. But Windstar’s sailing yacht staterooms offer something no amount of square footage can replicate: the sound of wind in the sails, the gentle heel of the ship, and the romance of waking aboard a vessel under canvas. If cabin size is the priority, Explora wins. If the character of the vessel matters, Windstar’s sailing yachts create an incomparable experience.

Pricing and value

This is where the comparison reveals its sharpest contrast — Windstar is substantially more affordable.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD $450–$750 per person per night for Ocean Terrace Suites. A 7-night Mediterranean costs approximately AUD $6,000–$10,000 per person for the cruise fare.

Windstar’s per-diem runs approximately USD $250–$500 per person per night depending on ship class and itinerary. A 7-night Mediterranean on a Star-class ship costs approximately AUD $3,500–$6,000 per person. Add the All-In package (approximately AUD $1,100 per person for 7 nights) for drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Sailing yacht voyages can be even more affordable.

Total cost comparison for an Australian couple on a 7-night Mediterranean voyage:

Explora (Ocean Terrace Suite): approximately AUD $12,000–$20,000 cruise fare, plus business-class flights (AUD $10,000–$18,000), excursions (AUD $1,500–$3,000), Anthology dining (AUD $500–$700). Total: approximately AUD $24,000–$42,000.

Windstar (Star Balcony Suite with All-In): approximately AUD $9,000–$14,000 total cruise cost, plus business-class flights (AUD $10,000–$18,000), excursions (AUD $1,000–$2,500). Total: approximately AUD $20,000–$35,000.

Windstar delivers intimate small-ship cruising at 25 to 40 per cent less than Explora on comparable itineraries. The gap buys Explora a larger suite, complimentary thermal spa, and more dining options — but for travellers who prioritise value and romance over hardware, Windstar’s proposition is compelling.

Spa and wellness

Explora wins decisively on dedicated spa facilities; Windstar wins on active outdoor wellness.

Explora’s Helios Spa spans over 7,500 square feet across two decks with complimentary thermal area — hydrotherapy pool, salt cave, Finnish sauna, aromatic steam room, ice fountain, heated marble loungers. Four swimming pools including a 25-metre infinity-edge pool. Won World Spa Awards 2024.

Windstar’s spa offering is compact — treatment rooms operated by partners, a small fitness centre, and limited thermal facilities. The wellness experience is active rather than facility-driven: the watersport marina provides kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and water skiing directly from the ship’s stern platform. The wind-assisted sailing itself creates a meditative quality — standing on deck as the sails fill and the engines go quiet is a form of relaxation no spa can replicate.

If dedicated spa facilities matter, Explora is in a different category. If outdoor, active wellness — swimming from the marina platform, paddleboarding at anchor, feeling the wind — is your definition of wellbeing, Windstar delivers something genuinely unique.

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines reject mainstream cruise entertainment in favour of understated experiences.

Explora offers curated musical performances, DJ sets, acoustic concerts, wine tastings, and destination briefings. The Luminaries programme brings thought leaders aboard select sailings. No production shows. The approach is resort-style — contemporary and relaxed.

Windstar’s entertainment is the ship itself. The sail-away ceremony — when the computer-controlled sails unfurl against the Vangelis soundtrack of 1492: Conquest of Paradise — is one of cruising’s iconic moments. Beyond that, the atmosphere is intimate: a duo in the Compass Rose lounge, stargazing from the open deck, conversation over cocktails. Guest enrichment includes destination lecturers and culinary demonstrations. Dress code is resort casual at all times — no formal nights, no dress-up pressure.

The distinction: Explora curates a polished resort evening. Windstar lets the ocean and the sailing be the entertainment. For travellers who want structured relaxation, Explora. For those who prefer the simplicity of a yacht at sea, Windstar.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleets serve overlapping destinations but through very different vessels.

Explora operates two ships (three from summer 2026) — all 922-guest ocean vessels with identical quality. Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Middle East, transatlantic. Six ships planned by 2028.

Windstar operates seven ships across two classes. Three motor-sailing yachts (Wind Surf at 342 guests, Wind Star and Wind Spirit at approximately 148 each) and four Star-class all-suite motor vessels (approximately 312 each). Star Seeker joins in 2026. Deployments cover the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, French Polynesia (year-round from Papeete), Northern Europe, and seasonal Australia/New Zealand.

Windstar’s fleet advantage is destination breadth — seven ships covering more regions with the unique addition of year-round Tahiti. Explora’s advantage is fleet uniformity and modern hardware. For Australians, Windstar’s Tahiti deployment (direct from Sydney on Air Tahiti Nui, eight hours) and seasonal AU/NZ sailings from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns are significant accessibility advantages.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Modern luxury hardware. Purpose-built ships from 2023 with the segment’s most contemporary design.
• Spa and wellness. The 7,500-square-foot complimentary thermal spa has no Windstar equivalent.
• Suite size. Entry-level at 375 square feet plus terrace — significantly larger than any Windstar option.
• Dining variety. Nine venues spanning multiple cuisines versus Windstar’s three to five.
• Included premium drinks. Cocktails, spirits, and fine wines at the base fare.

Windstar excels in:

• The romance of sailing. Computer-controlled sails on motor-sailing yachts — an experience unique in luxury cruising.
• Intimacy. Ships carrying 148 to 342 guests create a yacht-like atmosphere with nearly 1:1 crew ratio.
• French Polynesia. Year-round departures from Papeete — Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea — just eight hours from Sydney.
• Watersport marina. Complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and water skiing from the stern platform.
• Value. Intimate small-ship cruising at 25 to 40 per cent less than Explora.
• Alfresco dining. 180 Under the Stars and Candles under the night sky are among cruising’s most memorable dining experiences.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Discovery (10 nights on EXPLORA I or II, multiple departures 2026–2027) — Roundtrip Barcelona or Civitavecchia. Nine dining venues, thermal spa, European atmosphere. From approximately USD $5,500 per person.

Northern Europe & Baltic (12–14 nights, summer 2026–2027) — Norwegian fjords, Stockholm, Helsinki. The resort design suits scenic cruising.

2029 World Cruise (128 days, Dubai to Barcelona) — First Explora voyage visiting Australia.

Windstar

Wind Spirit: Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights, roundtrip Papeete, year-round) — Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine. Air Tahiti Nui direct from Sydney. Under-sail arrivals into lagoons accessible only to Windstar’s shallow-draft sailing yachts. From approximately USD $3,000 per person.

Star Breeze: Australia & New Zealand (seasonal, Sydney/Melbourne/Cairns departures) — Intimate port-intensive itineraries along the Australian and New Zealand coastlines. No international flight required.

Wind Surf: Mediterranean (7–11 nights, multiple departures 2026) — The world’s largest motor-sailing yacht in Greek Islands, Italian coastline, and Dalmatian coast waters. 342 guests, watersport marina, 180 Under the Stars.

Star Seeker: Inaugural Season (arriving 2026) — The newest Star-class ship with ice-strengthened hull. Watch for Alaska and Northern European deployments at introductory pricing.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

EXPLORA I (922 guests, July 2023) — The inaugural ship. Choose for Mediterranean and European itineraries.

EXPLORA II (922 guests, September 2024) — Near-identical. Choose based on itinerary.

EXPLORA III (arriving summer 2026) — New larger class. Launch pricing may offer value.

Windstar

Wind Spirit (148 guests) — The Tahiti specialist. Year-round from Papeete. The most intimate sailing yacht experience and the most accessible Windstar deployment for Australians.

Wind Surf (342 guests) — The flagship sailing yacht. Five masts, the largest watersport marina, and the most cabin variety. Choose for Mediterranean sailings.

Star Breeze (312 guests) — All-suite motor vessel deployed seasonally to Australia and New Zealand. The easiest Windstar ship to access from Australian ports.

Star Seeker (arriving 2026) — Newest Star-class with ice-strengthened hull. Choose for inaugural-season value and Alaska or Northern European itineraries.

For Australian travellers specifically

Windstar has meaningful Australian accessibility advantages that Explora cannot match until 2029.

Windstar’s Australian connections include seasonal deployments from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns aboard Star Breeze — no international flight required. The year-round Tahiti programme from Papeete is just eight hours from Sydney on Air Tahiti Nui. Travel the World Group has represented Windstar in Australia for over thirty-eight years. Star-class ships visit Australian waters regularly.

Explora’s Australian presence is non-existent until the 2029 World Cruise. Every sailing before then requires flights to European, Middle Eastern, or Caribbean departure ports. Explora operates through MSC Group infrastructure in Australia.

The value equation for Australians: A Windstar Tahiti voyage on Wind Spirit — seven nights roundtrip Papeete with return flights from Sydney — can be packaged for significantly less than a comparable Explora Mediterranean sailing requiring long-haul European flights. For Australians specifically, Windstar’s Polynesia deployment represents one of the most accessible and affordable luxury cruise options available.

Loyalty: Neither line partners directly with Qantas Frequent Flyer. Windstar’s loyalty programme offers onboard credits and upgrades based on sailed nights. Explora’s Journeys Circle offers five tiers with status matching from eleven competitor lines.

The onboard atmosphere

These two lines create entirely different social environments — and choosing correctly on atmosphere is as important as choosing correctly on hardware.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary, European, and resort-like. Average age approximately 50–60. The demographic skews Italian, French, German, and British. No casino, no production shows, no cruise director. Music is curated: lounge DJs, acoustic sets, jazz trios. Dress code is “elegant resort.” The vibe is a boutique Mediterranean hotel transported to sea.

Windstar’s atmosphere is barefoot, romantic, and yacht-intimate. Average age approximately 50–65, with a mix of American, Australian, European, and well-travelled couples. Many guests are on honeymoons, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations. The small scale (148 guests on sailing yachts) means the captain, officers, and watersport crew know guests by name. No casino, no production shows, no structured programme. Dress code is resort casual with no formal nights — bare feet on the teak deck are entirely appropriate. The soundtrack is wind in the sails, waves against the hull, and live music drifting from the Compass Rose lounge.

The choice is emotional rather than analytical. Explora suits travellers who want polished modern luxury. Windstar suits travellers who want the romance of the sea itself.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and Windstar Cruises serve different price points, different scales, and different emotional needs — but both deliver genuine small-ship luxury for travellers who reject the mega-ship experience.

Choose Explora if you want the newest ultra-luxury hardware, nine dining venues, the finest complimentary thermal spa at sea, larger suites with contemporary design, and a European resort atmosphere. Accept the higher per-diem, the international flights to every departure port until 2029, and the premium pricing that comes with purpose-built modern ships.

Choose Windstar if you want the romance of sailing under canvas, yacht-scale intimacy on ships carrying 148 to 342 guests, Cuadro 44 and 180 Under the Stars dining, a complimentary watersport marina, and year-round Tahiti just eight hours from Sydney. Choose it for accessible pricing that makes luxury cruising achievable more frequently. Accept smaller cabins, a more modest spa, and a drinks package that sits outside the base fare.

For Australian travellers, Windstar’s Tahiti deployment and seasonal Australian sailings make it the more immediately accessible option. Explora is the aspirational upgrade for those who have experienced Windstar’s intimacy and want to step up to larger suites and more comprehensive inclusions on an international ocean voyage.