Scenic Ocean Cruises vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

Scenic Ocean Cruises and Windstar Cruises are rarely placed side by side — and the reason reveals itself the moment you step aboard. These are two fundamentally different interpretations of what small-ship luxury cruising should feel like, built around different technologies, different philosophies, and different definitions of adventure. The choice between them is not a quality judgement. Both deliver genuine excellence. The choice is about which version of the ocean appeals to you.

Scenic’s identity is Discovery. Founded by Glen Moroney in Newcastle, NSW in 1986, the Scenic Group built its reputation on European river cruising before launching what the company calls “the world’s first Discovery Yachts” — Scenic Eclipse (2019) and Eclipse II (2023). At 228 guests with PC6 ice class, two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, a Scenic Neptune submarine certified to 300 metres depth, ten dining venues, butler service in every suite, and a genuinely all-inclusive fare, the Eclipse ships represent the most comprehensively equipped expedition product available. The third ship, Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028), will carry 270 guests with fifteen dining venues and an 18,298-square-foot two-level spa. From April 2028, Eclipse II will be permanently homeported in Australia — the first ultra-luxury expedition ship to call Australian waters home year-round. The promise is technology-driven adventure: fly over glaciers, dive beneath the sea, explore by Zodiac, and return to ten restaurants and a butler who knows your name. Under the Scenic Group umbrella alongside Emerald Cruises, Scenic markets itself as “Truly All-Inclusive” — a claim backed by one of the most transparent pricing models in the industry. For Australian travellers, Scenic’s domestic ownership, AUD pricing, Newcastle headquarters, and permanent Australian homeporting from 2028 create a connection no international competitor can match.

Windstar’s identity is Sailing. Three of the line’s seven ships — Wind Surf (342 guests, five masts), Wind Star (148 guests, four masts), and Wind Spirit (148 guests, four masts) — are motorised sailing yachts carrying computer-controlled sails that unfurl at every departure and deploy whenever wind conditions permit, capable of reaching twelve knots without engine power. The line’s tagline, “180 degrees from ordinary,” captures a philosophy of barefoot elegance, retractable watersport marina platforms that lower directly into the ocean, and access to harbours that even Scenic’s 228-guest Discovery Yachts cannot enter. Owned by Xanterra Parks and Resorts (a subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, also behind the Broadmoor, Grand Canyon Railway, and several US national park lodge concessions), Windstar operates seven ships growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. The Star Plus class motor yachts — Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride (each 312 guests after the USD $250 million Star Plus Initiative renovation) — and the new-build Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025, ice-strengthened hull, Rolls-Royce diesel-electric hybrid propulsion) round out a fleet that never exceeds 342 guests on any vessel. The James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, now spanning over eleven years, anchors a dining programme that emphasises chef-driven creativity and local market ingredients over venue count. Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete — just eight hours by direct Air Tahiti Nui flight from Sydney.

For Australian travellers, the practical question crystallises quickly. If you want all-inclusive expedition luxury with helicopters, a submarine, ten dining venues, and Australian ownership, Scenic is the obvious choice. If you want to feel the sails catch the wind, swim from the back of the ship, dine under the stars, and pay significantly less per night while doing it, Windstar delivers an experience that no other line — expedition or otherwise — can replicate.

What is actually included

The inclusion models differ dramatically, and understanding the gap is essential to comparing total cost — particularly for Australian travellers calculating the true holiday spend.

Scenic’s “Truly All-Inclusive” fare covers all dining across ten venues without surcharges, premium branded beverages (champagne, spirits, wines — with only rare vintages excluded), three tiers of shore excursions (Freechoice, Enrich, and Discovery), butler service in every suite regardless of category, gratuities for all services including onshore guides and drivers, Starlink Wi-Fi, port charges, taxes, and transfers on select departures. The only significant extras are helicopter flights (approximately USD $695 for thirty minutes), submarine dives (approximately USD $795 for forty minutes), spa treatments, and flights to embarkation ports. No fuel surcharge surprises, no hidden service fees, no minibar charges. The fare is the fare, and for Australians accustomed to calculating add-ons, the simplicity is genuinely liberating. The helicopter and submarine are subject to geographic restrictions, weather conditions, and mechanical availability, but the base experience requires no mental arithmetic whatsoever.

Windstar’s base fare covers all dining across every restaurant without surcharges, 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages including speciality coffees, complimentary watersport marina access (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, sailboats, water skiing), group fitness classes, and onboard enrichment events. What the base fare does not include: alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and crew gratuities (USD $16 per person per day). The All-In package bundles unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, unlimited Wi-Fi for two devices, and prepaid gratuities for USD $99 per person per day when purchased before sailing (USD $109 if added onboard). An 18 per cent beverage service charge applies to individual drink purchases outside the package. Even with the All-In package, shore excursions remain extra — a meaningful gap against Scenic’s three-tier included programme.

The practical difference for Australian travellers on a ten-night cruise is significant. Scenic’s included excursions alone might represent AUD $1,500 to $3,000 per person in value. Add butler service, premium drinks, and gratuities, and Scenic’s inclusions are worth roughly AUD $4,000 to $6,000 more per person than Windstar’s base fare — though Scenic’s headline fare is substantially higher to begin with. Windstar’s All-In package at USD $99 per day adds roughly AUD $1,600 per person for ten nights, bringing drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the fare but still leaving excursions and butler service as items Windstar simply does not offer. The net effect: Scenic’s all-inclusive model eliminates financial surprises entirely, while Windstar’s modular approach lets budget-conscious travellers control exactly what they spend — and for those who self-explore ports rather than booking organised excursions, Windstar’s total cost can be dramatically lower.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines boast genuine culinary pedigree — but the approach could hardly be more different. Scenic overwhelms with variety across ten venues on a 228-guest ship. Windstar focuses on intimacy, chef-driven creativity, and the most romantic dining setting at sea.

Scenic Eclipse delivers ten dining venues for 228 guests — a restaurant-to-guest ratio unmatched in expedition cruising and recognised with Cruise Critic’s Best Expedition Line for Dining award in 2022 and 2023. Elements is the elegant a la carte main restaurant with menus rotating daily and sourcing regional specialities wherever the ship is sailing. Lumiere serves contemporary French fine dining with pre-dinner champagne and caviar — reviewers call it “perhaps the best, in terms of service and quality of food and wine coming together.” Koko’s offers Asian fusion with a dedicated sushi bar using ingredients sourced from Japan, plus the intimate Night Market tasting experience for eight guests featuring Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese hawker-style dishes. The Chef’s Table at Elements is an invitation-only fourteen-course molecular gastronomy degustation for just ten guests — a theatrical experience with matched wine pairings that ranks among the most exclusive dining experiences afloat. Azure Bar and Cafe provides all-day casual fare. The Yacht Club serves grill cuisine with ocean views. Chef’s Garden at Scenic Epicure hosts interactive cooking masterclasses where guests prepare dishes alongside the executive chef. Every single venue is included without surcharges or reservation fees. On a 228-guest ship, the effect is remarkable — you can dine in a different restaurant every night for more than a week without repeating, and on a longer voyage the permutations become genuinely luxurious.

Windstar’s culinary programme is anchored by the James Beard Foundation partnership — now in its eleventh year, the longest-running partnership between the foundation and any cruise line. James Beard Award-recognised chefs rotate through the fleet on culinary-themed sailings, delivering cooking demonstrations, hosted dinners with wine pairings, and local market tours in port. On every Windstar sailing — not just culinary departures — the dinner menu at Amphora (the main restaurant) features a rotating “Signature Recipe” from a James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef, built around local market ingredients wherever the ship has called that day. The partnership brings genuine culinary credibility: these are chefs who have earned the food industry’s most prestigious American award, and their menus reflect it. Beyond Amphora, Candles is the signature open-air restaurant on the Star Deck where guests dine on premium steak and seafood under the stars — widely cited as one of the most romantic dining experiences at sea, and an experience that enclosed restaurants on any ship cannot replicate. Stella Bistro and the Veranda provide additional casual options. Star Seeker introduces five dining venues in total, including the new Basil + Bamboo serving Asian and Mediterranean fusion. All dining is included without surcharges across every ship in the fleet.

The dining count tells the mathematical story: ten versus three to five. Scenic wins on variety, venue count, and the sheer ambition of molecular gastronomy and French fine dining on an expedition ship. But Windstar’s Candles — dining under the open sky with the sound of the ocean, the warmth of the evening air, and the silhouette of masted sails above — is an experience Scenic cannot replicate on its enclosed decks. And the James Beard Foundation chef rotations bring a different culinary personality to each sailing, creating variety through people rather than real estate.

The verdict: for food-motivated travellers who want options every night, Scenic delivers the widest choice in the small-ship segment. For those who value an intimate, chef-driven dining experience with the most romantic alfresco setting at sea, Windstar competes not on volume but on soul.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison reflects the fundamental difference in ship philosophy — Scenic’s purpose-built Discovery Yachts prioritise suite luxury and butler service at every level, while Windstar’s sailing yachts prioritise deck time, water access, and the romance of being under sail rather than behind glass.

Scenic Eclipse’s 114 suites start at 345 to 365 square feet for the Verandah Suite — among the most generous entry-level accommodation in expedition cruising and nearly double the size of Windstar’s sailing yacht staterooms. All suites include butler service as standard, a King Size Slumber Bed, butler bar with Nespresso machine, Smart UHD television with Bose sound system, and 24-hour in-suite dining from any restaurant menu. Spa Suites (495 to 540 square feet) feature a Philippe Starck spa bath and direct access to the Senses Spa. The Owner’s Penthouse Suite spans 2,100 square feet with a private Jacuzzi terrace and six-seat outdoor dining table — a genuine apartment at sea with views that stretch to the horizon. Fourteen suite grades across five decks provide a carefully graduated range of options, but the critical point is this: every guest, from the entry-level Verandah Suite upward, receives dedicated butler service. No other expedition or small-ship line offers universal butler service at this scale.

Windstar’s sailing yachts are deliberately compact. Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry staterooms at approximately 188 square feet with portholes rather than windows or balconies — well-appointed but genuinely intimate spaces designed for a ship where the deck, the marina, and the ports are the living room. Wind Surf offers deluxe ocean-view suites at 376 square feet with two bathrooms — comfortable for a sailing vessel — and standard staterooms at 188 square feet. These are not cramped by sailing yacht standards, but the comparison with Scenic’s entry suite is stark.

Windstar’s Star Plus class motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride) are all-suite vessels with entry-level suites starting at 277 square feet, completely refurbished during the USD $250 million Star Plus Initiative with new Egyptian cotton bedding, remodelled bathrooms, and furnishings designed by The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in New York. Classic Suites offer 400 square feet with separate bedroom and living areas. The mid-ship Owner’s Suites span 820 square feet. No butler service is available at any level on any Windstar ship.

Star Seeker (arriving December 2025) introduces twelve suite categories, from Oceanview Suites with queen beds to the Horizon Owner’s Suite at 796 square feet with wrap-around verandahs and separate living and dining areas. Deluxe Suites run 380 square feet plus a 110-square-foot balcony. Most suites feature private verandas or floor-to-ceiling infinity windows, walk-in mosaic glass showers, and fully stocked minibars. The four highest categories add Illy espresso machines, canape service, and fresh flowers.

The space gap is significant at every level. Scenic’s entry Verandah Suite at 345 square feet with butler service is 25 per cent larger than Windstar’s Star Plus entry suite and 83 per cent larger than the sailing yacht staterooms. Add universal butler service, private balconies at every category, and Spa Suites with Philippe Starck fittings, and Scenic wins the accommodation comparison decisively. But Windstar’s philosophy is intentional — on a 148-guest sailing yacht, the cabin is where you sleep. The deck, the marina, the water, and the ports are where you live. Travellers who spend their days under sail, in the ocean, and ashore will find the compact sailing yacht staterooms perfectly adequate. Those who value cabin comfort, in-suite dining from ten restaurants, and butler-delivered morning coffee will find Scenic’s suites incomparably superior.

Pricing and value

The pricing gap between these two lines is the largest in any comparison we publish — and it reflects genuinely different propositions rather than a simple quality differential.

Scenic Eclipse’s per-diem starts from approximately AUD $1,200 per person per night for Verandah Suites, though promotional pricing can bring this below AUD $700 per day on sale through Australian agents. A 13-day Antarctic expedition starts from approximately AUD $32,690 per person. An 8-day Mediterranean sailing from approximately AUD $14,710 per person. The all-inclusive nature means the headline price is genuinely close to the total holiday cost — butler service, ten dining venues, premium drinks, shore excursions across three tiers, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are all covered. Add helicopter flights (approximately AUD $1,100) and submarine dives (approximately AUD $1,250) if desired. For Australians who dislike calculating add-ons, Scenic’s transparency is a significant advantage — particularly on longer voyages where daily extras can accumulate into serious money.

Windstar’s per-diem is dramatically lower. Entry-level pricing on Wind Class sailing yachts starts from approximately USD $250 to $400 per person per night for seven-night Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries — often less than half of Scenic’s base rate before any add-ons. A seven-night Tahiti cruise on Wind Spirit from Papeete starts from approximately USD $3,500 per person. Star Plus class ships command a slight premium. Adding the All-In package (USD $99 per person per day for drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities) adds roughly AUD $1,600 per person for a ten-night cruise. The total per-diem with All-In typically falls in the AUD $500 to $750 range — consistently 40 to 60 per cent below Scenic’s standard pricing, and the gap remains even when comparing promotional fares on both sides.

For a direct Mediterranean comparison on a seven-night voyage:

Scenic Eclipse (Verandah Suite): approximately AUD $14,710 per person all-inclusive — butler service, premium drinks, ten dining venues, shore excursions across three tiers, gratuities, Starlink Wi-Fi.

Windstar Star Plus class (entry suite, with All-In package): approximately AUD $5,150 to $5,950 per person — drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included; shore excursions extra. Add approximately AUD $700 to $1,500 for excursions and the total reaches roughly AUD $5,850 to $7,450.

The gap is stark: Scenic costs 60 to 75 per cent more even after Windstar’s add-ons — roughly AUD $7,000 to $9,000 more per person on a single seven-night Mediterranean sailing. For a couple, the difference approaches AUD $14,000 to $18,000 — enough to fund a second Windstar cruise entirely. That premium buys butler service, expedition capability, a larger suite, ten dining venues versus three to five, and included excursions. Whether the premium represents value depends entirely on what you prioritise. For travellers who want to self-explore Mediterranean ports, drink moderately, and spend their days on deck under sail rather than on organised excursions, Windstar delivers an outstanding holiday at a fraction of Scenic’s cost.

For expedition itineraries — Antarctica, the Arctic, the Kimberley — no Windstar comparison exists. Scenic operates in a category of one from this pairing. For Tahiti and French Polynesia year-round, the reverse is true — Windstar owns that destination, and Scenic does not operate there.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer spa facilities, but the approach reflects fundamentally different philosophies — Scenic invests in dedicated spa infrastructure, while Windstar turns the ocean itself into the wellness programme.

Scenic’s Senses Spa spans 550 square metres (approximately 5,920 square feet) on a 228-guest ship — one of the most generous spa-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising. ESPA provides the treatment programme. Complimentary facilities include Scandinavian-inspired plunge pools, infrared and bio saunas, steam room, cold plunge pool, Vitality Pool, and a relaxation lounge. The PURE Yoga and Pilates Studio offers classes and private sessions. Holistic therapies extend to aerial yoga, TRX suspension training, mindfulness meditation, and Tibetan sound bowl healing. On Antarctic or Arctic itineraries, emerging from a heated plunge pool to gaze at glaciers is an experience that lingers long after the voyage ends. The forthcoming Scenic Ikon will feature an 18,298-square-foot two-level Senses Rejuvenation Spa — the largest spa on any expedition ship by a considerable margin, signalling Scenic’s commitment to wellness as a pillar of the onboard experience.

Windstar’s spa offering reflects the fleet’s intimate scale. On Star Plus class ships, the World Spa features treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a therapy shower, heated loungers, and separate changing rooms. Services include massages, facials, body treatments, Chinese medicine, teeth whitening, and manicures. The sailing yachts carry more compact facilities — treatment rooms, a sauna, and basic fitness equipment. Star Seeker elevates the experience with a full-service spa accessed via a grand entrance from the deck above, alongside a modern fitness facility.

Where Windstar distinguishes itself entirely is the watersport marina platform — and this is where the wellness comparison pivots. Every Windstar ship carries a retractable platform at the stern that lowers directly into the ocean, creating a complimentary private water sports centre. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear, sailboats, windsurfers, water trampolines, and even water skiing are available at no extra charge. PADI-certified diving is offered in the Caribbean, Central America, and French Polynesia. The marina operates on all anchored days, weather permitting, and is consistently cited as the single most unexpected highlight by first-time guests. No Scenic ship offers anything comparable — Scenic’s water access is via Zodiac for expedition purposes, not recreational swimming and sports from a marina at the stern. The opportunity to paddleboard in a Tahitian lagoon, snorkel directly from the ship, or water ski behind a tender is unique to Windstar’s fleet and has no equivalent on any expedition vessel.

The distinction is philosophical. Scenic offers the more comprehensive traditional spa with plunge pools, saunas, and a breadth of treatment options that Windstar cannot match. Windstar offers active, ocean-based wellness — swim in the sea from the back of the ship, paddleboard a tropical lagoon, snorkel a reef, then return for a massage. For travellers whose definition of wellness involves a sauna and a facial, Scenic wins clearly. For those who define wellness as saltwater on skin and a kayak paddle in hand, Windstar offers something no expedition ship can.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line produces Broadway shows or headline cabaret acts — both are intimate small-ship experiences where the destination and the ocean replace manufactured entertainment. But they approach enrichment through very different lenses, and understanding the distinction prevents booking the wrong ship.

Scenic’s Discovery Team comprises up to twenty specialists per voyage — marine biologists, historians, geologists, glaciologists, ornithologists, and local guides — handpicked for each itinerary. On expedition sailings, daily briefings and evening recaps are delivered in a dedicated theatre with 180-degree projection screens. The programme is structured and science-led: pre-landing briefings explain the geology, ecology, and human history of each destination; post-landing debriefs discuss observations and place them in context. The “B My Guest” partnership provides bespoke musical performances with projection backdrops. Live piano fills the Scenic Lounge and Bar through the evening. The Observatory Lounge offers panoramic windows, telescopes, and a curated library. Cooking masterclasses run at the Chef’s Garden at Scenic Epicure. On Mediterranean sailings — where the full expedition programme is less relevant — the enrichment shifts toward cultural lectures, culinary events, and musical performances. The evening atmosphere is intimate, social, and entirely English-speaking. There is no casino and no formal nights.

Windstar’s enrichment programme is destination-focused and experiential rather than academic. The James Beard Foundation culinary-themed sailings bring guest chefs aboard for cooking demonstrations, local market tours, and exclusive hosted dinners with paired wines — though these occur on select departures, not every sailing. On every voyage, the daily “Signature Recipe” from a James Beard-affiliated chef adds culinary storytelling to dinner service. Local musicians and cultural performers board at ports, bringing regional flavour aboard rather than relying on a permanent entertainment troupe. The signature sail-away ceremony — watching the computer-controlled sails unfurl as the ship departs harbour, often accompanied by sweeping orchestral music — is a moment of genuine theatre that no other cruise line can offer and that guests describe returning for voyage after voyage. The deck barbecue on warm-weather itineraries adds casual social energy. There are no production shows, no casino, no formal nights. The dress code is “Yacht Casual” — sundresses, collared shirts, sandals. Evenings are defined by Candles dining under the stars, cocktails on the open deck watching the sails catch the last light, and acoustic music drifting from the lounge.

The distinction is structural. Scenic makes exploration the curriculum — structured, expert-led, expedition-focused enrichment supported by a twenty-strong specialist team, helicopters, submarines, and Zodiacs. Windstar makes the sailing and the sea the experience — the sails unfurling, the marina platform lowering, the chef returning from the morning market with ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Scenic tells you about the destination through science and scholarship. Windstar immerses you in the experience through the physical act of sailing, swimming, and dining under the sky. Neither line programmes a packed evening schedule, and guests who need nightly entertainment should look elsewhere entirely. But if you value the experience of watching enormous sails catch the wind as your yacht departs a Greek harbour at sunset, Windstar delivers that singular moment every single evening.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals two distinct strategies — Scenic’s focused investment in a small number of purpose-built expedition vessels versus Windstar’s diverse armada spanning sailing yachts, motor yachts, and new-build ships.

Scenic operates two Discovery Yachts becoming three: Eclipse (2019, 228 guests, PC6 ice class) and Eclipse II (2023, 228 guests, PC6 ice class) are near-identical ships carrying two helicopters each, a submarine, and a full Zodiac fleet. Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028, 270 guests, 26,500 gross tonnes) joins with fifteen dining venues, a Triton AVA-9 submersible, and enhanced capabilities. The fleet deploys across the Mediterranean, Antarctica, Arctic, the Kimberley (from 2028), Japan, the British Isles, and South America. From 2028, Eclipse II is permanently homeported in Australia and Asia Pacific while Ikon and Eclipse I serve Europe and polar regions. With just two ships currently operational, departure dates are limited and popular sailings — particularly Antarctic expeditions — sell out well in advance. The January 2026 Ross Sea pack ice incident involving Eclipse II, which required US Coast Guard assistance, drew attention to the operational realities of PC6 ice class in challenging polar conditions, though the ship and all passengers were returned safely.

Windstar operates seven ships across three distinct classes, growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. The Wind Class sailing yachts — Wind Surf (342 guests, 1990, five masts), Wind Star (148 guests, 1986, four masts), and Wind Spirit (148 guests, 1988, four masts) — define the brand with masted silhouettes and computer-controlled sails. The Star Plus class motor yachts — Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride (312 guests each, originally built for Seabourn, stretched and renovated 2020-2021) — deliver all-suite modern yacht cruising. Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025) is the first purpose-built Windstar vessel with an ice-strengthened hull and Rolls-Royce diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. Star Explorer (224 guests, December 2026) will operate year-round in Europe. The fleet deploys simultaneously across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti and French Polynesia (year-round), Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Costa Rica and Panama Canal, Canada and New England, and seasonally to Australia and New Zealand — visiting over 330 ports worldwide.

Fleet breadth overwhelmingly favours Windstar — seven ships (growing to eight) across three classes create far more departure dates, destinations, and itinerary options across any given season than Scenic’s two ships (growing to three) can deliver. Windstar’s year-round French Polynesia programme from Papeete has been running since Wind Spirit’s original deployment — a depth of regional commitment and local expertise that Scenic, which does not operate in the Pacific, cannot approach. Scenic counters with purpose-built expedition capability that no Windstar ship can match: helicopters, a submarine, PC6 ice class, and a dedicated Zodiac fleet for expedition landings. The lines occupy fundamentally different niches — Scenic goes where few ships dare, Windstar goes where few ships fit.

Where each line excels

Scenic excels in:

• Expedition capability. Two Discovery Yachts with PC6 ice class, two helicopters each, a submarine, and full Zodiac fleets. Scenic reaches Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Kimberley — destinations Windstar cannot visit. The helicopter offers flightseeing over glaciers and remote landing access; the submarine dives to 300 metres beneath polar seas. No Windstar ship carries any comparable equipment.
• All-inclusive transparency. The most comprehensive inclusion model in the small-ship segment — butler service, ten dining venues, premium drinks, three tiers of excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi. The sticker price is the holiday cost. For travellers who want no financial surprises, Scenic delivers complete clarity.
• Dining breadth. Ten venues on a 228-guest ship — the highest restaurant-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising. The fourteen-course molecular Chef’s Table for ten guests and Lumiere’s French fine dining are experiences no Windstar ship can replicate.
• Suite quality. Larger suites at every category with universal butler service — entry-level Verandah Suites at 345 to 365 square feet with dedicated butler service exceed Windstar’s top sailing yacht suites in both size and service.
• Australian ownership. Founded in Newcastle, NSW. Headquartered on Watt Street. Priced in AUD. Eclipse II permanently homeported in Australia from 2028. Unified loyalty across ocean, river, and Emerald brands through the Scenic and Emerald Rewards programme.

Windstar excels in:

• Sailing heritage. The only luxury cruise line operating motorised sailing yachts with computer-controlled sails. The sail-away ceremony, the sound of canvas catching wind, and the sight of four or five masts against open ocean create an emotional connection no motor-driven vessel — expedition or otherwise — can replicate.
• Price accessibility. Forty to sixty per cent lower per-diem than Scenic even after adding the All-In package. For Australian travellers who want small-ship luxury without the ultra-luxury price tag, Windstar makes the category genuinely accessible.
• Watersport marina. The retractable platform offering complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, sailing, water skiing, and PADI-certified diving is a genuine differentiator with no equivalent on any expedition ship. Scenic’s Zodiacs serve expedition purposes; Windstar’s marina serves recreation and joy.
• Tahiti and French Polynesia. Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete with a depth of regional expertise built over decades. Direct Air Tahiti Nui flights from Sydney in eight hours make this the most accessible luxury South Pacific cruise for Australians. Scenic does not operate in French Polynesia.
• Fleet flexibility and port access. Seven ships (growing to eight) visiting over 330 ports worldwide, including intimate harbours, shallow lagoons, and anchorages that Scenic’s Discovery Yachts cannot enter. More departure dates, more regions, more choice across any given season.
• Younger energy. The passenger mix skews younger than most luxury lines — couples in their late forties to early sixties, with honeymooners drawn to the sailing yachts. The atmosphere is less retiree-focused than many competitors in this space.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Scenic

Eclipse II: East Antarctica (approximately 20 nights, departing Queenstown, returning Hobart) — Among the most accessible Antarctic voyages for Australians, departing from New Zealand with domestic connections only. Mawson’s Huts with complimentary helicopter shuttle for shore access. Zodiac landings, kayaking, and optional submarine dives beneath the ice. Butler service, ten dining venues, and the Discovery Team’s expert-led programme throughout. All drinks, excursions, and gratuities included.

Eclipse II: The Kimberley (returning 2028, 10 nights, Darwin to Broome) — The only Kimberley expedition ship with onboard helicopters for flightseeing over the Horizontal Falls and King George River. Discovery Team led by Australian expedition specialists. Zodiac landings at Montgomery Reef and Indigenous cultural encounters. When Eclipse II is permanently homeported in Australia from April 2028, this itinerary becomes the flagship Australian sailing.

Scenic Ikon: Mediterranean Inaugural (April 2028, Venice) — Maiden voyage of the third Discovery Yacht. The largest and most ambitious Scenic ship at 270 guests with fifteen dining venues, an 18,298-square-foot two-level spa, and a Triton AVA-9 submersible. First two voyages sold out via loyalty members only — early commitment essential for Australian travellers wanting to experience the newest ship.

Eclipse I: Antarctic Peninsula (13 days, from approximately AUD $32,690) — Multiple Zodiac landings, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the world’s last great wilderness. Helicopter flights over the ice and submarine dives beneath it available at additional cost. All dining, premium drinks, shore excursions, and butler service included in the fare.

Windstar

Wind Spirit: Tahiti and French Polynesia (7 nights, year-round, roundtrip Papeete) — The signature Windstar experience and arguably the most romantic cruise in the South Pacific. The 148-guest sailing yacht explores Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine under sail. The watersport marina deploys in crystal-clear lagoons — paddleboard over coral, kayak to a motu, snorkel directly from the ship. Candles under-the-stars dining with Polynesian skies overhead. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney to Papeete flights in approximately eight hours. For Australians wanting a short-haul luxury escape without the complexity of European positioning flights, this is genuinely difficult to beat at any price.

Star Breeze: Australia and New Zealand (seasonal, departures from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns) — Windstar’s Australian deployment brings the all-suite Star Plus class experience to home waters. Cairns to Sydney coastal voyages and Auckland roundtrip itineraries visiting both New Zealand islands. The 312-guest format suits Australian and New Zealand ports perfectly, and domestic or trans-Tasman flights keep logistics simple.

Star Seeker: Alaska (7 to 12 nights, May to August 2026, Vancouver to Juneau or Seward) — Windstar’s new-build 224-guest vessel brings ice-strengthened hull capability and Signature Expeditions including hiking, kayaking, and skiff outings in small groups. The intimate ship size accesses ports and anchorages that larger expedition vessels cannot reach. Australians connect via Air Canada, United, or Qantas to Vancouver.

Wind Surf: Mediterranean (7 nights, multiple departures, roundtrip Rome or Athens) — The flagship sailing yacht and the world’s largest motor-sailing vessel exploring the Italian and French Rivieras, Greek islands, and Dalmatian coast under sail. Five masts and seven sails reaching 221 feet high create the most visually dramatic cruise ship afloat. Candles outdoor dining in the warm Mediterranean evening is the highlight. Seven-night voyages suit Australians wanting a shorter European sailing experience with the romance of masted sails.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Scenic

Scenic Eclipse II — The recommended first Scenic sailing for Australian travellers. Permanently based in Australia and Asia Pacific from April 2028, homeported in Sydney, Darwin, and Hobart. Identical to Eclipse I in every meaningful way — two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, Scenic Neptune submarine, ten dining venues, butler service in all 114 suites, PC6 ice class. The Kimberley and East Antarctica itineraries from Australian and New Zealand ports eliminate the need for long-haul positioning flights. Choose for the most accessible entry into Scenic’s Discovery Yacht experience.

Scenic Eclipse I — Primarily deployed to Europe, the Arctic, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Choose for Northern Hemisphere itineraries — Norwegian fjords, British Isles, Mediterranean — or classic Antarctica Peninsula expeditions departing from Ushuaia. The ship that launched the Discovery Yacht concept in 2019.

Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028) — The flagship. Larger at 270 guests with fifteen dining venues, a two-level 18,298-square-foot Senses Rejuvenation Spa, and a Triton AVA-9 submersible. The most spacious and most ambitious ship in the Scenic fleet. Expect a premium over Eclipse-class pricing. Worth watching for introductory offers.

Windstar

Wind Spirit (148 guests, 1988, refurbished 2020) — The year-round Tahiti yacht and the purest Windstar experience. Four masts of computer-controlled sails, 101 crew for 148 guests, and the watersport marina in crystal-clear lagoon waters. This is the most intimate and most romantic ship in the fleet. For Australians, the direct eight-hour flight from Sydney to Papeete makes Wind Spirit the most accessible Windstar ship. Choose for French Polynesia without hesitation.

Wind Surf (342 guests, 1990) — The flagship sailing yacht and the world’s largest motor-sailing vessel. Five masts, seven sails reaching 221 feet high, and a passenger space ratio of 47.5 — nearly double many larger cruise ships. Deluxe ocean-view suites at 376 square feet with two bathrooms make Wind Surf the most spacious sailing yacht option in the fleet. Choose for Mediterranean and Caribbean sailings where the sailing experience matters as much as the ports.

Star Breeze, Star Legend, or Star Pride (312 guests each) — The all-suite motor yachts, completely rebuilt during the USD $250 million Star Plus Initiative. Entry-level suites from 277 square feet, mid-ship Owner’s Suites at 820 square feet. No sails, but the most modern accommodation in the current fleet. Star Breeze has been deployed for Australian and New Zealand itineraries — choose for the closest-to-home Windstar experience from Sydney, Melbourne, or Cairns.

Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025) — The first purpose-built Windstar vessel with ice-strengthened hull, Rolls-Royce diesel-electric hybrid propulsion, twelve suite categories, five dining venues, and the reimagined watersport marina platform. Debuts in the Caribbean before Alaska and Japan in 2026. The Horizon Owner’s Suite at 796 square feet is the most spacious accommodation in the Windstar fleet. For Australians planning ahead, the Japan deployment represents the most compelling way to experience the newest ship.

Star Explorer (224 guests, December 2026) — Sister ship to Star Seeker, based year-round in Europe. Choose for consistent Mediterranean and Northern European deployment without seasonal repositioning.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines court the Australian market, but the nature of their presence differs fundamentally — one is Australian-born, the other Australian-represented through a long-standing partnership.

Scenic is Australian-owned, Australian-headquartered, and Australian at heart. Glen Moroney founded the company in Newcastle, NSW in 1986. Global headquarters remain on Watt Street, Newcastle — making Scenic one of the very few luxury cruise lines in the world headquartered outside Europe or North America. The river cruise brand became a household name through decades of Channel 9 advertising, and that domestic recognition carries genuine weight when Australians consider their first ocean cruise. Eclipse II made a “historic homecoming” visit to Newcastle during its early Australian deployment. The Scenic and Emerald Rewards programme (launched February 2026) unifies loyalty across ocean cruises, river cruises, and Emerald brand products — existing river cruise members carry their status directly onto Eclipse ocean sailings, a genuine advantage for the significant number of Australians who discovered Scenic through European river itineraries. Eclipse II will be permanently homeported in Australia from April 2028 with Sydney, Darwin, and Hobart departures. All pricing is in AUD through scenic.com.au. Contact: 1300 938 753. For Australians, sailing Scenic feels like supporting a local company — because it is.

Windstar’s Australian representation is handled through Travel the World Group, the line’s General Sales Agent in Australia for more than thirty-eight years — one of the longest-standing cruise agency relationships in the Australian market and a partnership that provides genuine local expertise. Windstar operates a dedicated Australian website (windstar.com.au) with AUD pricing and locally relevant promotions. Star Breeze has been deployed seasonally for Australia and New Zealand itineraries departing from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns — including Cairns to Sydney coastal voyages and Auckland roundtrip itineraries visiting both New Zealand islands. The Australian deployment is seasonal and less established than Scenic’s permanent homeporting, but Windstar’s accessibility for Tahiti cruises makes the line particularly relevant for Australian travellers seeking a short-haul luxury escape. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney to Papeete flights in approximately eight hours — making Wind Spirit’s year-round French Polynesia programme one of the shortest-haul luxury cruise options available to Australians outside of domestic waters. No visa is required for Australians visiting French Polynesia for stays under ninety days.

The flight factor shapes the comparison meaningfully for Australians calculating total holiday logistics. Scenic’s permanent Australian homeporting from 2028 eliminates international flights entirely for Kimberley, East Antarctica, and Asia Pacific itineraries — a major advantage. Windstar’s Tahiti programme requires only an eight-hour flight from Sydney — roughly equivalent to flying to Bali and substantially shorter than flying to Europe. For Mediterranean sailings where both lines compete, both require positioning flights from Australia of approximately 20 to 24 hours via Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Qantas. For Alaska, Windstar’s Star Seeker departs Vancouver, accessible from Australian gateways with one stop.

The loyalty pathway matters differently for returning guests. Scenic’s unified Rewards programme (February 2026) covers ocean cruises, European river cruises, and Emerald Cruises — a substantial advantage for Australians who may have sailed with Scenic or Emerald on European rivers and want to carry that loyalty to Antarctic expeditions or Kimberley voyages. The pathway from Rhine river cruise to Antarctic expedition within a single loyalty programme is seamless. Windstar’s Yacht Club is a standalone four-tier programme earning points per cruise day, with benefits escalating from a five per cent fare discount at entry to complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry, and USD $100 onboard credit per sailing at the top Four Star tier. For Australians planning repeat Windstar sailings, the cumulative savings are meaningful, but the programme does not extend to any partner line.

The onboard atmosphere

The cultural feel of these two lines is perhaps the single biggest non-technical difference — and it matters profoundly for Australian travellers choosing between them.

Scenic’s atmosphere is polished, intimate, and English-speaking. With 228 guests and a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, the intimacy is pronounced — crew learn names by day two, and butler service creates personal relationships that define the rhythm of each day. Morning coffee delivered to your suite at the time you prefer, the bar team anticipating your evening drink order, the expedition guides remembering which wildlife you were most excited to see — the consistency is exceptional. On expedition sailings, the shared intensity of Zodiac landings, helicopter flights, and submarine dives forges genuine connections between guests. The Discovery Team’s daily briefings and evening recaps create a communal schedule that structures the voyage without constraining it. The passenger mix is international but English-speaking, with strong Australian and British representation — particularly on Australian-homeported sailings where Australians may constitute the majority. Evenings feature live piano, musical performances, and cocktails in the Observatory Lounge. Dress code is elegant casual throughout. There is no language barrier, no cultural translation required. The atmosphere recalls a very well-run private members’ club — sophisticated without being stuffy, social without being forced, and entirely comfortable for Australians who value understated quality.

Windstar’s atmosphere is barefoot, romantic, and quietly adventurous. With never more than 342 guests — and often just 148 on the sailing yachts — the intimacy goes beyond Scenic’s already intimate format to something approaching a private charter. Staff know your name by the second day, your wine preference by the third. The captain is visible daily, often dining with guests at Candles. The passenger mix skews younger than most luxury lines — couples in their late forties to early sixties predominate, with a more international blend including North American, British, European, and Australian guests. Honeymooners are drawn to the sailing yachts in particular, and the resulting energy is less retiree-focused than many competitors. The dress code is “Yacht Casual” — sundresses, collared shirts, sandals at all times. No formal nights, no jackets, no pretension. Evenings are intimate rather than programmed: a cocktail on the open deck watching the sails catch the last light, dinner at Candles under the stars, acoustic music drifting from the lounge. There is no casino. The cultural vibe is relaxed, ocean-centred, and quietly romantic. The daily sail-away ceremony — sails unfurling, engines cutting in favourable conditions, the sudden quiet of wind-powered movement — creates a collective moment of wonder that guests describe as the single most memorable experience of their voyage. For Australians who find even small-ship cruising too structured or programmed, Windstar’s barefoot philosophy can be genuinely revelatory.

The social dynamic differs by scale and philosophy. On Scenic Eclipse, 228 guests is intimate enough to recognise faces but large enough to maintain some anonymity when desired — you can choose to socialise or retreat to your suite with butler service. On Windstar’s sailing yachts, with just 148 guests, you will know most of your fellow travellers by mid-cruise. Shared marina swims, Candles dinners, and sail-away ceremonies on the open deck create a communal energy that resembles an extended house party more than a traditional cruise. For some, that closeness is the entire point. For others, Scenic’s slightly larger format provides a welcome buffer. Know which you are before booking.

The bottom line

Scenic and Windstar serve fundamentally different travel motivations — and the choice between them is less about quality than about what kind of holiday makes your heart sing. These lines do not compete head-to-head in any meaningful way. They complement each other, appealing to different moods, different moments, and different definitions of what makes a cruise extraordinary.

Choose Scenic for the most comprehensively all-inclusive expedition product in the small-ship segment. Choose it for butler service in every suite, ten dining venues spanning French fine dining to molecular gastronomy, included premium drinks, three tiers of shore excursions, and the unique capability of helicopter flightseeing over glaciers and submarine dives beneath polar seas. Choose it for PC6 ice-class expedition access to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Kimberley — destinations Windstar cannot reach. Choose it for Australian ownership, AUD pricing, Newcastle headquarters, and a ship permanently homeported in Australia from 2028. Choose it for a unified loyalty programme that rewards river cruise guests moving to ocean expedition. Accept the significantly higher per-diem, the two-ship fleet that limits departure options until Ikon arrives in 2028, the reality that helicopter and submarine availability is never guaranteed due to weather and regulation, and the fact that the all-inclusive fare includes expedition features you may not need on a Mediterranean sailing.

Choose Windstar for the romance of sailing — computer-controlled sails unfurling at every departure, the sound of canvas catching wind, engines cutting in favourable conditions, and the sight of four masts silhouetted against a Mediterranean sunset. Choose it for the most intimate passenger counts at sea (just 148 guests on the sailing yachts), the James Beard Foundation culinary partnership spanning over a decade, Candles under-the-stars dining, and the watersport marina platform that turns the ocean into your swimming pool. Choose it for year-round Tahiti departures with a direct eight-hour flight from Sydney — the most accessible luxury South Pacific cruise for Australians. Choose it for a per-diem that makes genuine yacht-style luxury accessible at 40 to 60 per cent less than Scenic. Choose it for eight ships (soon) visiting over 330 ports, including intimate harbours and shallow lagoons that expedition ships cannot enter. Accept that the sailing yachts are three to four decades old (though regularly refurbished), that staterooms on the Wind Class ships are compact, that there is no butler service, no expedition capability, no included excursions, and that drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities cost extra unless you purchase the All-In package.

For Australian travellers deciding between these two, consider what you are actually buying. Scenic’s premium buys expedition capability, technology, butler service, and all-inclusive peace of mind. Windstar’s value buys sailing heritage, barefoot intimacy, and the freedom to spend less on the ship and more on the destinations themselves. Both are excellent — they are simply excellent at different things. A Windstar Wind Spirit Tahiti sailing for the romance, followed by a Scenic Eclipse Antarctica expedition for the discovery, is not an unusual combination among our clients — and it delivers the best of both worlds at a combined cost that still competes with many single ultra-luxury voyages. One reminds you why you fell in love with the sea. The other reminds you of the thrill of exploring what lies beyond the horizon.