Cruise Frog guide
Explora Journeys vs Windstar Cruises
Explora Journeys rates higher than Windstar Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, dining, entertainment and pools & decks; Windstar Cruises on value. Pick Explora Journeys for multigenerational groups.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Explora Journeys | Windstar Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Luxury | Luxury |
| Best for | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture, Multigenerational groups | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture |
| Fleet rating | 4.3 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 3 | 7 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | 1 |
| Largest ship | Explora III (72,810 GT) | Wind Surf (14,745 GT) |
| Newest ship | Explora III (2026) | Star Seeker (2025) |
| Guests per ship, average | 996 | 257 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Panama Canal |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | A Journey of One offer: solo occupancy from 0% over the current per-person fare on select journeys, in Ocean Terrace, Ocean Grand Terrace… | — |
| Loyalty program | Explora Club | Windstar Yacht Club |
| Owner | MSC Group | Xanterra Travel Collection |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Doral, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 2021 | 1984 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises?
Explora Journeys rates higher than Windstar Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.3 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Explora Journeys leads on cabins, dining, entertainment and pools & decks; Windstar Cruises on value.
Is Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises better value?
Windstar Cruises scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises better for dining?
Explora Journeys scores higher for dining, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises better for entertainment?
Explora Journeys scores higher for entertainment, 3.0 to 2.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises better for cabins?
Explora Journeys scores higher for cabins, 5.0 to 4.1 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Explora Journeys or Windstar Cruises?
Explora Journeys's largest ship, Explora III, measures 72,810 gross tons, against 14,745 for Wind Surf, Windstar Cruises's largest. An average Explora Journeys ship carries 996 guests, a Windstar Cruises ship 257.
How many ships do Explora Journeys and Windstar Cruises have?
Explora Journeys has 3 ships in service and 3 on the way; Windstar Cruises has 7 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are Explora Journeys and Windstar Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Explora Journeys is part of MSC Group; Windstar Cruises is part of Xanterra Travel Collection.