Cruise Frog guide
Ponant vs Windstar Cruises
Ponant rates higher than Windstar Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Ponant leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Windstar Cruises on value. Pick Ponant for adventure seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Ponant | Windstar Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Luxury | Luxury |
| Best for | Couples, Adventure seekers, History and culture, Food lovers | Couples, Food lovers, History and culture |
| Fleet rating | 3.8 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Dining | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.6 | 3.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 12 | 7 |
| Ships on the way | — | 1 |
| Largest ship | Le Commandant Charcot (31,283 GT) | Wind Surf (14,745 GT) |
| Newest ship | Le Commandant Charcot (2021) | Star Seeker (2025) |
| Guests per ship, average | 201 | 257 |
| Usually sails | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Antarctica, Caribbean | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Panama Canal |
| Loyalty program | Ponant Yacht Club | Windstar Yacht Club |
| Owner | Ponant Explorations Group (Artémis) | Xanterra Travel Collection |
| Headquarters | Marseille, France | Doral, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1988 | 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, Ponant or Windstar Cruises?
Ponant rates higher than Windstar Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Ponant leads on cabins, dining and pools & decks; Windstar Cruises on value.
Is Ponant 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 Ponant or Windstar Cruises better for dining?
Ponant scores higher for dining, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is Ponant or Windstar Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 2.0 out of 5.
Is Ponant or Windstar Cruises better for cabins?
Ponant scores higher for cabins, 4.3 to 4.1 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Ponant or Windstar Cruises?
Ponant's largest ship, Le Commandant Charcot, measures 31,283 gross tons, against 14,745 for Wind Surf, Windstar Cruises's largest. An average Ponant ship carries 201 guests, a Windstar Cruises ship 257.
How many ships do Ponant and Windstar Cruises have?
Ponant has 12 ships in service; Windstar Cruises has 7 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are Ponant and Windstar Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Ponant is part of Ponant Explorations Group (Artémis); Windstar Cruises is part of Xanterra Travel Collection.