Windstar or Explora Journeys? After Sailing Both, Here's What We Learned
Windstar or Explora Journeys? Which luxury cruise experience is right for you? After sailing on both cruise lines, travel advisor Debra Dickerson joins Ken Lawrence on RTE–Travel Talk to compare two of today's most talked-about luxury cruise experiences. At first glance, Windstar Cruises and Explora Journeys seem remarkably similar. Both offer exceptional service, smaller ships than the mainstream cruise lines, and unforgettable itineraries around the world. But as Deb explains, they really aren't trying to deliver the same vacation. In this honest conversation, we compare: ✔️ Ship size and atmosphere ✔️ Passenger counts and crew ratios ✔️ Cabins and suites ✔️ Dining experiences ✔️ Entertainment and enrichment ✔️ Public spaces ✔️ Service styles ✔️ Destinations and itineraries ✔️ Windstar Cruise Only vs. All-Inclusive Upgrade ✔️ Which travelers each cruise line is best suited for Whether you're looking for the timeless charm of a classic small ship or the contemporary elegance of a trendy luxury resort at sea, this comparison will help you decide which experience best matches your travel style. Guest Debra Dickerson Cruise & Travel Experts Email: ddickerson@cruiseandtravelexperts.com Phone: 800-632-3659 Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com https://realtravelexperts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/ https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/ Image & Video Credits: Courtesy of : Windstar Cruise and Explora Journeys RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk. TRAVEL PRODUCTS & SERVICES WE LOVE: Some of the products and services featured below are offered through affiliate partnerships. If you choose to make a purchase using our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating travel content and resources. ✈️ Stay connected wherever you travel with Holafly eSIMs and save 5% https://holafly.sjv.io/R02q22 🛒 Shop All LEVEL8 Products https://amzn.to/3QO1XmC 🧳 LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On https://amzn.to/4vkxtaK 🧳 LEVEL8 Lightweight Luminous 20 in Carry-on https://amzn.to/4xG5hkf 🎒 LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack https://amzn.to/4aZTqUp Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Special Guest Debra Dickerson 01:00 Deb's impressions of Windstar and of Explora Journeys 02:07 Immediate impressions 02:47 No comparison 03:20 Stateroom comparisons 04:06 Targeting different traveler types 05:28 Dining comparisons 06:42 Different philosophies 09:06 Spas 09:56 Public areas 10:48 The ships 12:27 The destinations 13:07 Windstar staterooms and bathrooms 14:11 Explora staterooms unique features 15:03 Deb explains French balconies 15:30 Families 17:06 Entertainment 18:46 Itineraries 19:58 Shore excursions 20:52 Inclusions in fare 22:06 Value 22:34 Classic vs trendy 23:48 Biggest WOW moment 24:26 Contacting Debra 25:01 Deb's future travels