Emerald Cruises vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

Emerald Cruises and Windstar Cruises share more common ground than most yacht-category pairings — both operate casual, intimate vessels with marina platforms, both access smaller ports, and both attract well-travelled couples who have moved beyond large-ship cruising. The overlap makes this comparison particularly consequential, because the differences are real but subtle, and choosing the wrong one could mean missing the version of yacht-style cruising that suits you best.

Emerald Azzurra is a purpose-built superyacht launched in 2022, carrying 100 guests across 50 suites with 88 per cent featuring step-out balconies. Part of Scenic Group, an Australian-owned company headquartered in Newcastle, New South Wales, the Azzurra delivers a contemporary superyacht experience: an infinity pool, a water-sports marina, regionally sourced dining, and included shore excursions. The fleet is expanding rapidly — Emerald Kaia, Raiya, and Xara enter service between 2026 and 2027, bringing the yacht fleet to four vessels. The price point undercuts established ultra-luxury lines, and the Australian ownership provides local sales, support, and AUD pricing that few yacht-category competitors can match.

Windstar Cruises operates seven ships across three distinct classes, growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. The emotional heart of the brand is the three sailing yachts — Wind Surf (342 guests, five masts), Wind Star (148 guests), and Wind Spirit (148 guests) — whose computer-controlled sails unfurl at every departure and deploy under wind power whenever conditions allow. The Star Plus class motor yachts (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, 312 guests each) and the new-build Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025, ice-strengthened hull) round out a fleet that covers the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti year-round, Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, and seasonally Australian and New Zealand waters. The James Beard Foundation culinary partnership anchors a dining programme built on chef-driven creativity. Owned by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, Windstar is headquartered in Miami.

For Australian travellers, the practical question often comes down to priorities. If you want the most intimate superyacht experience with Australian ownership, modern balcony suites, and included excursions, Emerald delivers at a competitive price. If you want sailing heritage, a broader destination range, the ability to sail from Australian ports or reach Tahiti on a short flight, and a larger fleet to choose from, Windstar offers breadth and romance that Emerald’s growing fleet cannot yet match.

What is actually included

Both lines position themselves as inclusive yacht-style experiences, but the specifics differ in ways that affect total cost and the booking decision.

Emerald’s yacht fare includes all onboard dining, selected beverages with meals (house wine, beer, soft drinks), a programme of included shore excursions at most ports, access to the marina platform with kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment, and crew gratuities. Premium beverages carry a surcharge. The inclusion of shore excursions is a meaningful differentiator — guided tours and cultural visits at most ports are bundled into the fare, saving AUD $500 to $1,000 per person over a typical week.

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, group fitness classes, and onboard enrichment events. 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. Shore excursions are priced separately on both the base fare and the All-In package.

The comparison is nuanced. Emerald includes excursions that Windstar charges for — a genuine advantage worth AUD $500 to $1,000 per person per week. Windstar’s All-In package delivers a more comprehensive drinks programme than Emerald’s selected beverages, plus Wi-Fi and gratuities. For a seven-night voyage, the total cost with All-In typically runs slightly higher on Windstar for a comparable Mediterranean itinerary, but Windstar’s lower base fare and broader fleet provide more pricing flexibility across different ship classes and seasons.

For Australian travellers, Emerald’s inclusion of excursions and AUD pricing simplifies the cost calculation. Windstar’s modular pricing — a lower base fare with optional All-In package — suits travellers who want to customise their inclusion level.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines serve well-prepared food in intimate settings, but Windstar holds a culinary advantage through its long-standing James Beard Foundation partnership.

Emerald’s dining aboard Azzurra is served in a single restaurant with regionally sourced menus designed to reflect each port of call. The intimate guest count of 100 allows the kitchen to operate with agility and to accommodate dietary needs quickly. An al fresco dining option adds ambiance on warm evenings. The quality is strong for the price bracket — fresh ingredients, competent preparation, and attractive presentation.

Windstar’s culinary programme is anchored by the James Beard Foundation partnership, now spanning more than a decade. On select sailings, James Beard Award-recognised chefs come aboard for cooking demonstrations, hosted dinners with wine pairings, and local market tours. On every Windstar sailing, the dinner menu features a rotating “Signature Recipe” from the cruise’s resident James Beard Foundation-affiliated chef. The crown jewel is Candles, the signature open-air restaurant where guests dine on steak and seafood under the stars — widely cited as one of the most romantic dining experiences at sea. On Star Plus class ships and Star Seeker, additional venues include up to five restaurants, all without surcharges.

The dining gap is meaningful. Windstar’s James Beard Foundation partnership and the Candles experience give it a culinary identity that Emerald has not yet established. Emerald’s dining is very good — well-prepared, regionally appropriate, and enjoyed in an intimate setting. But Windstar’s chef-driven storytelling, the prestige of the James Beard affiliation, and the unforgettable atmosphere of dining under the stars with masted sails silhouetted above create a culinary experience that is both more varied and more memorable.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison favours Emerald for modern design and Windstar for variety across a larger fleet.

Emerald Azzurra’s suites range from stateroom categories at approximately 210 square feet to the Owner’s Suite at roughly 515 square feet. Eighty-eight per cent feature step-out balconies. The design is contemporary, with clean lines, quality textiles, modern bathrooms, and functional layouts. The consistency is a strength — every cabin delivers a predictable, well-designed space.

Windstar’s accommodation varies significantly by ship class. The sailing yachts Wind Star and Wind Spirit carry staterooms of approximately 188 square feet with portholes — slightly smaller than Emerald’s entry-level suites and without balconies. Wind Surf offers deluxe ocean-view suites at 376 square feet with two bathrooms. The Star Plus class motor yachts are all-suite vessels with entry-level suites from 277 square feet, Classic Suites at 400 square feet, and Owner’s Suites spanning 820 square feet. Star Seeker introduces twelve suite categories, with Deluxe Suites at 380 square feet plus a 110-square-foot balcony, and Horizon Owner’s Suites at 796 square feet with wrap-around verandahs.

Emerald offers the most consistent accommodation quality at its price point — every guest receives a modern balcony suite. Windstar’s range is broader: the sailing yachts are comparable to Emerald’s staterooms in size but without balconies, while the Star Plus class and Star Seeker offer suites significantly larger and more luxurious than anything in Emerald’s fleet. If a private balcony at a competitive price is the priority, Emerald delivers reliably. If the largest, most modern suites matter, Windstar’s Star Plus and Star Seeker vessels offer accommodation that Emerald cannot match.

Pricing and value

Both lines offer competitive pricing by yacht-category standards, with different strengths in the value equation.

Emerald’s yacht per-diem runs approximately AUD $500 to $800 per person per night for standard suite categories, with seven-night voyages typically starting from approximately AUD $4,000 to $6,000 per person including meals, selected beverages, excursions, and gratuities. Scenic Group’s Australian presence means AUD pricing without currency conversion risk.

Windstar’s per-diem varies by ship class and destination. Entry-level pricing on Wind Class sailing yachts starts from approximately AUD $400 to $600 per person per night for seven-night Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries. Adding the All-In package at approximately AUD $160 per person per day brings the total per-diem to approximately AUD $560 to $760 — comparable to Emerald’s range. Star Plus class ships and Star Seeker command slight premiums. Windstar operates an Australian website with AUD pricing through Travel the World Group.

A direct seven-night Mediterranean comparison: Emerald in a balcony suite costs roughly AUD $4,000 to $6,000 per person with meals, selected beverages, excursions, and gratuities. Windstar on Wind Star or Wind Spirit with the All-In package costs roughly AUD $4,200 to $5,500 with drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities but without excursions. Adding excursions to Windstar narrows or eliminates Emerald’s apparent price advantage. On Wind Surf or Star Plus class ships, Windstar’s pricing is broadly comparable, with the trade-off being larger guest counts but more dining venues and, on Star Plus, significantly larger suites.

For Australian travellers, both lines represent strong value. Emerald wins on inclusion breadth (particularly excursions) and AUD pricing certainty through Scenic Group. Windstar wins on fleet variety, destination range, and the ability to scale the experience from a 148-guest sailing yacht to a 312-guest all-suite motor yacht.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer spa facilities and active wellness through marina platforms, with differences reflecting their respective scales.

Emerald Azzurra offers a spa area with treatment rooms, a beauty salon, and a fitness centre. The infinity pool on the upper deck is a centrepiece and relaxation space. The marina platform provides kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear.

Windstar’s spa offering varies across the fleet. Star Plus class ships feature the World Spa with treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, heated loungers, and modern fitness equipment. The sailing yachts carry more compact spas. Star Seeker elevates the experience with a full-service spa and modern fitness facility. The marina platform provides kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling, sailing dinghies, windsurfers, and water skiing, with PADI-certified diving in select regions.

Emerald’s infinity pool is a genuine differentiator — a proper swimming pool at sea that Windstar’s smaller pool offerings do not match. Windstar’s marina platform is the more comprehensive, with a wider range of water sports including sailing dinghies and windsurfers, plus PADI diving in the Caribbean, Central America, and French Polynesia. Both lines deliver their best wellness through ocean-based activity rather than traditional spa treatments.

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines avoid conventional cruise entertainment in favour of destination-focused experiences, but the approaches differ.

Emerald’s enrichment is anchored by the EmeraldACTIVE programme — included guided excursions providing walking tours, cycling, and cultural visits. Evening entertainment consists of live music, cultural performances, and social gatherings. The 100-guest capacity creates a naturally convivial atmosphere.

Windstar’s enrichment is destination-focused and culturally immersive. The James Beard Foundation culinary-themed sailings bring guest chefs aboard for cooking demonstrations and market tours. Local musicians and cultural performers board at ports. The signature sail-away ceremony — watching computer-controlled sails unfurl as the ship departs, sometimes to the Vangelis “1492” score — is a moment of genuine theatre unique to Windstar. The deck barbecue on warm-weather itineraries adds social energy. There is no casino and no formal nights.

Windstar’s sailing heritage creates an entertainment experience that no motor yacht can replicate. The unfurling of sails at departure, the sound of canvas catching wind against a Mediterranean sunset, and the communal spectacle of watching a sailing ship come alive are experiences that define the Windstar brand. Emerald’s included excursions provide practical enrichment value. The distinction is between destination activities (Emerald’s strength) and onboard spectacle (Windstar’s sailing yachts).

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals the most significant gap between these two lines — Emerald’s focused superyacht growth versus Windstar’s established global presence.

Emerald’s yacht fleet is expanding from one vessel to four between 2022 and 2027. All carry approximately 100 guests and share the same design DNA. Deployment covers the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea, and select seasonal rotations. The broader Emerald brand includes river vessels across European waterways and the Mekong.

Windstar operates seven ships across three distinct classes, growing to eight with Star Explorer in December 2026. The fleet deploys across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti and French Polynesia (year-round from Papeete), Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Canada and New England, and seasonally to Australia and New Zealand — visiting over 330 ports worldwide.

The destination breadth gap is decisive. Emerald currently offers one region with seasonal variations. Windstar offers a dozen regions year-round. For Australian travellers, Windstar’s year-round Tahiti programme (accessible via a direct eight-hour Air Tahiti Nui flight from Sydney), seasonal Australian departures from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, and the new Alaska and Japan deployments provide a range of options that Emerald’s expanding but still focused fleet cannot yet match.

Where each line excels

Emerald Cruises excels in:

• Modern superyacht intimacy. One hundred guests, modern balcony suites, an infinity pool, and a marina platform — the complete contemporary superyacht package at a competitive price.
• Australian ownership and support. Scenic Group provides AUD pricing, local phone support, and familiarity with Australian travel patterns. The deepest local infrastructure of any yacht-category operator.
• Included excursions. Shore excursions bundled into the fare represent genuine savings — AUD $500 to $1,000 per person per week — and an inclusion that Windstar does not offer.
• Consistent modern accommodation. Balcony suites in 88 per cent of categories, contemporary design, and a predictable standard across all cabins.
• Value clarity. AUD-priced, mostly-inclusive fares with minimal add-on decisions. What you pay is close to what you spend.

Windstar Cruises excels in:

• Sailing heritage. The only yacht-category line operating motorised sailing vessels with computer-controlled sails. The sail-away ceremony, the sound of canvas catching wind, and the masted silhouettes create an emotional connection that no motor yacht can replicate.
• Destination breadth. Seven ships (growing to eight) across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Tahiti, Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia and New Zealand. Emerald’s four yachts cover one region; Windstar covers a dozen.
• Australian accessibility. Star Breeze from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Wind Spirit from Papeete via direct Sydney flights. No other yacht-category line offers Australian domestic departures.
• The James Beard Foundation partnership. Rotating award-winning chefs, Signature Recipes on every sailing, and Candles dining under the stars — a culinary identity that Emerald has not yet established.
• Fleet variety. Choose from 148-guest sailing yachts to 312-guest all-suite motor vessels to the 224-guest new-build Star Seeker — a range that allows travellers to scale their yacht experience across different ship sizes and styles.
• Tahiti year-round. Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete — one of the most compelling international cruise experiences accessible from Australia via a short flight.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra: Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast (7-10 nights, seasonal) — Croatia’s islands and Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor with included walking tours and cultural excursions. The marina platform deploys in the warm Adriatic. Fly to Venice or Dubrovnik from Australian gateways via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha.

Emerald Azzurra: Greek Islands and Turkish Coast (7-10 nights, seasonal) — Cyclades and Dodecanese island-hopping with calls at Santorini, Mykonos, Bodrum, and Rhodes. The 100-guest yacht accesses harbours that larger ships bypass. Included excursions cover archaeological sites and local villages.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit: Tahiti and French Polynesia (7 nights, year-round, roundtrip Papeete) — The signature Windstar itinerary and arguably the most compelling option for Australian travellers in this comparison. The 148-guest sailing yacht explores Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine under sail. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney to Papeete flights in approximately eight hours. Emerald has no Pacific presence.

Star Breeze: Australia and New Zealand (various lengths, seasonal) — The all-suite Star Plus class motor yacht from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, including Cairns to Sydney coastal voyages and Auckland roundtrip itineraries. For Australians wanting a yacht experience without leaving the region, this is the only option from either line.

Star Seeker: Alaska (7-12 nights, May-August, from Vancouver) — The new-build 224-guest vessel with an ice-strengthened hull and expedition leaders. A destination Emerald does not visit, aboard a modern ship with twelve suite categories and five dining venues.

Wind Surf: Mediterranean (7 nights, roundtrip Rome or Athens) — The flagship sailing yacht with five masts and the full Candles dining experience. The sailing heritage and Mediterranean setting create a compelling alternative to Emerald’s motor-yacht Mediterranean programme.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra (100 guests, launched 2022) — The proven original with well-refined service patterns. Choose for the most intimate Emerald experience, the strongest value proposition, and the most established crew. The infinity pool, marina platform, and 88 per cent balcony ratio deliver a complete superyacht package.

Emerald Kaia, Raiya, Xara (approximately 100 guests each, 2026-2027) — Sister ships with design refinements. Book early for inaugural departures — first sailings attract strong interest from repeat Scenic Group guests.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit (148 guests, four masts) — The year-round Tahiti yacht and the purest Windstar sailing experience. At 148 guests, this vessel is the closest to Emerald Azzurra in scale and intimacy. Choose for French Polynesia and the most personal Windstar experience.

Wind Surf (342 guests, five masts) — The flagship sailing yacht and the world’s largest motor-sailing vessel. Choose for the Mediterranean when sailing heritage matters and the Candles dining experience is a priority.

Star Breeze (312 guests, all-suite) — The vessel deployed for Australian and New Zealand itineraries. Choose for the only yacht-category line offering Australian domestic departures. Suites from 277 square feet with modern amenities.

Star Seeker (224 guests, December 2025) — The first purpose-built Windstar vessel with ice-strengthened hull and twelve suite categories. Choose for Alaska and Japan deployments — destinations neither Emerald nor Windstar’s older vessels have traditionally covered.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have credible Australian presence, but the nature of that presence differs — and Windstar holds an unusual advantage in this comparison.

Emerald’s Australian advantage is direct ownership. Scenic Group’s headquarters in Newcastle, New South Wales, means AUD-priced brochures, Australian-hours phone support, local travel agent relationships, and a company that understands Australian travel patterns intimately. For Australian travellers who value dealing with a locally headquartered operator, this is a genuine differentiator.

Windstar’s Australian representation is established and strong, though indirect. Travel the World Group has served as the line’s General Sales Agent in Australia for more than thirty-eight years — one of the longest GSA relationships in the Australian cruise market. Windstar operates an Australian website (windstar.com.au) with AUD pricing and locally relevant promotions. The representation is professional, experienced, and well-integrated into the Australian travel trade.

Windstar’s destination advantage for Australians is decisive. Star Breeze deploys seasonally from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns — eliminating the need for international flights entirely. Wind Spirit operates year-round from Papeete, accessible via a direct eight-hour Air Tahiti Nui flight from Sydney. Emerald’s yacht fleet does not operate in Australian waters and does not visit the Pacific. For Australians who want a yacht experience without leaving the region or with minimal flight time, Windstar is the only option from this pairing.

The loyalty pathway differs. Emerald benefits from Scenic Group’s broader loyalty programme across its river and ocean brands. Windstar’s Yacht Club is a four-tier programme earning points per cruise day, with benefits escalating to complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry, and fare discounts at the top tier. For Australians planning repeat sailings with either line, both programmes reward loyalty — but neither extends to partner brands.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines deliver casual, intimate atmospheres that feel more like yacht clubs than cruise ships — but the social dynamics differ.

Emerald’s atmosphere is contemporary, relaxed, and sociable. The 100-guest capacity creates a house-party dynamic where guests recognise each other by the second day. The demographic trends toward couples in their forties to sixties, active and well-travelled. The dress code is smart casual. Australian and British travellers are typically well-represented. The vibe is modern and unpretentious — accessible luxury without ostentation.

Windstar’s atmosphere varies by ship class but maintains a consistent philosophy of barefoot elegance. On the 148-guest sailing yachts, the intimacy approaches Emerald’s — staff know your name by the second day, and the social dynamic is genuinely personal. On Star Plus ships (312 guests), the atmosphere is intimate by any standard but offers more social flexibility. The passenger mix is internationally diverse — North American, British, European, and Australian — with honeymooners drawn to the sailing yachts and the Tahiti programme. The dress code is “Yacht Casual” throughout. The sailing heritage creates a unique social dynamic: guests bond over the shared spectacle of watching sails unfurl, over the communal deck barbecue, and over the active engagement of the watersport marina.

The key distinction is between modern superyacht intimacy (Emerald) and sailing-club camaraderie (Windstar). On Emerald, the atmosphere is defined by the yacht itself — its design, its pool, its quiet luxury. On Windstar’s sailing yachts, the atmosphere is defined by the sails — the shared experience of travelling under canvas creates a bond between guests that motor yachts, however intimate, cannot replicate.

The bottom line

Emerald Cruises and Windstar Cruises occupy overlapping territory in the yacht category, and the overlap makes this comparison particularly consequential. Both lines deliver excellent products. Both attract well-travelled couples who value food, service, and destination over onboard spectacle. Both have marina platforms and casual dress codes. Choosing between them requires clarity about your own priorities.

Choose Emerald for a modern, well-priced superyacht experience from an Australian-owned operator. Choose it for 100 guests, balcony suites, an infinity pool, included excursions, AUD pricing, and the comfort of Scenic Group’s local support. Choose it for the expanding fleet that will offer four yachts by 2027, for the contemporary design, and for an experience that delivers genuine superyacht luxury at a price that respects Australian budgets. Accept that the fleet is still young, that the destination coverage is concentrated in the Mediterranean and Adriatic, that there are no Australian departures, and that the culinary programme, while good, does not carry the James Beard Foundation prestige.

Choose Windstar for the romance of sailing under canvas, the broadest destination range in the yacht category, and the best Australian accessibility of any yacht-category line. Choose it for Wind Spirit in Tahiti year-round via a direct flight from Sydney, for Star Breeze from Sydney and Cairns, for the James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, and for Candles dining under the stars. Choose it for the fleet variety — seven ships growing to eight, from 148-guest sailing yachts to 312-guest all-suite motor vessels to the new-build Star Seeker. Choose it for Alaska, Japan, and destinations that Emerald does not yet reach. Accept that the sailing yachts are three to four decades old, that alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities require the All-In add-on, and that excursions are not included in any fare level.

For Australian travellers, these lines complement rather than compete. An Emerald Adriatic voyage for polished superyacht luxury with Australian support, followed by a Windstar Tahiti sailing under canvas in the South Pacific, captures the best of both — modern comfort and sailing romance, familiar backing and exotic destinations, the intimacy of 100 guests and the theatre of billowing sails against a Polynesian sunset.