Emerald Cruises vs Windstar Cruises

The core difference

Emerald Cruises and Windstar Cruises both occupy the intimate end of the cruise spectrum — small ships, casual atmospheres, and access to ports that larger vessels cannot reach. But they deliver that intimacy through fundamentally different means, and the choice between them reveals whether you are drawn to contemporary design or sailing heritage.

Emerald’s identity is modern versatility. Under the Scenic Group umbrella (Newcastle, NSW), the line operates Star-Ships on European rivers and the Mekong alongside the Azzurra superyacht (100 guests) and three new yachts arriving between 2026 and 2027. The Star-Ships feature the heated pool-cinema. The Azzurra delivers a private-yacht atmosphere with an infinity pool, watersport marina, and 88 per cent balcony staterooms. The positioning is premium luxury at a competitive price, appealing to design-conscious travellers in their 40s to 60s.

Windstar’s identity is sailing romance. The fleet of seven ships includes three motor sailing yachts — Wind Surf (the world’s largest at 613 feet, with five towering masts and computer-controlled sails reaching 221 feet above the waterline), Wind Star, and Wind Spirit. The sails unfurl at every departure and deploy whenever conditions allow, creating one of cruising’s iconic visual experiences. Four all-suite Star-class motor vessels complement the fleet with more conventional accommodation. The 180 Under the Stars deck barbecue — white-tablecloth dining on the open aft deck under a canopy of stars — is an evening guests talk about for years. A James Beard Foundation culinary partnership and complimentary watersport marina complete the picture. The dress code is resort casual throughout.

For Australian travellers, both lines offer escape from the mega-ship model. Emerald offers it closer to home in concept (Australian ownership) and across European waterways. Windstar offers it with the added dimension of wind-powered sailing and year-round Tahiti departures just eight hours from Sydney.

What is actually included

Different inclusion models reflecting different pricing philosophies.

Emerald’s river fare bundles all meals, selected beverages (house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner), one guided excursion per port, airport transfers, and gratuities. Premium spirits and cocktails carry supplements. The Azzurra yacht includes meals and excursions but charges for premium drinks. Wi-Fi is complimentary across both products.

Windstar’s base fare includes all dining at all restaurants (Amphora, Cuadro 44, Candles, and specialty venues), 24-hour room service, non-alcoholic beverages, and watersport marina access. Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi (from USD $15 per day), and gratuities (USD $16 per person per day) are extra. The All-In package at USD $99 per person per day bundles unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.

Emerald’s river fare is more inclusive at the base level — selected drinks, excursions, and gratuities are bundled. Windstar requires the All-In package to match that coverage, though the package itself is competitively priced. On the yacht side, the comparison is closer — both charge for premium drinks. Windstar’s watersport marina access is a unique inclusion with no charge.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines take food seriously — and Windstar’s James Beard partnership elevates its culinary credentials.

Windstar’s dining features the main Amphora restaurant (contemporary international cuisine, changing nightly), Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso (Mediterranean-inspired speciality dining), and the signature Candles on the Star deck — an outdoor dinner under the stars that is one of cruising’s most memorable dining experiences. The James Beard Foundation partnership brings guest chef voyages and culinary-focused itineraries. Regional ingredients are sourced at each port. On the sailing yachts, the 180 Under the Stars barbecue transforms the aft deck into an unforgettable alfresco dining room. All dining venues are included.

Emerald’s dining on Star-Ships features the main restaurant with contemporary cuisine reflecting each port and lighter poolside options. On the Azzurra, regionally sourced Mediterranean menus and a poolside grill. Two to three venues per vessel. The food is well-prepared and consistently praised.

Windstar has the culinary edge — the James Beard partnership, Anthony Sasso’s involvement, and the Candles dining experience create culinary moments that Emerald does not attempt. Emerald’s food is good; Windstar’s aspires to outstanding on its best evenings. For food-motivated travellers choosing between these two lines, Windstar’s programme is the differentiator.

Suites and accommodation

Different vessel types produce different cabin experiences.

Windstar’s sailing yachts offer staterooms from approximately 188 square feet — compact by modern standards, with portholes rather than balconies on lower categories. Wind Surf’s top suites are larger with picture windows. The sailing yacht cabins are cosy and nautical — the romance is on deck, not in the cabin. The Star-class all-suite motor vessels offer larger suites from approximately 277 square feet with step-out balconies, and the incoming Star Seeker (2026) offers the Horizon Owner’s Suite at 796 square feet.

Emerald’s Star-Ship cabins range from approximately 160 to 315 square feet with EmeraldView indoor balconies in standard categories and step-out balconies in upper suites. The Azzurra offers staterooms from approximately 250 to 550 square feet with 88 per cent balconies and contemporary ocean-facing interiors.

The Azzurra’s staterooms are larger and more contemporary than Windstar’s sailing yacht cabins. Windstar’s Star-class suites are competitive with Emerald’s upper river categories. The sailing yachts sacrifice cabin space for the deck experience — an intentional tradeoff. For cabin size and modern design, Emerald’s Azzurra has the advantage. For the experience of falling asleep on a sailing yacht, cabin size becomes secondary.

Pricing and value

Competitive pricing across both lines — with different value structures.

Emerald’s per-diem runs approximately AUD $600 to $900 on Star-Ships and AUD $800 to $1,200 on the Azzurra. A seven-night Danube cruise starts from roughly AUD $4,500. A seven-night Mediterranean yacht voyage from roughly AUD $6,000.

Windstar’s per-diem runs approximately AUD $500 to $900 depending on ship, itinerary, and cabin category. A seven-night Mediterranean sailing starts from approximately AUD $4,000 to $6,000. A seven-night Tahiti voyage starts from approximately AUD $5,000 to $7,500. Adding the All-In package (USD $99 per day) brings the effective rate to approximately AUD $700 to $1,100 per night.

Both lines occupy a similar price band — genuinely competitive small-ship cruising without ultra-luxury premiums. Windstar’s sailing yachts offer the lowest base fares; Emerald’s river cruises offer the most inclusive base fares. For the lowest total cost, compare specific itineraries. For the broadest base-fare inclusion, Emerald’s river product has the edge.

Spa and wellness

Modest facilities on both lines — the focus is the destination and the ship experience.

Windstar’s wellness centres on the watersport marina — kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and snorkelling deployed directly from the ship’s retractable platform. Small spa facilities offer massage and beauty treatments. The sailing yachts have limited gym equipment. Wellness on Windstar is active and ocean-focused — the marina is the star attraction.

Emerald’s wellness includes the Star-Ship pool-cinema, small spa facilities on the Azzurra, and active excursions including cycling and kayaking from the watersport marina. The heated pool is a unique river cruising feature.

Both lines emphasise active wellness over spa pampering. Windstar’s marina programme is more extensive with more activities. Emerald’s pool-cinema is a unique relaxation and entertainment space. Neither line is a spa destination — both are activity-and-destination destinations.

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines embrace understated entertainment — no production shows, no mega-ship programming.

Windstar’s enrichment includes the sail-away ceremony (the sails unfurling while music plays — genuinely moving even after multiple sailings), destination-focused lectures, local performer visits, and the Candles outdoor dining experience that doubles as entertainment. The James Beard culinary partnership brings guest chef evenings and cooking demonstrations on select sailings. The atmosphere is resort casual — barefoot on deck, cocktails at sunset, conversation over dinner.

Emerald’s enrichment includes destination-focused lectures, local performer visits, the pool-cinema screenings, and EmeraldACTIVE excursions. The content is pleasant and varied — cycling along the Danube, walking tours in medieval towns, cultural performances at dinner.

Windstar’s sail-away ceremony is an emotional differentiator — the visual spectacle of computer-controlled sails unfurling against a harbour backdrop has no equivalent on Emerald or any other non-sailing cruise line. The James Beard culinary enrichment adds intellectual depth. Emerald’s pool-cinema is its own unique contribution. Both lines suit travellers who prefer experiential enrichment over structured entertainment.

Fleet and destination coverage

Emerald covers rivers; Windstar covers oceans and the South Pacific.

Emerald operates approximately 14 vessels across European rivers (Rhine, Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Douro, Mekong) and oceans (Mediterranean, Adriatic, Red Sea). Three new yachts arrive between 2026 and 2027.

Windstar operates seven ships — three sailing yachts (Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit) and four Star-class motor vessels (Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride, and the incoming Star Seeker). Coverage spans the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Central America, and year-round Tahiti and French Polynesia from Papeete. Star Breeze deploys seasonally for Australia and New Zealand itineraries from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.

The lines overlap only in the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, they complement each other — Emerald for rivers and the Adriatic, Windstar for the Caribbean, Alaska, and crucially, Tahiti. For Australian travellers, Windstar’s year-round Papeete departures (eight hours from Sydney on Air Tahiti Nui) and seasonal Australian sailings create genuine proximity advantages.

Where each line excels

Emerald excels in:

• River cruising. Star-Ships with the pool-cinema innovation on Europe’s great waterways — a product Windstar does not offer.
• Australian ownership. Scenic Group heritage with AUD pricing and local support.
• Design innovation. The EmeraldView balcony system, pool-cinema, and Missoni Home interiors.
• Base-fare inclusion on rivers. Drinks, excursions, and gratuities bundled at a competitive price.

Windstar excels in:

• Sailing heritage. Computer-controlled sails on three motor sailing yachts — a visual and emotional experience unique in luxury cruising.
• Culinary distinction. James Beard Foundation partnership, Anthony Sasso’s Cuadro 44, and the Candles outdoor dining.
• Tahiti and French Polynesia. Year-round departures from Papeete, eight hours from Sydney.
• Watersport marina. More extensive than Emerald’s, with water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling.
• Australian seasonal deployment. Star Breeze sails from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Emerald Cruises

Star-Ship: Danube Delights (7 nights, Budapest to Passau) — The classic river cruise with pool-cinema, included excursions, and scenic Wachau Valley passage.

Azzurra: Adriatic Discovery (7 nights, roundtrip Dubrovnik) — Intimate yacht cruising along the Dalmatian coast with watersport marina.

Star-Ship: Mekong Explorer (7–14 nights, Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap) — Southeast Asian river cruising within easy reach from Australia.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Spirit: Tahiti & Society Islands (7 nights, roundtrip Papeete) — Sailing yacht in French Polynesia under wind power. Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Taha’a. Fly Sydney–Papeete direct (approximately 8 hours). Watersport marina deploys in turquoise lagoons. The most romantic Pacific cruise available.

Star Breeze: Australia & New Zealand (various, seasonal) — Domestic departures from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. Small-ship access to coastal ports. No international flights required.

Wind Surf: Mediterranean (7 nights, various ports) — The world’s largest motor sailing yacht in the Mediterranean. Sails unfurling against Greek island sunsets. Candles outdoor dining under the stars.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra (100 guests, 2022) — The most relevant ocean comparison with Windstar. More intimate than any Windstar ship, with a contemporary yacht aesthetic.

Emerald Star-Ships (approximately 180 guests) — The river fleet with no Windstar equivalent.

Windstar Cruises

Wind Surf (342 guests, 1989, refreshing 2026) — The world’s largest motor sailing yacht. Five masts, the most space, and the best watersport marina. Choose for the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The 2026 cabin refresh will modernise interiors.

Wind Star and Wind Spirit (148 guests) — The most intimate sailing yachts. Choose for Tahiti and French Polynesia — the small size suits the lagoons perfectly.

Star Breeze (312 guests) — The all-suite motor vessel deployed seasonally to Australia and New Zealand. No sails, but larger suites and more conventional amenities.

Star Seeker (arriving 2026) — New-build with updated design and expanded suite categories. Worth monitoring for launch itineraries.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have Australian connections, but through different channels.

Emerald’s Australian proposition is direct and domestic. Scenic Group headquarters in Newcastle, NSW. AUD pricing. Local phone support. Significant Australian passenger mix. The brand is Australian in a way that resonates with domestic travellers.

Windstar’s Australian proposition operates through Travel the World Group, which has represented the brand in Australia for over thirty-eight years. Star Breeze deploys seasonally from Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns — providing domestic embarkation options. Windstar’s year-round Tahiti programme is increasingly popular with Australian travellers, aided by Air Tahiti Nui’s direct Sydney–Papeete flights. Pricing is typically in USD.

The practical recommendation: For European river cruising with Australian ownership, Emerald is the natural choice. For South Pacific sailing or Australian coastal cruising on a sailing yacht, Windstar offers something Emerald cannot. For Mediterranean yacht cruising, both compete — compare specific itineraries and pricing.

The onboard atmosphere

Emerald’s atmosphere is contemporary and social — 40s to 60s, smart casual, modern design with the pool-cinema as a social hub. Windstar’s atmosphere is romantic and barefoot — couples drawn to the sailing lifestyle, resort casual at all times, the sail-away ceremony as daily ritual, and the Candles dinner as unforgettable evening.

Emerald feels like a contemporary European holiday. Windstar feels like a private sailing adventure. The question is whether your ideal evening involves a film by the pool or a barefoot dinner under the stars.

The bottom line

Emerald Cruises and Windstar Cruises serve different romantic visions, and the choice between them is about which kind of escape resonates most deeply.

Choose Emerald for contemporary river and yacht cruising with Australian ownership, the pool-cinema innovation, modern design, and competitive pricing across European rivers and Mediterranean waters. Accept that the ocean product, while intimate, lacks the sailing heritage that defines Windstar, and that no South Pacific itinerary exists.

Choose Windstar for the romance of wind-assisted sailing, the James Beard Foundation culinary partnership, and access to Tahiti year-round — just eight hours from Sydney. Choose it for barefoot elegance, the watersport marina, and Australian seasonal deployments. Accept compact sailing yacht cabins and the need for the All-In package for full inclusion.

For Australian travellers, these lines pair naturally — Emerald for the Danube, Windstar for Tahiti. Different waterways, different atmospheres, and both delivering small-ship intimacy that mega-ships cannot touch.