$3,709/person$530/night
View Deal →Emerald Kaia vs Wind Star
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
Emerald Kaia offers more personal space with a space ratio of 53.0 GT per passenger versus 36.1. Built in 2024, Emerald Kaia is 38 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Emerald Kaia edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
Score: 3 – 4
Quick Compare
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Category
Emerald Kaia
Wind Star
Size
5,300 GT
5,350 GT
Passengers
100
148
Year Built
2024
1986
Crew Ratio
1:1.4
1:1.6
Space Ratio
53.0
36.1
Decks
—
—
Length
110m
134m
From Price
—
$3,709/pp
Comparison Verdict
Emerald Kaia offers more personal space with a space ratio of 53.0 GT per passenger versus 36.1. Built in 2024, Emerald Kaia is 38 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Emerald Kaia edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Wind Star |
| Capacity | Wind Star |
| Modernity | Emerald Kaia |
| Service | Emerald Kaia |
| Spaciousness | Emerald Kaia |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | Wind Star |
| Fleet Power | Wind Star |
Bottom line: Wind Star leads 4–3 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose Wind Star for overall superiority; pick Emerald Kaia if Modernity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose Emerald Kaia if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2024, 38yr newer)
- Better service ratio (1.4:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (53.0 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| Emerald Kaia | Wind Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | — | $3,709 pp |
| Departing | — | Oct 24 |
| Duration | — | 7 nights |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data: gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better, more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
