When clients ask me to recommend the best ultra-luxury cruise line, two names come up immediately: Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. Both deliver extraordinary experiences. Both feature all-suite ships, exceptional dining, and itineraries that span the globe. But they are fundamentally different products designed for different types of luxury travelers.
Ultra-luxury cruising: where every detail is curated for an extraordinary experience
This guide breaks down exactly where each line excels, where they differ, and how to choose the right one for your next voyage.
The Core Philosophy
Regent Seven Seas is built around one idea: everything is included. Their fares bundle airfare, unlimited shore excursions, beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and even pre-cruise hotel stays in higher suite categories. When Regent says all-inclusive, they mean it. You step on board and your wallet stays in the safe until you get home.
Silversea takes a more European approach — understated elegance with flexible fare options. They offer tiered pricing where you can choose between a "Door-to-Door" all-inclusive package (similar to Regent) or a "Port-to-Port" fare that strips out airfare and transfers for a lower entry price. Silversea also stands apart with its expedition fleet, offering luxury voyages to Antarctica, the Galapagos, and the Arctic.
The Ships
Silversea operates a larger fleet with ships carrying between 300 and 728 passengers. Their vessels feel intimate and yacht-like, with refined European decor. Regent's fleet of six ships (with the new Seven Seas Prestige arriving in 2026) carries between 496 and 750 guests. Despite being slightly larger on average, Regent's ships never feel crowded thanks to an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio.
| Feature | Regent Seven Seas | Silversea |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 6 ships (7th in 2026) | 12 ships (ocean + expedition) |
| Ship Capacity | 496 – 750 guests | 300 – 728 guests |
| Smallest Suite | 301 sq ft | 290 sq ft |
| All-Balcony | Yes (nearly all) | Most (some window suites) |
| Butler Service | Higher categories only | Every suite, every guest |
| Expedition Ships | No | Yes — 5 expedition vessels |
What’s Included
This is where the comparison gets interesting. Regent includes more upfront, which makes their sticker price higher. Silversea’s base fare appears lower, but once you add airfare and excursions, the total cost is often comparable.
| Inclusion | Regent | Silversea |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare | Included (business class on intercontinental) | Included on Door-to-Door fare only |
| Shore Excursions | Unlimited, included | One per port on Door-to-Door fare |
| Beverages | All included | All included |
| Wi-Fi | Unlimited, included | Unlimited in higher suites; limited in entry |
| Gratuities | Included | Included |
| Pre-Cruise Hotel | Concierge Suite and above | Door-to-Door fare only |
| Specialty Dining | All included | Most included; 2 carry surcharge |
Dining
Gourmet dining is a defining feature of both Regent and Silversea
Both lines offer exceptional cuisine, but the experience differs. Regent operates five complimentary restaurants on most ships, with standouts like Compass Rose (the elegant main dining room) and Pacific Rim (pan-Asian fine dining). Every restaurant is included, period.
Silversea offers more dining venues — up to seven on newer ships — but charges a supplement for two specialty restaurants (La Dame for French cuisine and Kaiseki for Japanese). The food quality is outstanding across both lines, with Silversea leaning slightly more international in flavor profiles and Regent excelling in consistency and execution.
The Onboard Vibe
This is perhaps the most important difference and the one that’s hardest to capture in a brochure.
Regent attracts a predominantly American crowd that skews slightly older, with a polished and classic luxury atmosphere. Evenings tend to wrap up earlier. The entertainment is professional but traditional. It’s the cruise equivalent of a five-star country club.
Silversea draws a more international mix with guests from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The social scene is more dynamic, the dress code slightly more fashion-forward, and evenings tend to go later. It feels more like a boutique European hotel.
Who Should Choose Regent?
- Couples who want zero surprises — everything included, nothing to think about
- First-time luxury cruisers who want the simplest possible entry to ultra-luxury
- Travelers who value spacious suites and the industry’s best space-to-guest ratio
- Anyone who wants unlimited shore excursions without calculating costs
- Anniversary and milestone celebrations where the focus should be on the experience, not logistics
Who Should Choose Silversea?
- Adventurous travelers who want expedition voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galapagos
- Internationally-minded cruisers who enjoy a diverse onboard culture
- Guests who prefer butler service regardless of suite category
- Travelers who want to use airline miles for flights and control their own air arrangements
- Cruisers who value intimate ship sizes and a yacht-like atmosphere
The Bottom Line: You genuinely cannot go wrong with either line. If you want the most seamlessly all-inclusive experience with the largest suites at sea, Regent is your answer. If you want a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with expedition options and butler service in every suite, Silversea is calling your name. The best way to decide? Tell us about your trip and we’ll match you with the perfect line.
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