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Seabourn Ovation (Photo: Seabourn)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises vs. Seabourn

Seabourn Ovation (Photo: Seabourn)
Contributor
Andrea M. Rotondo

Last updated
Feb 18, 2025

Read time
14 min read

The choice between cruising with Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn can be difficult -- if you don't know the subtle differences that make each line uniquely special. Both cruise lines place a high value on beauty; you'll see that in the architecture of the ships, suites, dining venues and other public areas. If you want to drink in beautiful interiors and landscapes, you can't go wrong with either option.

Let's discuss some of the other differences between Regent vs. Seabourn.

On This Page

Regent Has a Bigger & Newer Fleet, Seabourn Has Expanded Into the Luxury Expedition Market

The Serene Spa entrance on Seven Seas Grandeur. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas has six cruise ships. Its flagship is the 744-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur, which made its maiden voyage in 2023 as the line's third Explorer-class ship following Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor — collectively, they're self-titled by Regent as the most luxurious ships in the world.

The line's older ships include Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, launched in 2001 and 2003, respectively, and the 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator launched in 1999, which each of the older ships undergoing a refurbishment since 2018.

In 2026, Regent will debut its new class of ship with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige, with a follow-up slated for 2029.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Venture's Panorama Suite (Photo: Seabourn)

Seabourn sails six ships, including the line's two dedicated Polar Class expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, which launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The 600-passenger sister ships, Seabourn Encore debuted in 2016, and Seabourn Ovation in 2018. Seabourn Quest (2011) accommodates 458 passengers and Seabourn Sojourn (2010) accommodates 462 passengers. They are sister ships; Quest was refurbished in 2016 and the other two were done in 2017. Seabourn Odyssey left the fleet in September 2024.

Regent Cruise Fares Are Typically Higher, With More Inclusions Than Seabourn

Though both lines are all-inclusive, Regent tends to package more into its fares, making it a more expensive line. This includes shore excursions and Wi-Fi, so you'll need to carefully compare pricing between these two lines in order to determine what's best for your pocket. Both lines include open bars throughout the ship that serve Champagne, beer, wine and spirits, and both lines say tips are neither expected nor required (i.e., they're already baked into the cruise fare).

Discover Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond with Regent. Free suite upgrade and more savings on select 2025 sailings.

Choose Regent if you want the most all-inclusive experience

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (Photo: Colleen McDaniel)

Regent no longer includes air fare as standard, however, and passengers are required to book the higher 'Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare' option for included flights (upgraded to Business for Regent Suite guests) and transfers (coach transfer or private chauffeur, depending on suite type)

Choose Seabourn if you're looking for a lower per diem

Complimentary Caviar on Seabourn Ovation (Photo: Seabourn)

Seabourn doesn't include shore excursions, though it does now include Wi-Fi in its inclusive cruise fares.

Because of Regent's inclusions, in most cases you'll find the daily rate on Seabourn to be lower (and then some...) than a comparable voyage on Regent Seven Seas.

For example, a seven-day June 2026 sailing on Seabourn Quest in Greece starts at $3,869, which works out at $645 per night. A similar sailing — seven-nights, June 2026 on Seven Seas Splendor — on Regent works out at $6,199 exc. airfare or $8,629 including economy airfare. That's an eye-watering $886/$1,233 per night.

Regent and Seabourn Offer a Rich Program of Sailings Close to Home and Far-Flung Destinations

Regent Seven Seas Cruises lives up to its name and sails itineraries across the globe each year. Likewise, Seabourn also offers a rich cruise calendar with voyages that can take you just about anywhere you wish to go. Regent has long offered world cruises while Seabourn offers a 128-night world cruise in 2026. Both lines sail Alaska, Asia, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Mexico, the Panama Canal and Central America and South America.

Choose Regent if you want to visit French Polynesia

Bora Bora (Photo: TWEITH/Shutterstock)

Throughout 2025 and 2026, Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager offer a total of 16 itineraries that call on the exotic South Pacific. Ten- and 11-night round-trip voyages from Papeete will visit places including Moorea, Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine in the Society Islands; Fakarava in the Tuamotus; and Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. No Seabourn ship will visit French Polynesia during this same time frame.

Choose Seabourn if you have your heart set on visiting the Polar Regions or Australia and New Zealand

Seabourn Venture moored in Scorseby Sund, Greenland (Photo: Adam Coulter)

Seabourn’s two expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit  voyage to both poles, specially designed to navigate the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. These extraordinary ships are equipped with submarines, they offer an open bridge policy and a program that brings aboard naturalists, scientists and scholars to offer context to your voyage. Zodiac landings to select Antarctic locations and sea kayaking are also offered. There are digital photography workshops and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife from the ship or shore. The enrichment program in this region is nothing short of extraordinary.

Seabourn's Antartica program is the ultimate bucket-list experience that offers passengers up-close encounters with icebergs, penguins and these faraway teal waters — while traveling in complete luxury.

While you can start or end a Regent cruise in Sydney or Auckland in 2025 and 2026, and then visit ports in Asia, there are only three Regent sailings that both start and end Down Under. Seabourn Quest, on the other hand, spends wintertime exploring Australia and New Zealand in-depth with a variety of itineraries, including 14- and 16-night Auckland round trips. If learning about this part of the world is important to you, Seabourn has you covered.

Shore Excursions are of a Premium Quality — And Included with Regent

Regent and Seabourn pay close attention to the quality of the shore excursions they offer. Both use knowledgeable guides, keep tour groups small and ensure that transportation options are comfortable and air-conditioned.

Choose Regent if you plan to take a lot of shore excursions

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland (Photo: Puripat Lertpunyaroj/Shutterstock)

Regent conveniently packages all shore excursions within its fare. If you plan to partake in many guided tours, Regent is for you. You can sign up for as many shore tours as you wish from its list of free tours in every port. (There is also a short list of paid options in most ports of call.)

In Reykjavik, Iceland, for example, Regent offers seven complimentary options and six paid. The freebie options include bathing at the Blue Lagoon, a visit to three geysers along the Golden Circle plus lunch, two versions of a city tour and a photography lesson. The paid tours include things like a flightseeing, horseback riding ), 4-wheel drive glacier safari, a 4x4 countryside adventure and a visit to various geothermal pools paired with a lobster lunch.

Choose Seabourn if you enjoy festive, VIP-type experiences with your fellow passengers

Caviar in the Surf by Seabourn (Photo: Seabourn)

On select sailings, Seabourn offers some extraordinary fetes. For example, in the Caribbean, Seabourn is known for its Caviar in the Surf beach barbecues that pair a traditional beach picnic with fine caviar and Champagne served by tuxedo-clad waiters wading knee-deep in the waves to serve you, with a surf board holding the caviar. (The same event is held on deck during colder sailings and is dubbed "Caviar on Ice.")

In Alaska, some sailings include a Klemtu Cultural Experience, and for foodies, a Shopping with the Chef tour is available in some ports, always on a complimentary, first-come first-served basis.

All Cabins Across Both Fleets are Classified as Suites

Architects for both Regent and Seabourn designed incredible all-suite accommodations that are a pleasure to spend time in, and both offer a range of ensuite amenities. The difference is in who gets what on each cruise line.

Seabourn offers two tiers of in-suite amenities. All suites are outfitted with Egyptian linens, welcome Champagne, hypoallergenic pillows, robes and slippers, a bar setup and bath products by Therapies by Molton Brown. Those staying in premium suites also get extras such as an invitation to visit the bridge, fresh fruit and flowers, an espresso machine and free Wi-Fi -- among other perks.

Regent takes the amenities concept even further by breaking down its offerings lineup into four categories. All suites, however, feature a welcome bottle of Champagne; European king-size "Suite Slumber Beds"; a personalized full-liquor bar setup and minibar replenished daily with soda, beer and water; L'Occitane bath products and a plush bathrobe and slippers; and 24-hour room service served course-by-course at dinner.

Choose Regent if you're splashing out for a top named suite

Master Suite bathroom on Seven Seas Splendor (Photo: Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

While Seabourn ships offer more space in its entry-level accommodations than Regent's, Regent excel when it comes to top suites. If you're planning on splurging, you can't do better than the top suites aboard its flagship.

For example, the Regent Suite covers 2,917-square-foot Regent Suite plus a 1,292-square-foot balcony; that's larger than most New York City townhouses! Compare that to Seabourn's top suite, the Wintergarden, which is about 989 square feet. Seven Seas Splendor's Regent Suite comes at a hefty premium, naturally, but it also includes an incredible array of perks such as a free one-night, pre-cruise hotel package with ground transfers, breakfast and porterage; a personal car and driver to explore each port; and unlimited in-suite spa services.

For more spacious entry-level cabins on its older ships

If you're choosing between a sailing aboard Regent's Navigator, Voyager or Mariner versus one on Seabourn's older ships -- Sojourn or Quest -- you're better off with Regent. Entry-level cabins aboard Voyager and Mariner are deluxe verandas ranging from 252 to 306 square feet of interior space and balconies that are about 50 square feet. (Navigator's entry-level cabin is a 301-square-foot deluxe window suite.) On Seabourn's trio, entry-level cabins are 295-square-foot ocean views.

Choose Seabourn if you want a spa suite that doesn't break the bank

The spa area on Seabourn Sojourn (Photo: Seabourn)

Yes, it's true that Regent's Regent Suite is outfitted with its own private spa treatment room (complete with two sumptuous ceramic heated loungers), but they are $$$$ (as pricy as $10,000+ per person, per day). Seabourn offers a more value-oriented solution for travelers who want to combine a high-end suite with unlimited spa service: the Penthouse Spa Suite.

There are only a handful of these suites on each ship -- for example, Quest has four -- so book early if spa amenities are important to you. You can get all the perks of the Penthouse Suite plus complimentary full-day access to The Spa at Seabourn's "serene area," which features indoor and outdoor space outfitted with a gurgling fountain, chairs and loungers. There is also a Kneipp hydrotherapy pool.

Other in-suite perks include access to a spa concierge plus a second in-suite minibar (stocked with water, juice and healthy snacks), additional Molton Brown specialty spa products and a menu of bath sponges. If you're into aromatherapy, you can select a L'Occitane fragrance to be diffused in your suite.

Both Lines Offers Tremendous Inclusive Dining Options

The lavish Prime 7 restaurant aboard Seven Seas Grandeur (Photo: RSSC)

Both Regent and Seabourn offer some tremendous options when it comes to mealtime, and neither charge extra fees for specialty restaurants. The main dining rooms on both lines are elegant with menus that appeal to both self-described "foodies" and those who enjoy more basic fare.

Regent offers a steakhouse and several themed restaurants where you can indulge in French, Asian or Italian cuisine. Menus seem to have more choice than on Seabourn, especially for vegetarians.

Seabourn, on the other hand, takes a more global approach to its menus and you can find a range of cuisines on menus throughout the ship. The line's eight-year culinary partnership with chef Thomas Keller ended in Spring 2024, with The Grill replaced by Solis, a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant that was rolled out in 2024. Also rolled out, Earth & Ocean, is Seabourn's evening alfresco restaurant.

Choose Regent if you love a good steak

The specialty restaurant Prime 7 is a mainstay on all Regent ships, and it rivals any steakhouse you've visited on land. The menu features USDA Prime beef as well as cuts that have been dry aged for 28 days. Traditional starters including jumbo shrimp cocktail and clam chowder are juxtaposed next to options such as foie gras sliders with rhubarb chutney and tuna tartare with a pomegranate-soy dressing.

Meat lovers will opt for one of the excellent cuts of beef, from New York strip or porterhouse (for two to share) to a bone-in, ribeye steak, filet mignon or a slow-roasted prime rib. Surf and turf is available along with seafood specialties such as Alaskan king crab legs, whole Maine lobster, Dover sole and barbecue-glazed salmon. Leave room for dessert; the Key lime pie is excellent.

Choose Seabourn if you enjoy high-end Mediterranean cuisine and caviar

Solis restaurant on Seabourn Ovation (Photo: Seabourn)

Solis' menus reflect the breadth of the Mediterranean, from the French Riviera to the Greek islands. Dishes include Piquillos De La Mama - Basque piquillo peppers with fresh Murcia goat milk cheese served on country bread crostini and whole sea bass baked in a sea salt and fresh thyme crust paired with artichokes and tomatoes.

Bistecca Alla Fiorentina is a Tuscan-style grilled beef porterhouse steak; and a lamb shank is enlivened with spices and served with chargrilled smoked eggplant, tahini, pomegranate, roasted pine nuts and labneh.

Seabourn's Caviar in the Surf (available on select sailings) is a highlight for many, too, with uniformed staff serving ice-cold Champagne and sublime caviar off surfboards in cerulean-blue waters, followed by a lavish beach barbecue.

Entertainment is Relaxed and Elegant with Some Nuances Between These Two Luxury Lines

When it comes to keeping you entertained day or night, Regent and Seabourn have you covered. Both have gorgeous sun decks and a variety of daytime activities including trivia sessions, wine tastings and guest lectures.

In the evening, both offer several lounges that act as pre- and post-dinner gathering spots. On both lines, you can listen to live music, go dancing or play a hand of poker in the casino. Both offer Broadway-style theater performances and nightclubs (though Seabourn gets higher marks for the caliber of its shows and musicians). Since complimentary alcohol is included in both line's cruise fares, everyone tends to be out and about in the evening to enjoy a cocktail and mix and mingle.

Choose Regent Seven Seas Cruises if you'd like to go to cooking school at sea

Culinary Arts Kitchen on Seven Seas Explorer (Photo: Cruise Critic)

If your voyage is aboard Seven Seas Explorer or the forthcoming Seven Seas Splendor, you can attend cooking school. More than mere demonstrations by the chef, the Culinary Arts Kitchen is outfitted with 18 workstations where participants learn techniques and recipes that they can take home with them. Classes charge a per-person fee with topics ranging from brunch classics to regional favorites of Spain.

Choose Seabourn if you're interested in an onboard watersports platform or if you love Tim Rice Music

Seabourn's Watersport Platform (Photo: Seabourn)

All of Seabourn's ships except Quest are outfitted with an aft marina with a deployable watersports platform. From the marina, you can frolic in the in-sea pool and enjoy complimentary sports equipment including kayaks, two-person pedal boats and sailboats. You can also try water skiing and take a rollicking banana boat ride. (Watch out -- the ride can be rough and you might get tossed into the sea. But that's half the fun!) You'll generally find one or more "marina days" on itineraries in warm-weather locales such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.

Seabourn presents "An Evening With Tim Rice" aboard its ships. and if you're a fan of Mr. Rice's work, you won't be disappointed in the show. The Broadway-style revue includes live singers in concert as well as a video screen that shows Mr. Rice telling stories about how his favorite songs -- including Lion King's "Hakuna Matata" and Evita's "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" -- were created. This free show wows.

Seabourn also offers a thrilling guest speaker program that has seen Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, royal butler Grant Harrold and former head of the U.K.'s MI5, Dame Stella Rimington, give talks and answer questions onboard.

Regent Has a Dedicated Youth Program, Neither Offers a Kids Club Space

Choose Regent if you are traveling with young children

Cotubanama National Park in the Dominican Republic (Photo: Filippo Carlot/Shutterstock.com)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates a well-organized and free Club Mariner Youth Program on certain holiday sailings in the Caribbean, as well as through summer in Alaska, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The Club Mariner Youth Program splits kids into three age groups: 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 17.

There is no kids club per se, so activities take place in the Stars Lounge during the day or on deck at spots like the paddle tennis court for pickup games of dodge ball or tag. Group activities are age-dependent and can range from storytelling and board games to arts and crafts projects and baking cookies with the pastry chef. Teens are more apt to spend time playing video games and watching movies.

Choose Seabourn if you are sailing with older teenagers or adult children

Seabourn does not offer any sort of permanent children's program or facilities onboard, and its restaurants don't offer a kids menu. On certain sailings during the summer months, when more children than usual will be onboard, the line might hire one or two counselors for an ad hoc program.

Even then, it's not the ideal choice for anyone traveling with small children or tweens. But it can be a good option for families traveling with respectful older teens or adult children who will enjoy things like the pool deck and aft marina water sports platform as well as the different dining venues and spa.

The Bottom Line: Which Luxury Cruise Line, Regent or Seabourn, is Right For You?

The Patio on Seabourn Ovation (Photo: Cruise Critic)

Choose Regent if you want an absolutely all-inclusive cruise experience with free shore excursions, the most over-the-top suite afloat or a steakhouse dining experience with a huge menu.

Choose Seabourn if you adore caviar, want to explore Antarctica, love the music of Tim Rice and love being in the water, whether by kayak, Zodiac, pedal boat or sailboat.

Publish date October 10, 2019
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