You're staring at two brochures. Both promise butler service, fine dining, and ports most cruise ships can't reach. Both carry serious price tags. And both have earned the loyalty of travelers who won't set foot on a mass-market ship. So how do you choose between Regent Seven Seas and Silversea?
This comparison breaks it down — honestly, specifically, and without the marketing gloss.
At a Glance
- Regent is the stronger all-inclusive value: flights, excursions, drinks, and gratuities are included in the fare
- Silversea has a larger fleet and reaches more remote destinations, including polar regions
- Both lines sail exclusively in suites — no standard cabins exist on either
- Silversea's expedition portfolio is deeper; Regent's ocean ships are newer on average
- Your "right" choice depends on whether destination depth or onboard inclusivity matters more to you
What Does "All-Inclusive" Actually Mean on Each Line?
This is where the two lines diverge most sharply. Regent Seven Seas has one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive fares in ocean cruising. Your fare covers round-trip business class airfare on many itineraries, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages including premium spirits, pre-cruise hotel stays, and gratuities. You step off the plane and essentially stop spending.
Silversea is all-inclusive too, but the definition is narrower. Beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are included. Shore excursions and flights typically are not, unless you book a specific promotional package. That's not a knock on Silversea — it's just a different financial structure. Some travelers prefer building their own excursion day. Others want everything handled.
If you're the type who likes to know exactly what a trip costs before you go, Regent's model tends to feel more satisfying. If you're a seasoned traveler who prefers private guides and custom itineraries over group excursions, Silversea's structure can actually work in your favor.
How Do the Fleets Compare?
Regent operates eight ships as of 2026. The fleet is relatively compact and almost entirely modern. Seven Seas Grandeur, launched in 2023, is among the newest ultra-luxury ships afloat. Seven Seas Splendor (2020) and Seven Seas Explorer (2016) anchor the fleet with impressive space ratios — Regent ships consistently rank among the least crowded at sea per passenger. Seven Seas Prestige joined the fleet in early 2025 after the acquisition of the former Explora II. Regent focuses primarily on ocean cruising and does not operate a dedicated expedition fleet.
Silversea operates a larger fleet — around 12 ships as of 2026. That includes classic ocean ships like Silver Moon and Silver Dawn, as well as a dedicated expedition division that includes Silver Endeavour, which operates in Antarctica and the Arctic. Silversea also runs Silver Origin in the Galápagos year-round. If expedition cruising is on your bucket list, Silversea has real infrastructure for it. You might want to read more about expedition cruising and what it takes to plan one.
What Are the Suite Categories Like?
Both lines are all-suite, but the suite categories are structured differently.
Regent Seven Seas starts with the Deluxe Veranda Suite — a generous entry point at approximately 306 square feet including the veranda on most ships. From there, the ladder climbs through Concierge, Penthouse, Penthouse Suite, Grand Suite, Master Suite, and the iconic Regent Suite aboard Seven Seas Explorer, which at 4,443 square feet is one of the largest suites at sea. Even entry-level guests on Regent receive butler service.
Silversea entry-level accommodations — Classic Veranda Suites — are slightly smaller on some ships, but they're still genuinely spacious by any reasonable standard. Silversea's top-tier accommodations include Owner's Suites and Grand Suites that rival anything Regent offers. One meaningful difference: on Silversea's smaller expedition vessels, suites are naturally more compact. That's a trade-off for reaching places larger ships can't go.
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If suite size and onboard real estate are priorities, Regent's ocean ships give you more square footage at every category. If you're willing to trade a few square feet for access to the Galápagos or Antarctica, Silversea's expedition ships are worth the adjustment. For a deeper look at how suite categories affect the overall value equation, this guide to luxury cruise suite classes is worth reading.
How Does Dining Compare Between the Two Lines?
Both lines offer multiple specialty restaurants and open-seating dining with no reservations required at the main restaurant. Neither charges you extra for specialty dining — it's all included.
Regent's flagship restaurant across the fleet is Compass Rose, an elegant open-seating main dining room. Specialty venues vary by ship but typically include Prime 7 (a steakhouse), Chartreuse (French cuisine), and Pacific Rim. Seven Seas Grandeur added Olso, a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant, which was a genuinely fresh addition to the fleet.
Silversea anchors its culinary program around La Terrazza, the Italian signature restaurant present across most ships. Specialty venues include Silver Note (a supper club format), Kaiseki (Japanese on select ships), and S.A.L.T. Kitchen — a standout program that connects menus directly to destinations. S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) is a Silversea original. It sources local ingredients in port and shapes the onboard menu around regional culinary traditions. For travelers who eat their way through a destination, this program is genuinely compelling.
Both dining programs are strong. S.A.L.T. gives Silversea a meaningful edge for food-focused travelers.
Which Line Goes to More Interesting Destinations?
Regent calls on over 500 destinations globally. The itineraries skew toward bucket-list ocean routes: the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Japan, the Caribbean, and world cruises. Regent's ships are sized to access smaller ports, but they're not expedition vessels.
Silversea covers similar ocean itineraries and adds genuine expedition depth. Silver Endeavour operates in Antarctica. Silver Origin sails the Galápagos. Silver Wind and Silver Cloud have both operated in Arctic waters. If polar or remote expedition travel is in your plans, Silversea is the stronger platform.
For Mediterranean itineraries, both lines are excellent. If you're considering Croatia — Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor — either ship will do the destination justice. This guide to what to do in Dubrovnik on a cruise day is worth a read before you go. For Japan sailings, both Regent and Silversea run cherry blossom and fall foliage itineraries. This look at luxury cruising to Japan breaks down the timing.
Why Working with an Advisor Changes the Outcome
The honest reason this comparison doesn't have a single right answer is that it depends on details only a conversation can surface. How you spend a port day matters. Whether you'll use included excursions or book your own matters. Whether you're traveling in a suite category that benefits from Regent's flat fare or one where Silversea's flexibility makes more financial sense — that matters too.
As a luxury cruise specialist, the work isn't just matching a line to a budget. It's matching a line to how you actually travel. Regent and Silversea both have strengths. The right choice is the one that stops you from thinking about what you're missing and lets you focus on where you are.
You can also read the broader three-way comparison of Silversea, Regent, and Seabourn for additional context before you decide.
When you're ready to start planning, reach out to Ohana Cruises. Jeffrey Lazo works directly with both Regent Seven Seas and Silversea and can walk you through itineraries, current promotions, and the specific suite categories that fit how you travel. No pressure, just good advice.
