Regent vs. Seabourn: Which Luxury Cruise Is Right for You?

If you are comparing Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn, you have already narrowed your search to two wonderful luxury cruise lines. Both offer beautiful suites, attentive service, excellent dining and a more intimate experience than a large resort ship. But they approach the days ashore differently, and that difference can have a real impact on your trip and your budget.

I have sailed with both lines, including a recent Alaska voyage on Seabourn Encore. When helping someone choose, I start with a simple question: how do you want your days in port to feel?

The biggest difference: what happens in port

Regent includes a wide selection of shore excursions in its cruise fare. That makes it especially appealing if you love organized sightseeing and plan to take a tour in most ports. You can choose from eligible included excursions, though popular options can fill up, so it pays to reserve early.

On a Seabourn ocean cruise, shore excursions are generally an extra purchase. That can work beautifully if you prefer to explore independently, arrange private guides, or simply stay aboard and enjoy a quiet ship while others go ashore. It also means the advertised fare may not tell the whole story if you expect to book a tour in every port. Seabourn expedition voyages have different inclusions, so I compare those separately.

What is included on board?

Both lines include dining, a selection of wines and spirits, gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi in the onboard experience. Package features and connection quality can vary. Regent includes specialty restaurants at no added charge, and Seabourn dining venues are complimentary as well. Specific restaurants and reservation requirements depend on the ship.

The better value depends on how you will actually travel. I look at the ports, time in each one, suite choice, included elements and the experiences that matter to you. A great itinerary on the right dates can matter more than a small difference in price.

My quick take

Regent is a strong fit for the traveler who likes a well-planned day and the ease of having many costs settled before departure. Seabourn is a strong fit for the traveler who wants an elegant ship experience and more freedom to decide how to spend time ashore. The ship, suite and itinerary can shape your experience as much as the cruise line name. I would never choose between these two on inclusions alone.