Cruise line comparison
Explora Journeys vs Regent: which should you choose?
Explora Journeys is the choice for a contemporary, European-style luxury cruise on sleek ships where every suite has an ocean terrace, with drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and most dining included and a relaxed, wellness-minded mood. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the choice for classic American luxury and the most inclusive fare at sea, with unlimited shore excursions, specialty dining and premium drinks covered. Explora feels younger and more design-led; Regent feels more traditional and includes more ashore.
- Explora Journeys
- Regent
Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Our verdict
Explora Journeys is a fresh, contemporary take on luxury that suits travelers who want design, space and a relaxed European mood, and who like to explore ports on their own. Regent is the established all-inclusive leader, and travelers who join a tour almost daily often find it the better value despite the higher fare. Compare the total cost, including excursions, before deciding; then choose the atmosphere you prefer.
Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of MSC Group, which also owns MSC Cruises, and it entered the market in 2023 with Explora I, followed by Explora II and, in 2026, Explora III. Its ships carry roughly 900 guests in all-suite accommodations, each with a private terrace, and the line describes them as ocean residences rather than cruise ships. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has been a byword for all-inclusive luxury for decades and operates a six-ship fleet.
The contrast is between a modern European boutique-hotel feel and a polished, classic American one. Explora’s interiors are minimalist and light-filled, with several pools and a large spa, and its mood is unstructured, with no formal nights. Regent’s ships feature chandeliers, marble and a more traditional rhythm, and its fare includes excursions in every port, which Explora’s does not.
Explora Journeys vs Regent: head to head
| Feature | Explora Journeys | Regent |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Contemporary, airy and European, with a quiet, wellness-focused mood and no formal nights. | Classic, plush and gracious, with optional formal nights on longer voyages. |
| Typical guest | Affluent travelers in their 40s to 60s, many European and North American, plus some families. | Mostly North American couples aged 60-plus who want everything arranged for them. |
| Ships and size | Explora I, II and III, each with roughly 460 suites and about 900 guests. | Six ships, from the veteran Seven Seas Navigator to Seven Seas Grandeur, carrying roughly 500 to 750 guests. |
| What’s included | Most drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, in-suite minibar and most restaurants; Anthology fine dining costs extra. | Shore excursions in every port, an open bar with premium labels, every restaurant, internet, tips and, from Concierge suites up, a hotel night before sailing. |
| Shore excursions | Extra; many itineraries feature longer stays and overnights for independent exploring. | Part of the fare everywhere; only the premium Regent Choice tier costs extra. |
| Dining | Marble & Co. Grill, Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and Emporium Marketplace, plus the extra-charge Anthology. | Compass Rose for main dining, Prime 7 for steaks, French cuisine at Chartreuse and pan-Asian Pacific Rim, all without surcharges. |
| Suites | All Ocean Terrace Suites or larger, with floor-to-ceiling glass and generous bathrooms. | Spacious suites throughout, most with balconies, the grandest being the Regent Suite. |
| Wellness | A big spa, thermal area and fitness program with a holistic-wellbeing focus. | Serene Spa & Wellness with traditional spa services. |
| Itineraries | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean in winter and transatlantic crossings, with long port stays. | A truly global map, from Alaska and Asia to South America, plus a yearly World Cruise. |
| Kids | Accepted, with a kids’ club on board, though families are a small minority. | Accepted but rare; no dedicated kids’ program. |
| Price positioning | Luxury, generally below Regent before adding excursions. | Luxury, among the highest fares at sea, but excursions are covered. |
| Loyalty | Explora Club, a five-tier program launched in 2025. | Seven Seas Society. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Explora Journeys if…
- You want a sleek, modern ship with a European design sensibility.
- You’d rather explore ports independently than prepay for group excursions.
- You want every suite to have an ocean terrace and floor-to-ceiling glass.
- You prefer an unstructured, wellness-focused atmosphere with no formal nights.
Choose Regent if…
- You’d like a prepaid tour waiting for you in each port.
- You prefer classic luxury with a traditional rhythm and mostly North American guests.
- You want a world cruise or itineraries in Alaska, Asia or South America.
- You want the fullest possible all-inclusive fare, including a pre-cruise hotel for higher suites.
The fleets by the numbers
| Measure | Explora Journeys | Regent |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean ships in our guide | 3 | 6 |
| Average ship age | 1.7 years | 15.7 years |
| Average ship size | 67,000 GT | 46,000 GT |
| Newest ship | Explora III | Seven Seas Grandeur |
| Largest ship | Explora III | Seven Seas Grandeur |
Calculated from the ocean ships in our guide, with build years and tonnage from Wikidata.
Explora Journeys vs Regent: FAQs
Is Explora Journeys as inclusive as Regent?
Not quite. Explora includes most drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and most dining, but shore excursions and its Anthology restaurant cost extra. Regent includes unlimited shore excursions, all specialty dining and premium drinks.
Who owns Explora Journeys?
MSC Group, the Geneva-based company that also owns MSC Cruises. Explora is run as a separate luxury brand with its own ships, crew and service style.
Which is better for younger luxury travelers, Explora or Regent?
Explora, generally. Its modern design, relaxed dress code and wellness focus attract a somewhat younger crowd than Regent, whose guests are typically 60 and older.
Does Explora Journeys have a loyalty program?
Yes. Explora Club launched in 2025 with five tiers, earning points by sailing length, suite category and onboard spending. Regent’s program is the Seven Seas Society.
Read the full reviews
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Explora Journeys official site, Regent official site.