Cruise line comparison
Regent vs Seabourn: which should you choose?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the stronger choice if you want everything prepaid, including a shore excursion in every port, on large, plush all-suite ships with lots of space per guest. Seabourn is the stronger choice if you prefer a smaller, more social ship with a yacht-club feel, caviar served in the shallows on beach days, kayaks launched from a fold-down marina and submarine dives on its expedition ships. Regent wins on inclusions; Seabourn wins on intimacy and charm.
- Regent
- Seabourn
Photo: Mustang Joe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Our verdict
Regent is the better value for guests who tour in nearly every port and want maximum space; its fare is high, but it covers the extras that quietly inflate a luxury bill elsewhere. Seabourn is the better fit for travelers who prize intimacy, personality and memorable signature moments, and it adds an expedition option Regent lacks. Both deliver genuine luxury, so match the ship to your itinerary and how social you like your evenings.
Regent and Seabourn both offer all-suite, all-inclusive luxury with open bars, included gratuities, Wi-Fi and fine dining without surcharges. Where they differ is in what happens ashore and how the ship feels.
Regent’s Explorer-class ships, Seven Seas Explorer, Splendor and Grandeur, carry about 750 guests in very spacious suites, and the fare includes unlimited shore excursions. Seabourn’s Ovation and Encore carry about 600 guests, and its Quest and Sojourn about 450, which makes for a cozier, more sociable atmosphere. Seabourn also runs expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic on Seabourn Venture and Pursuit, while Regent sticks to classic itineraries.
Regent vs Seabourn: head to head
| Feature | Regent | Seabourn |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Grand, spacious and calm, with an emphasis on comfort and space. | Intimate and convivial; the crew remembers your drink order on day two. |
| Typical guest | Affluent North American couples 60 and older who like everything planned and paid. | Affluent couples 55 and older who enjoy socializing and frequent repeat guests. |
| Ships and size | Six ships of about 500 to 750 guests, led by Seven Seas Grandeur. | The 600-guest Encore and Ovation, the 450-guest Quest and Sojourn, and two 260-guest expedition ships. |
| Shore excursions | Included in every port, with extra-cost Regent Choice tours. | Extra on classic voyages; included Zodiac, kayak and landing outings on expedition sailings. |
| What else is included | Top-shelf drinks, all restaurants, Wi-Fi and gratuities, with a pre-sailing hotel stay for Concierge suites and above. | Premium drinks, all dining, basic Wi-Fi and gratuities. |
| Dining | Elegant Compass Rose, the Prime 7 steakhouse, Chartreuse and Pacific Rim, with no extra charges anywhere. | The Restaurant, The Colonnade, Solis, Sushi and Earth & Ocean at the Patio. |
| Signature experiences | Hands-on classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on Explorer-class ships. | Caviar in the Surf, The Retreat cabanas and a marina platform for water sports. |
| Suites | Larger standard suites; the Regent Suite is one of the biggest at sea. | Comfortable veranda suites; Wintergarden and Owner’s Suites at the top. |
| Expedition | None; Regent focuses on classic port-to-port voyages. | Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions on Seabourn Venture and Pursuit, each carrying two submarines. |
| Itineraries | Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia, South America and annual World Cruises. | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, polar expeditions and an annual World Cruise. |
| Price positioning | Luxury; high fares that already cover tours ashore. | Luxury; comparable fares, with excursions on classic voyages paid separately. |
| Loyalty | Seven Seas Society, with tiers built on nights sailed. | Seabourn Club, with perks and savings for repeat guests. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Regent if…
- You want a shore excursion in every port included, so your daily plans are already paid for.
- You value space and want a larger standard suite and uncrowded lounges.
- You’d rather never think about a bill, from the bar to the bus ashore.
- You want a pre-cruise hotel night, included with Concierge suites and above.
Choose Seabourn if…
- You prefer a smaller ship where you get to know fellow guests and crew.
- Caviar served in the surf and kayaking from the ship’s marina sound like your ideal beach day.
- You want to dive beneath Antarctic waters in a submarine on an expedition voyage.
- You’re happy to choose and pay for excursions only in the ports that interest you.
The fleets by the numbers
| Measure | Regent | Seabourn |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean ships in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Average ship age | 15.7 years | 7.8 years |
| Average ship size | 46,000 GT | 32,000 GT |
| Newest ship | Seven Seas Grandeur | Seabourn Pursuit |
| Largest ship | Seven Seas Grandeur | Seabourn Ovation |
Calculated from the ocean ships in our guide, with build years and tonnage from Wikidata.
Regent vs Seabourn: FAQs
Is Regent or Seabourn more all-inclusive?
Regent. The two lines match on premium drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and tips; Regent goes further by covering a shore excursion in each port and, for higher suite categories, a pre-cruise hotel night. Seabourn charges for excursions on classic voyages.
Which has bigger suites, Regent or Seabourn?
Regent, generally. Its Explorer-class ships, Seven Seas Explorer, Splendor and Grandeur, have especially generous standard suites, and the Regent Suite is one of the largest at sea. Seabourn’s veranda suites are comfortable but more compact.
Does Seabourn have expedition cruises?
Yes. Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit sail to Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote regions with Zodiacs, kayaks and two submarines each. Regent doesn’t operate expedition ships.
Which is better for a first luxury cruise, Regent or Seabourn?
Regent suits first-timers who want everything included and planned, including excursions. Seabourn suits first-timers who want a smaller, more social ship and are comfortable choosing their own tours.
Read the full reviews
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Regent official site, Seabourn official site.