Best Luxury Ocean Cruise: Compare Explora, Regent & Silversea
When it comes to luxury ocean cruising, three names consistently rise to the top: Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas, and Silversea Cruises.
While each delivers exceptional experiences, they differ in style, inclusions, ship design, and traveler appeal.
This guide will help you understand what sets each apart—and which one might be right for your next journey.
Explora Journeys – Contemporary Luxury With a Global, Design-Forward Feel
Explora Journeys is redefining luxury cruising with sleek, European-style ships, oversized oceanfront suites, and a strong emphasis on wellness, space, and design. Currently sailing with two ships—Explora I and Explora II—and four more on the way, this newcomer to the luxury space blends sophisticated elegance with a more modern, relaxed ambiance.
The onboard vibe skews younger and more design-conscious, attracting travelers who appreciate curated experiences, flexible dining, and generous onboard space. The line also appeals to a global clientele, with a greater proportion of non-U.S. guests compared to more traditionally American-focused luxury brands.
Inclusions with Explora are generous: guests enjoy nine culinary experiences, unlimited beverages (including fine wines and spirits), gratuities, high-speed Wi-Fi, wellness programs, and access to thermal spa areas. While shore excursions and airfare are typically not included, the experience is still positioned as elevated and thoughtfully inclusive.
Our Personal Review: We sailed aboard Explora I and were impressed by the space, design, and culinary options. Read our Explora Journeys review here.
Learn more about Explora’s inclusions here.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – The All-Inclusive Gold Standard (Now With Flexible Pricing)
Regent Seven Seas has long set the bar for true luxury cruising, offering an all-inclusive model that leaves virtually nothing out. Airfare, transfers, excursions, gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even laundry have traditionally been bundled into the fare.
Recently, Regent introduced a second pricing option: guests can now choose a reduced fare by removing the included airfare and transfers. This added flexibility may appeal to travelers with airline loyalty benefits, preferred carriers, or independent travel arrangements.
With a fleet of six mid-size ships—and a new flagship, the Seven Seas Prestige, launching in 2026—Regent continues to deliver an effortlessly indulgent experience. Lavish décor, impeccable service, globe-spanning itineraries, and a consistent sense of opulence make it a favorite for travelers seeking maximum inclusivity with refined style.
Our Personal Review: We’ve enjoyed sailing with Regent Seven Seas and have shared our full experience in this detailed write-up: Read our Regent review here.
See Regent’s Cruise Fare Comparison here.
Silversea Cruises – Timeless Elegance With Expedition Access
Silversea blends understated luxury with a strong sense of destination immersion. Its flexible fare structure allows guests to tailor their level of inclusivity:
- Door-to-Door All-Inclusive: Includes airfare, transfers, excursions, beverages, gratuities, and more.
- Port-to-Port All-Inclusive: A lower fare that removes airfare and transfers while keeping most onboard inclusions.
- The Essential Fare: Cruise-only rates with fewer bundled extras for maximum flexibility.
With a diverse fleet of classic and expedition ships, Silversea delivers an elevated but discreet experience. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize enrichment, cultural depth, and a quieter, more tailored form of luxury.
Our Personal Reviews: We’ve cruised extensively with Silversea in several regions. Explore our firsthand reviews:
Side-by-Side Comparison of Explora, Regent, and Silversea
| Cruise Line | # of Ships | Avg. Guest Capacity | Avg. Suite Size | Airfare Included | Excursions Included | Gratuities Included | Drinks Included | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explora Journeys | 2 (6 total) | 922 | 377 sq. ft. (entry-level) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Spacious design, wellness focus |
| Regent Seven Seas | 6 | 490–750 | 300–400 sq. ft. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Most inclusive, elegant design |
| Silversea Cruises | 13+ | 100–728 | 290–360 sq. ft. | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Expedition + classic fleet |
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Which Luxury Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Choosing the best luxury cruise line comes down to your personal style and travel goals.
Explora offers a modern, design-forward experience with generous space, flexible dining, and a global atmosphere that skews younger and more relaxed.
Regent is the ultimate in opulent, all-inclusive cruising—ideal for those who want to unpack once and never reach for their wallet again.
Silversea provides a more understated luxury, with enrichment-focused itineraries, smaller ships, and exceptional personalized service.
We’re enthusiastic supporters of all three lines and have personally sailed with each. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—only the perfect fit for your unique preferences.
Of course, there’s no substitute for speaking with a seasoned travel advisor who knows these brands inside and out. We’re here to help you find the right match.
What About Viking and Oceania?
If you’re a fan of Viking or Oceania, you might be wondering why they weren’t part of this comparison. While we’re big supporters of both brands and regularly recommend them to our clients, they operate in what the industry often calls the “premium-plus” category. They offer tremendous value, comfort, and service, but they’re positioned just a notch below the fully all-inclusive 5-star luxury level of Explora, Regent, and Silversea. Viking and Oceania deserve their own spotlight, and we’ll cover them in a separate article focused on premium ocean cruise experiences.
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Why Book With Roaming Boomers Travel Services?
We’ve sailed with these brands, know their differences inside and out, and can match you with the perfect cruise—often with added perks like onboard credit or complimentary hotel nights.
As Virtuoso Cruise Icons, we offer insights and amenities you won’t find booking direct.
For more information or to book an Explora, Regent, or Silversea cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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