Comparisons
Head-to-head comparisons and best-for guides written the way we'd explain it on the phone: who each ship suits, who it doesn't, and what we'd book for a particular party. Opinion, clearly labelled.
Explora and Silversea are both luxury, both largely inclusive, and suit quite different parties. We compare ship size, formality, children, food, destinations and price, then say which we would choose for whom.
Regent and Seabourn both sell small-ship luxury with most things included. Regent includes more and is a little grander; Seabourn is smaller, warmer and more sociable. We say which we would choose for which couple.
Both are relaxed, modern and welcome children — one is a ship of around 900 guests and the other a yacht of 300 to 450. We compare space, price, children's programmes and where each goes.
Compare ships
Ship size, how formal the evenings are, and our ratings for families, grandparents, couples, children, food and adventure. Click a line for who it is and isn't for.
| Line | Ships | Formality | Families | Grandparents | Couples | Children | Food | Adventure | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explora Journeys | Medium | Fully relaxed | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | Three-generation groups who want modern comfort and plenty of room |
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Medium | Elegant | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Grandparents hosting adult children, and couples who want a fully inclusive, elegant week |
 Silversea | Small | Smart casual | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Couples and well-travelled grandparents, and families with teenagers on an expedition |
 Seabourn | Small | Smart casual | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | Couples and adult groups who value calm, warmth and a small ship |
 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Yacht | Fully relaxed | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | Design-led families and couples who want yacht privacy with real service |
| Four Seasons Yachts | Yacht | Relaxed | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★ | Couples and small parties who want the most spacious suites afloat |
 Ponant | Small | Relaxed | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Families and couples who want small-ship adventure with a French accent |
 Scenic | Yacht | Relaxed | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Adults who want expedition with helicopters, a submersible and nothing to pay on board |
 Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River | Relaxed | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | Multigenerational groups on a family departure, and grandparents who prefer rivers to oceans |
 Viking | Medium | Relaxed | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Adults-only parties who want calm, culture and value |
 Oceania Cruises | Medium | Relaxed | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | Adult parties who rank food first and want to spend less than the ultra-luxury lines |
Stars are Blackbury's editorial opinion from planning cruises, not independent ratings or customer reviews.
Which should you choose? Take the two-minute quiz → or ask Blackbury.
Tell us who's travelling and what matters most. We'll say which of these we'd book for you, and why.
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