ComparisonWhich one we would choose, and why
Head to head
Explora and Regent both put every guest in a suite and ask a similar fare. One is new, relaxed and happy with children; the other includes excursions in every port and keeps a sense of occasion. We say which we would choose for whom.
Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas are the two lines families most often ask us to compare. Both are all-suite with terraces or balconies throughout; both include dining, drinks and gratuities. The difference is temperament: Explora is a modern hotel at sea with no gala nights and real children's spaces; Regent is elegant, a little traditional, and folds excursions and often flights into the fare.
The decision usually turns on two questions: are children traveling, and do you want the excursions arranged for you?
| Criterion | Explora Journeys | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Ship size | Around 920 guests | Around 700 to 750 guests |
| Formality | Relaxed; no formal nights | Elegant casual with formal-optional nights |
| Children | Dedicated spaces and program | No permanent club; teenagers fine |
| Connecting suites | Yes, in reasonable numbers | Few |
| Excursions | Extra | Included in every port |
| Flights | Extra | Included on many fares, with a hotel night |
| Food | Around nine venues, open seating | Compass Rose plus three specialty rooms, all included |
| Guide price, 7 nights Med | From about $5,500 pp | From about $7,000 pp, excursions and often flights in |
Our reasoning
Who each ship suits, who it doesn't, and where we would say so and suggest something else.
Choose Explora if children or teenagers are traveling, if the party is eight or more, or if anyone dislikes dressing for dinner. The connecting suites and the children's spaces are the difference between a family week that works and one that does not.
Choose Regent if the party is adults, if you want the excursions and often the flights arranged and paid for before you leave, and if an evening with a sense of occasion is a pleasure rather than a chore. Grandparents hosting adult children on a landmark birthday are the party Regent fits best.
Where we would hesitate: Regent with children under ten, because there is nothing for them most weeks; Explora for a couple in their seventies who want to be looked after in port, because every excursion is a decision and a charge. In both cases we would say so.
Our promise
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If either line is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistIn pictures
Licensed photographs of the lines compared above, credited; not brochure renders.
Tell us who is traveling and we will tell you which one we would choose, and why.
The lines
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
The most inclusive fare at sea, on all-suite ships that take elegance seriously.
Good to know
The headline fare is higher, but Regent includes excursions in every port and often flights and a hotel night. Add those to an Explora fare and the gap narrows or closes. We compare the full trip in every proposal.
Explora, for the teenage spaces and the relaxed evenings. Teenagers manage well on Regent too, but there is nothing laid on for them.
Keep reading
Luxury Caribbean cruises shortlisted by Blackbury for families at Christmas, couples in search of small islands and grandparents who want warm, easy weeks.
Planning a luxury cruise for ten people: how many cabins, which ships have the connecting suites, where to go, when to book and how to split the cost. Blackbury's working method.
Which ships change the mind of someone who thinks they would hate cruising: relaxed modern ships, yachts and one all-inclusive line, and the itinerary we suggest for a first week at sea.
Tell us who is traveling and we will tell you which one we would choose. If neither is right for your party, we will say that too.
