ComparisonWhich one we would choose, and why
Head to head
Regent and Silversea are the two inclusive luxury lines most couples and grandparents weigh against each other. Regent includes excursions; Silversea gives every suite a butler and goes further. We say which we would choose for whom.
Regent Seven Seas and Silversea are close on fare and both all-suite. Regent's distinction is the fare itself: excursions in every port, specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and often flights. Silversea's is service and reach: a butler in every suite, smaller ships on average, and a fleet that goes from the Adriatic to Antarctica.
Most couples decide on two things: whether they want excursions chosen and paid for in advance, and how small a ship they want.
| Criterion | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Silversea |
|---|---|---|
| Ship size | Around 700 to 750 guests | Around 270 to 730 guests; expedition ships smaller |
| Service | Attentive, suite attendants | Butler in every suite |
| Excursions | Included in every port | Included on many fares; door-to-door adds flights and transfers |
| Formality | Elegant casual, formal-optional nights | Elegant; relaxed on Nova and Ray |
| Children | No permanent club | No club on most sailings |
| Expedition | None | Silver Endeavor, Silver Wind, Silver Cloud, Silver Origin |
| Food | Four restaurants, all included | Up to eight venues; S.A.L.T. follows the ports |
| Guide price, 7 nights Med | From about $7,000 pp | From about $6,500 pp |
Our reasoning
Who each ship suits, who it doesn't, and where we would say so and suggest something else.
Choose Regent if you want the simplest elegant week to buy: everything is in the fare, the excursions are chosen for you in every port and the ships are new or newly refurbished. Grandparents hosting adult children, and first-time luxury cruisers who want nothing to pay on board, fit Regent best.
Choose Silversea if the destination leads, if you want a smaller ship, or if a butler who arranges the day appeals. Silver Nova and Silver Ray are among the best new ships at sea; the classic fleet goes to places Regent does not, and the expedition ships go to Antarctica.
Where we would hesitate: Regent for a couple who want intimacy, because its ships are mid-size and the public rooms are grand; Silversea for travelers who want every excursion arranged without a conversation, because the door-to-door fare is an option, not the default.
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
The most inclusive fare at sea, on all-suite ships that take elegance seriously.
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
Good to know
Regent, by default: excursions in every port and often flights. Silversea's door-to-door fare adds flights and transfers for a higher price; its port-to-port fare does not. We set the two side by side in every proposal.
Silversea, by a little, for the range of venues and the S.A.L.T. program on Moon, Dawn, Nova and Ray. Regent's four restaurants are very good and all included.
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.
