ComparisonWhich one we would choose, and why
Head to head
Silversea and Seabourn are the two small-ship luxury lines couples most often weigh. Both are all-suite, largely inclusive and sociable. One has butlers and a wider fleet; the other has a looser, more convivial tone. We say which suits whom.
Silversea and Seabourn have been compared for thirty years and remain closer than any other pair we sell: small ships, all suites with verandas on the newer ones, open seating, inclusive drinks and gratuities, crews who learn names.
The differences are real but subtle: Silversea puts a butler in every suite and runs a wider fleet, including expedition ships and the new Nova class; Seabourn is a touch more relaxed and sociable, with The Grill by Thomas Keller and a fare that leaves excursions out.
| Criterion | Silversea | Seabourn |
|---|---|---|
| Ship size | Around 270 to 730 guests | Around 460 to 600 guests; expedition ships 260 |
| Service | Butler in every suite | Suite stewardess; very personal |
| Tone | Elegant; relaxed on Nova and Ray | Relaxed, sociable, grown-up |
| Excursions | Included on many fares | Extra |
| Food | Up to eight venues; S.A.L.T. | The Grill by Thomas Keller, Sushi, The Restaurant |
| Expedition | Silver Endeavor, Wind, Cloud, Origin | Venture, Pursuit; Quest in Antarctica |
| Children | No club on most sailings | No club |
| Guide price, 7 nights Med | From about $6,500 pp | From about $6,000 pp |
Our reasoning
Who each ship suits, who it doesn't, and where we would say so and suggest something else.
Choose Silversea if a butler appeals, if you want the newest ships (Nova and Ray) or if the itinerary you want is one Silversea sails and Seabourn does not. Choose it for Japan, Alaska on Muse, and Antarctica on Endeavor.
Choose Seabourn if you want the more sociable ship, the Thomas Keller restaurant and a slightly lower fare, and if you prefer to pick your own excursions. The fjords from Dover on Ovation and the Adriatic on Encore are where Seabourn is at its best.
Where we would hesitate: either line for a party with young children. Both are grown-up ships and we would send that family to Explora.
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
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
Small, sociable, quietly luxurious ships, with a sister expedition fleet.
Good to know
Usually a little, for a comparable suite, and excursions are extra on Seabourn where Silversea includes them on many fares. Compare the full week, which we do.
Silversea's classic ships, slightly; Nova and Ray are as relaxed as Seabourn. Neither turns anyone away for not owning a dinner jacket.
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.
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.
Where the food is genuinely worth the fare: Oceania, Silversea, Regent, Seabourn and Explora compared for restaurants, inclusions and the kind of traveler each suits.
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.
