Seabourn vs Regent Cruises

Seabourn vs Regent? Which is best to choose? Pros and pros, because there really are no cons. Here is an insight into the reasons why!

1. Regent Seven Seas always includes excursions. Aboard Seabourn, shore excursions are not included. If you plan to actively and independently seek out organized tours and activities when you are in port, consider this important distinction between these two cruise lines. If the itinerary contains many sea days, it may not be of value to have excursions provided. Mobility issues are also a factor for consideration as your cruise vacation may have been chosen for relaxation and unwinding meaning a full day of excursions in each port is not desirable. Reach out so we can assist in ensuring the perfect match. Of the over 500 ports of call Seabourn and Regent sail too, our team at Prince Adventures have sailed to over 65% of them and have sent travellers to over 90% of all ports of call. Trust our experience in travel to help make your vacation exceptional.

2. Seabourn includes caviar. Rejoice if you are a fan of this ultra-luxe food! If you love caviar, it is simply a room service call way for delivery to your stateroom, complete with a bottle of champagne. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers caviar for purchase, so you can feel assured of its availability on both cruise lines. However, if you plan to enjoy the signature ‘Seabourn Moments’ ‘Caviar Sailaway’ event, a specialty event on board, or a ‘Caviar in the Surf’ then consider this added value for your cruise. The in-room dining caviar on demand with Seabourn is complimentary regardless of which stateroom or suite you book. Feel free to indulge in this service frequently if this is something you enjoy.

3. True expedition style cruise vacations are available with Seabourn. Like Seabourn, Regent does sail to the more unusual and adventure-focused destinations like Antarctica and Alaska however, there are currently no active adventure expedition style excursions or programming offered aboard Regent. This can limit what is available if you’re seeking an active and often unusual experience. Seabourn has the Pursuit and Venture vessels, specifically designed with expedition experiences in mind. Furthermore, aboard some of Seabourn ships like the Seabourn Ovation, they offer active adventures like Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking and guided hikes. While the Seabourn Ventures excursions are not included in your cruise fare, they are available for purchase. Ask us to help you decide if a shore excursion is worth it, as prices can range from $150 - $350+ USD per person. Consider using your shipboard credit when you book with Prince Adventures towards the adventure of a lifetime like kayaking in Yakutat Bay at the Hubbard Glacier or Zodiac cruising in the Inian Islands in Alaska. Both of these two experiences are only offered by Seabourn and not by any other cruise line.

4. Regent offers everything up front. Totally comprehensive, shore excursions, in-room dining, airfare (including business airfare if intercontinental flights are involved) and even complimentary laundry are included. We highly recommend Regent if you are looking for a one price experience where there are no additional supplementary costs. Seabourn, although a luxury cruise line, requires guests to pay à la carte for services like shore excursions and laundry services. These additional costs carry a monetary and mental toll when on vacation - asking you to evaluate if it is ‘worth it’. With Regent, you can rest assured that whatever you fancy on board is provided with no additional charge.

5. ‘Unrivalled space at sea’ is one of Regent’s mantras. There is more space per guest aboard their fleet of ships than on any other cruise line. We didn’t think this was something we’d notice. After all, both cruise lines offer walk in closets right! What difference can it really make? We noticed the extra spacious ships with Regent compared to Seabourn when it came to relaxing lounge spaces. These public areas aboard are noticeably larger on Regent. This means you never have a sense of there being a crowd or as though you are competing for a specific seat in your favourite lounge. If you plan to spend your cruise vacation enjoying some of the spaces outside your personal suite, this space can be noticeable. If you are planning to luxuriate inside one of the signature suites, where you have truly exceptional space within your personal suite, then this is of less of a priority.

Thanks for reading! Did you learn something new? I hope so. Looking to book your Seabourn or Regent cruise, please phone Jakki 519-362-3672.

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Head to Instagram @princeadventures for some photos of our luxury and expedition cruise journeys, and our other recent travels.

Jakki Prince is the co-owner of Prince Adventures, a luxury travel concierge service and Virtuoso travel advisor. Having traveled to over 62 countries personally and curated travel experiences and vacations for tens of thousands of travellers she can be relied upon as an expert in her field. Read more about her on LinkedIn here.