Scenic Ocean Cruises vs Silversea Cruises

The core difference

Scenic Ocean Cruises and Silversea Cruises are the two luxury lines that straddle both worlds — ultra-luxury ocean cruising and serious polar expedition — without compromising on either. Both deliver all-suite, all-butler, all-inclusive experiences. Both sail to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Kimberley. Both charge ultra-luxury fares and deliver ultra-luxury comfort. But the companies behind these ships, and the philosophies that built them, could hardly be more different.

Scenic is the Australian disruptor. Founded in 1986 by Glen Moroney in Newcastle, New South Wales, as a coach tour company running trips along the Great Ocean Road, Scenic grew through European river cruising into ocean expedition with the launch of Scenic Eclipse in 2019. The company calls its ships “Discovery Yachts” — a deliberate positioning that communicates luxury-first with expedition capability. Scenic’s defining bet is hardware: Eclipse and Eclipse II are the only expedition vessels in the world carrying both helicopters AND a submarine on every voyage. Two Airbus H130 helicopters and a U-Boat Worx Scenic Neptune submarine give passengers access to perspectives no Zodiac can offer — aerial views of glacial landscapes, emperor penguin colonies unreachable by sea, and submarine dives to 300 metres beneath the surface. The ships carry 228 passengers (200 in polar waters), feature ten dining venues, and deliver what Scenic calls a “truly all-inclusive” experience. Scenic Ikon, arriving April 2028, will be larger at 270 guests with fifteen dining venues and a Triton submersible. The company remains privately held and Australian family-controlled, with MKM Yachts in Croatia building every ship in-house.

Silversea is the established ultra-luxury institution. Founded in 1994 by the Lefebvre family of Rome with deep maritime heritage from the Sitmar Cruises era, Silversea built a dual identity long before Scenic launched its first ship. The ocean fleet now spans eight ships — from the heritage Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper to the brand-new Nova-class Silver Nova (2023) and Silver Ray (2024), which introduced asymmetric design, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme, and the Otium spa concept. The expedition fleet comprises four purpose-built or purpose-converted vessels: the PC6-rated Silver Endeavour (widely regarded as the most luxurious expedition ship ever built), Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, and the Galapagos-dedicated Silver Origin. Now 100 per cent owned by Royal Caribbean Group (acquired for approximately US$1 billion), Silversea operates at a scale Scenic cannot yet match — twelve ships, 600-plus destinations across 100-plus countries, and approximately 38 to 40 Antarctic departures per season alone.

For Australian travellers, this comparison carries particular weight. Scenic is Australian-owned and Australian-headquartered — Glen Moroney’s privately held company, built from a single coach in Victoria. Silversea maintains a professional Sydney office at 8 Spring Street and deploys multiple ships to Australian waters each season with 23-plus annual sailings. Both serve the Australian market seriously. Both price accessibly for Australian travellers. But the nature of that service — Australian heritage and expedition innovation versus global fleet scale and culinary immersion — defines the choice.

What is actually included

Both lines market themselves as all-inclusive, and both deliver comprehensively compared to most competitors. But the details reveal meaningful differences in what “all-inclusive” actually means — and those details differ between each line’s ocean and expedition products.

Scenic’s “Truly All-Inclusive” model is the most comprehensive in luxury expedition cruising. The fare covers all meals across up to ten dining venues with no surcharges, 24-hour in-suite dining, all premium beverages (spirits, wines, champagnes, cocktails, beer), a daily-restocked mini-bar in every suite personalised to guest preference, butler service in every suite category from entry level upward, all shore excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, e-bikes, snorkelling equipment, Starlink Wi-Fi, all gratuities (onboard and onshore), complimentary laundry (self-service and butler-assisted), complimentary shoeshine, port charges, transfers, charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia on Antarctic voyages, and pre or post-cruise hotel nights on select itineraries.

Not included on Scenic: helicopter flights (approximately USD $695 to $1,500 per person), submarine dives (approximately USD $775 per person), spa treatments, Chairman’s Cellar premium wines, international flights, and travel insurance. The helicopter and submarine exclusion is worth emphasising — the “truly all-inclusive” marketing sets expectations that these headline experiences are part of the package, but they are not.

Silversea’s inclusions vary between the ocean and expedition fleets. On expedition ships, the fare covers all meals across multiple restaurants (except the US$60 per person La Dame supplement), 24-hour in-suite dining, all premium beverages, a daily-restocked mini-bar, butler service in every suite, all expedition landings and Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, kayaking, an expedition parka (gifted), Starlink Wi-Fi, and all gratuities. On ocean ships (Nova-class, Muse-class, and heritage fleet), the standard All-Inclusive fare covers similar onboard inclusions plus complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi. The All-Inclusive Plus fare adds door-to-door private chauffeured transfers up to 50 miles from home to airport via Blacklane, shore excursion credits, and refundable deposits.

Not included on Silversea: La Dame dining supplement (US$60 per person on expedition ships; US$60 to $100 on ocean ships), Kaiseki supplement on Nova-class ships (US$40 to $80), Silver Note supplement, boot rental on expedition ships (US$98 per cruise plus US$100 refundable deposit), waterproof pants rental, spa treatments, laundry and dry cleaning (complimentary only after 100 Venetian Society days), medical consultations, and travel insurance.

The comparison bites on the details. Scenic includes complimentary laundry for all guests; Silversea charges. Scenic loans polar boots at no cost; Silversea charges US$98 for rental. Scenic includes every dining venue without surcharge; Silversea’s La Dame carries a supplement. On a line charging upwards of AUD $20,000 per person for a voyage, charging for boots and a restaurant feels inconsistent with the ultra-luxury positioning. Scenic’s day-to-day inclusion model is more complete.

Silversea’s unique inclusions deserve recognition. The Blacklane door-to-door transfer programme — a private chauffeured car from home to airport, included up to 50 miles on the All-Inclusive Plus fare — is a genuinely premium touch that Scenic does not match. For Australian travellers in major cities, this eliminates the airport parking hassle. And on ocean ships, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme (cooking classes, destination-changing menus, food-focused excursions) adds an experiential dimension Scenic’s ocean product cannot offer.

Dining and culinary experience

This is where both lines make their most compelling statements — through fundamentally different strategies.

Scenic’s dining programme spans up to ten experiences across approximately seven distinct venues on each Discovery Yacht. Elements is the main restaurant with a la carte Italian-influenced dinner. Lumiere serves traditional and lighter French cuisine with an adjacent Champagne Bar — frequently cited by reviewers as the best fine dining experience in expedition cruising. Koko’s Asian Fusion houses three concepts within one venue: the main Asian fusion restaurant, Sushi at Koko’s (seating only 18 guests at a counter where chefs prepare fresh sushi — consistently named passengers’ single favourite dining experience), and Night Market at Koko’s (teppanyaki grill featuring night market dishes from Asia, India, and the Middle East). The Chef’s Table (or Chef’s Garden at Epicure on Eclipse II) is an exclusive eight to ten-seat degustation venue, by invitation only for top-suite guests. Azure Bar and Cafe offers all-day grazing and tapas. The Yacht Club provides poolside grilling and a casual buffet. And 24-hour in-suite dining via butler completes the picture. Every venue is included. No surcharges. No reservation fees.

The wine programme, curated by Keith Isaac, one of approximately 400 Master of Wine holders globally, features 50 wines on the pouring programme with different selections in each restaurant. The Whisky Bar offers over 100 varieties — all complimentary. The Chairman’s Cellar provides a premium reserve list for purchase, including first-growth Bordeaux and Penfolds Grange.

Silversea’s dining differs significantly between the ocean and expedition fleets. On Silver Endeavour, six options are available: The Restaurant (open-seating a la carte), La Dame (20-seat fine French with a US$60 supplement), Il Terrazzino (handmade pastas), The Grill (poolside), Arts Cafe (casual), and 24-hour in-suite dining. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind each offer five venues.

On the Nova-class ocean ships (Silver Nova, Silver Ray), dining reaches its broadest expression. The signature programme is S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) — overseen by Adam Sachs, three-time James Beard Journalism Award winner and former Editor-in-Chief of Saveur. S.A.L.T. Kitchen serves menus that change at every destination — the only restaurant at sea to do this. S.A.L.T. Lab offers hands-on cooking classes. S.A.L.T. Bar serves regionally crafted cocktails. S.A.L.T. Shore provides culinary excursions to local markets and vineyards. Beyond S.A.L.T., La Terrazza serves Italian with handmade pastas, Atlantide offers refined global fare, La Dame provides French tasting menus, and Kaiseki serves Japanese fine dining. S.A.L.T. is not available on any expedition ship — a gap worth noting for travellers drawn to this programme.

The comparison on expedition ships is decisive. Scenic’s ten dining experiences versus Silversea’s six is a significant gap. Sushi at Koko’s alone — an 18-seat counter-service sushi bar on an expedition ship in Antarctica — represents a concept Silversea simply does not offer. The teppanyaki grill, the champagne bar, the extensive whisky bar, and the degustation Chef’s Table add dimensions that Silversea’s more conventional expedition restaurant lineup cannot match. And Scenic includes every venue without surcharge; Silversea’s La Dame carries a US$60 supplement that feels incongruous at this price point.

On ocean cruising, the picture reverses. Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme — with destination-changing menus, cooking classes, food-focused shore excursions, and regionally crafted cocktails — is unique in the industry and represents a culinary philosophy Scenic has no equivalent for. Scenic does not operate conventional ocean cruises; its Discovery Voyages in the Mediterranean and Europe are run on the same expedition ships with smaller Discovery Teams. For travellers whose primary interest is ocean luxury with culinary immersion, Silversea’s Nova-class ships are in a category Scenic does not contest.

Food quality on both lines receives polarising reviews. Scenic guests frequently praise Sushi at Koko’s and Lumiere while some luxury veterans describe other venues as inconsistent. Silversea’s food quality is similarly mixed, with some reviewers noting a decline since the Royal Caribbean Group acquisition. The honest assessment: both serve good food, neither consistently reaches the heights of shore-based fine dining, and the expedition context — cooking for 200 guests in the Drake Passage — deserves more grace than online reviewers typically extend.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines are all-suite and all-veranda on their expedition ships — no interior cabins, no ocean-view-only rooms. This is a genuine differentiator over mid-range expedition operators that fill lower decks with porthole cabins.

Scenic’s suites across Eclipse and Eclipse II span 10 to 14 categories from the entry-level Verandah Suite (32 square metres with private veranda) to the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite (247 square metres total with 60-square-metre wraparound terrace — the largest accommodation in expedition cruising). In between sit the Deluxe Verandah, Grand Deluxe Verandah, Spa Suites (with Philippe Starck spa bath or circular spa bath, steam shower with light therapy, and four-poster king bed), and Panorama Suites (62 square metres interior with 48-square-metre wraparound balcony). Every suite features a Scenic Slumber Bed, illy coffee machine, Dyson hairdryer, L’Occitane amenities, and individual climate control. Eclipse II introduced a Sky Deck pool and Sky Bar on Deck 10, expanded spa facilities, and updated interiors across 14 suite categories.

Silversea’s expedition suites on Silver Endeavour span from the Classic Veranda (304 square feet with a 50-square-foot balcony) to the Owner’s Suite (1,868 square feet with a 737-square-foot balcony). The 2023 refit added Signature Suites (721 to 850 square feet with floor-to-ceiling glass) and Master Suites (1,163 square feet with 270-degree views). However, 90 of the 110 suites are the same 304-square-foot layout — the Classic, Superior, Deluxe, and Premium Veranda designations indicate deck location, not room differences. Every suite includes marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, pillow menus, and the daily-restocked mini-bar.

On the Nova-class ocean ships, Silversea’s suite design reaches its most modern expression. The Classic Veranda starts at approximately 357 square feet with a 60-square-foot veranda — larger than the expedition fleet’s entry level. The asymmetric hull design enables aft-facing suites with wake views, glass balustrades, and contemporary European aesthetics described as “more urban hotel than cruise ship.” Otium Suites span 1,324 square feet with complimentary spa treatments.

Entry-level comparison on expedition ships: Scenic’s Verandah Suite at 32 square metres (345 square feet) is larger than Silversea’s Classic Veranda at 304 square feet. Both include butler service and private veranda. At the top end, Scenic’s Two-Bedroom Penthouse at 2,660 square feet total edges past Silversea’s Owner’s Suite at 2,605 square feet — both palatial by any standard.

Solo travellers face single supplements on both lines. Scenic periodically offers 55 to 75 per cent off the single supplement on entry-level suites, capped at two cabins per departure. Silversea offers a standard 25 per cent supplement with promotional rates as low as 10 per cent or occasionally zero on select sailings. Neither line offers dedicated solo cabins.

Pricing and value

Both lines operate at the premium end of luxury cruising, but the pricing structures and value propositions differ between their ocean and expedition products.

Scenic’s directional pricing for an Antarctic Peninsula voyage (13 nights) starts from approximately AUD $15,000 to $19,000 per person for an entry Verandah Suite, rising to AUD $22,000 to $30,000 for a 21-night South Georgia combination. Per diem at entry level: approximately AUD $1,100 to $1,450 per night. Kimberley voyages (10 to 11 nights) start from approximately AUD $12,000 to $15,000. Mediterranean Discovery Voyages (10 nights) start from approximately AUD $8,000 to $12,000. Scenic regularly runs early-bird savings of AUD $3,000 to $5,000 per person and periodic fly-free promotions. Pricing on scenic.com.au is in AUD.

Silversea’s directional pricing spans both fleets. On expedition, Silver Endeavour Antarctic fly-cruise (six nights) starts from approximately US$16,100 per person (approximately AUD $24,600). Traditional 10 to 12-day Antarctic sailings bring the per diem down to approximately AUD $1,500 to $2,000 per night. On the ocean fleet, Australian and New Zealand sailings run approximately AUD $780 to $1,200 per person per night, with Mediterranean voyages at AUD $700 to $1,100. Promotional pricing on repositioning sailings can drop as low as AUD $140 per day.

The expedition value calculation favours Scenic on headline per diem — approximately AUD $1,100 to $1,450 per night versus AUD $1,500 to $3,800 on Silversea depending on itinerary type. The gap narrows on traditional (non-fly-cruise) Silversea sailings. But Scenic’s broader all-inclusive model amplifies the value difference: complimentary laundry, no boot rental, no La Dame supplement, and no dining surcharges mean the fare you pay is closer to the fare you spend. On Silversea, the base fare is the starting point for additional charges that accumulate over two to three weeks.

The counterargument: Silversea’s larger expedition team (up to 28 versus 20), fly-the-Drake option, and door-to-door Blacklane transfers represent value that does not appear on Scenic’s inclusion list. A fly-cruise that eliminates four days of Drake Passage sailing effectively compresses the same Antarctic experience into fewer vacation days — a value proposition that matters greatly for time-poor Australian professionals.

Add-on costs on Scenic are worth budgeting: a helicopter scenic flight at approximately AUD $1,050 to $1,150 per person, an emperor penguin helicopter flight at approximately AUD $2,300, a submarine dive at approximately AUD $1,200, and spa treatments at AUD $150 to $400. A couple booking one helicopter flight and one submarine dive each adds approximately AUD $4,500 to their voyage cost.

On ocean cruising, Silversea occupies a space Scenic does not directly contest. The Nova-class ships offer a full ocean luxury experience — multiple pools, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme, production entertainment, and mainstream ocean destinations — at per-night rates competitive with Scenic’s Mediterranean Discovery Voyages but on significantly larger, more modern ships. For travellers whose primary interest is ocean cruising rather than expedition, Silversea’s per-night value on the ocean fleet is strong.

Spa and wellness

Both lines invest in spa facilities that belie their ship sizes — though the experience differs between expedition and ocean contexts.

Scenic’s Senses Spa spans 550 square metres (approximately 5,920 square feet) — exceptionally large for a 228-passenger ship. Treatments use the ESPA product range. Facilities include multiple therapy rooms, sauna, steam room (expanded on Eclipse II with aromatherapy and ice fountain), a salt therapy lounge with heated beds by KLAFS (Eclipse II), a Vitality Pool with swim jets, and relaxation lounges. The PURE Yoga and Pilates Studio offers scheduled classes or one-on-one sessions, while the POWER gym provides fully equipped fitness facilities. Eclipse II added a Sky Deck Vitality Pool on Deck 10. Scenic Ikon will feature an 18,298-square-foot two-level spa — among the largest in expedition cruising.

The expedition context adds a dimension no ocean spa can match. A deep-tissue massage after a morning Zodiac landing on the Antarctic Peninsula, or a sauna session overlooking Svalbard’s glaciers, integrates wellness with adventure in a way that is uniquely Scenic.

Silversea’s spa facilities differ markedly between fleets. On expedition ships, the spa is functional and pleasant but not a headline feature — treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, and a pool. Service is professional and products are quality, but the facilities are more compact than Scenic’s.

On the Nova-class ocean ships, Silversea’s Otium Spa draws from the Roman concept of otium — leisure devoted to intellectual and physical well-being. The 3,638-square-foot spa includes an indoor relaxation pool, eight treatment rooms (including two Otium rooms with experiential showers), gender-separated steam and sauna rooms, and floor-to-ceiling ocean views. Products are by ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. Otium Suite guests receive a complimentary treatment valued at up to US$399 per person. This is a genuine differentiator for Silversea’s ocean product.

Both lines charge for hands-on treatments. Scenic wins on expedition ship spa quality and the integration of wellness with the expedition experience. Silversea wins on ocean ship spa design and the Otium concept. Neither matches Regent’s complimentary Hydrothermal Suite.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line carries a casino, Broadway show, or midnight buffet. Both reject mainstream cruise entertainment. But what they offer instead reflects their core identities.

Scenic’s enrichment centres on the Discovery Team — up to 20 specialists on Expedition Voyages (polar regions) and up to 15 on Discovery Voyages (Mediterranean, Kimberley). Team members include marine biologists, historians, geologists, glaciologists, ornithologists, naturalists, and photographers. Daily lectures in the theatre cover wildlife, glaciology, polar history, and regional culture. The Observation Lounge with 270-degree views serves as the gathering point for sundowner drinks and expedition briefings. The wine programme curated by Keith Isaac MW adds a distinctive culinary enrichment dimension. Live music fills select venues. The helicopter and submarine, even at extra cost, add experiential dimensions that qualify as enrichment — a flightseeing excursion over an Antarctic glacier or a submarine dive beneath sea ice are learning experiences as much as adventures. Photography support is available on most voyages, though Scenic does not operate dedicated photography-themed sailings.

Scenic does not maintain a formal research partnership comparable to Silversea’s Royal Geographical Society arrangement, and the citizen science programme is informal and guide-led rather than institutionalised — a gap compared to operators like Aurora Expeditions.

Silversea’s enrichment differs between divisions. On expedition ships, the programme benefits from the Royal Geographical Society partnership, which provides bespoke scientific and historical content curated for each specific voyage route. The expedition leader provides daily recap presentations and next-day briefings — a ritual that builds anticipation and community. The larger expedition team (up to 28 specialists on Silver Endeavour) enables more diverse lecture programming with simultaneous sessions. Conrad Combrink, who has led Silversea’s expedition division since its 2008 founding with over 80 personal visits to Antarctica, provides continuity and credibility that few competitors can match.

On the ocean fleet, the S.A.L.T. programme extends enrichment beyond lectures into experiential learning — cooking classes in the S.A.L.T. Lab, food-focused shore excursions, and destination talks that connect cuisine to culture. Production entertainment in the Show Lounge, live music, and destination speakers round out the programme. The Silver Note jazz supper club on select ships provides evening atmosphere.

The comparison: Silversea’s expedition enrichment is deeper in science, driven by a larger team and the RGS partnership. Scenic’s enrichment is broader in lifestyle dimensions — the wine programme, the helicopter and submarine experiences, and the culinary variety across ten venues create a more diverse onboard experience. On ocean cruising, Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme is in a category Scenic does not contest.

Fleet and destination coverage

This is where the scale difference between these two lines becomes most apparent — and where Silversea’s dual-fleet model creates a structural advantage.

Scenic’s fleet consists of two near-identical Discovery Yachts — Scenic Eclipse (2019) and Scenic Eclipse II (2023) — with Scenic Ikon under construction for April 2028. Both current ships share the same hull: 166.1 metres, 17,545 GT, Ulstein X-BOW inverted bow design, Ice Class 1A-Super (equivalent to PC6), 228 passengers (200 in polar), and approximately 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. The X-BOW is a genuine differentiator — the inverted bow splits wave energy rather than punching through it, delivering a noticeably smoother ride in the Drake Passage and rough polar seas. Scenic Ikon will be significantly larger at 205 metres, 26,500 GT, and 270 guests in 135 all-veranda suites, with two Airbus helicopters, a Triton AVA submersible, fifteen dining venues, and a two-level spa.

Each Discovery Yacht carries two Airbus H130 helicopters and a U-Boat Worx submarine. The helicopters seat six passengers plus pilot, enabling flightseeing, heli-hiking, emperor penguin colony access, and heli-fishing in the Kimberley. The submarine carries six guests to depths of 300 metres. Neither is included in the fare, and neither is guaranteed due to weather, regulatory approval, and conditions. But the capability exists on every voyage, and no other expedition line carries both.

Both ships follow seasonal migration patterns — Southern Hemisphere November to March (Antarctica, South America, New Zealand, Australia), Northern Hemisphere April to October (Mediterranean, Arctic, Europe, Japan). Combined: over 500 ports across 63 countries and all seven continents.

Silversea’s fleet spans twelve ships across two divisions. The ocean fleet comprises Silver Nova (2023, 728 guests), Silver Ray (2024, 728 guests), Silver Dawn (2022, 596 guests), Silver Moon (2020, 596 guests), Silver Muse (2017, 596 guests), Silver Spirit (2009, 608 guests), Silver Shadow (2000, 382 guests), and Silver Whisper (2001, 392 guests). The expedition fleet comprises Silver Endeavour (2021, 200 guests, PC6 ice class), Silver Cloud (1994, converted 2017, 254 guests, 1C ice class), Silver Wind (1995, refitted 2021, 274 guests, 1C ice class), and Silver Origin (2020, 100 guests, Galapagos-dedicated).

Silver Endeavour was built as Crystal Endeavor at MV Werften shipyard in Germany, then purchased from Crystal’s bankruptcy in July 2022. At 20,449 GT with PC6 polar class, she carries 200 passengers, 207 crew, 18 Zodiacs (the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising at approximately 1:11), and up to 28 expedition specialists per voyage. The ship originally carried helicopters and a submarine as Crystal Endeavor; Silversea removed both after acquisition, converting the helicopter hangar into six new suites. Silver Endeavour completed an inaugural Northwest Passage transit in 2025.

The Nova-class ships (Silver Nova, Silver Ray) represent Silversea’s ocean future — asymmetric hull design enabling new suite configurations, the full S.A.L.T. culinary programme, the Otium spa concept, and contemporary European aesthetics. These are fundamentally different ships from the expedition fleet, purpose-built for ocean luxury rather than polar exploration.

Expedition destination coverage shows Silversea’s scale advantage. Silversea deploys three ships to Antarctica with approximately 38 to 40 voyages per season versus Scenic’s multiple departures across two ships. Silversea offers 21 Arctic voyages announced for 2026. Year-round Galapagos operations on Silver Origin — the only purpose-built ultra-luxury expedition ship operating exclusively in the islands — represent a destination Scenic simply does not serve. Kimberley operations begin in 2026 with Silver Cloud (seven departures, May to August), while Scenic returns to the Kimberley in 2028 with Eclipse II.

The fly-the-Drake advantage belongs entirely to Silversea. Charter flights between Puerto Williams and King George Island bypass the Drake Passage in approximately two hours versus two days by sea. For time-pressed Australian travellers, a six-night fly-cruise delivers maximum Antarctic time with minimum transit. Scenic’s X-BOW hull smooths the crossing considerably, but all Antarctic sailings involve a full Drake Passage sailing from Ushuaia.

Ocean destination coverage is Silversea’s alone. Eight ocean ships cover the Mediterranean (102 voyages in 2026), Australia and New Zealand (23-plus seasonal sailings), Caribbean, Alaska, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and annual World Cruises. Scenic’s Mediterranean and European sailings are Discovery Voyages on its expedition ships — a different product from dedicated ocean cruising.

Where each line excels

Scenic excels in:

• Expedition hardware. The only ships in the world carrying both helicopters and a submarine on every voyage. Emperor penguin colonies, heli-fishing for barramundi, and submarine dives to 300 metres — capabilities no competitor can match.
• All-inclusive completeness. Butler service in every suite, complimentary laundry, no dining surcharges, included shore excursions, daily mini-bar restock. The most transparent pricing in luxury expedition cruising.
• Dining variety on expedition. Ten experiences across seven venues on a 228-guest ship — the highest restaurant-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising. Sushi at Koko’s is frequently cited as the finest single dining experience in the expedition segment.
• Australian ownership and heritage. Founded in Newcastle, NSW. Priced in AUD. Permanently homeported in Australia from 2028. The Kimberley programme carries particular credibility from an Australian company operating along Australia’s own remote northwest coastline.
• X-BOW hull design. The inverted bow delivers a noticeably smoother ride in heavy seas — a genuine advantage in the Drake Passage.

Silversea excels in:

• Fleet scale and modernity. Twelve ships including two brand-new Nova-class vessels. More ships means more itinerary choice, more departure dates, and more flexibility.
• Expedition credentials and team. Up to 28 specialists per voyage on Silver Endeavour, backed by the Royal Geographical Society. The highest guide-to-guest ratio in ultra-luxury expedition cruising.
• S.A.L.T. culinary programme. The destination-changing menus, cooking classes, and food-focused excursions represent a culinary immersion concept unique in the industry — though available only on ocean ships.
• Fly-the-Drake. The only ultra-luxury line offering charter flights that bypass the Drake Passage entirely. Transformative for time-pressed travellers.
• Destination exclusives. Galapagos on Silver Origin year-round. Twenty-three-plus Australian sailings annually on the ocean fleet. Kimberley from 2026. Scale creates options.
• Cross-brand loyalty. The Venetian Society’s integration with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity creates a loyalty pathway no competitor can match.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Antarctic Peninsula, 13 nights from Buenos Aires — Scenic’s signature expedition. Included charter flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, full Drake Passage sailing with X-BOW comfort, approximately seven days on the Antarctic Peninsula with daily landings, helicopter flightseeing and submarine dives available at extra cost. From approximately AUD $15,000 per person. Fly Sydney or Melbourne to Buenos Aires (approximately 14 to 16 hours via Santiago).

South Georgia, Falklands, and Antarctic Peninsula, 21 nights from Buenos Aires — The comprehensive polar voyage. King penguin colonies of South Georgia, the British character of Stanley, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Scenic’s helicopter programme adds aerial access to South Georgia’s mountain landscapes. From approximately AUD $22,000 per person.

The Kimberley: Broome to Darwin, 10 to 11 nights on Eclipse II (returning 2028) — The only ship in the Kimberley with two onboard helicopters, enabling heli-fishing for barramundi and aerial access to Horizontal Falls, King George Falls, and remote gorge systems. Led by expedition specialist Mike Cusack. From approximately AUD $12,000 per person. Domestic flights only — no passport required.

Mediterranean Discovery Voyage, 10 nights — Scenic’s non-polar offering. Port-intensive itineraries through Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal with Scenic Freechoice activities. From approximately AUD $8,000 per person. A different product from Silversea’s ocean fleet, but the all-inclusive model and intimate ship size appeal to travellers who want luxury without a large ship.

Silversea Cruises

Antarctic Peninsula Fly-Cruise on Silver Endeavour, 6 nights — Skip the Drake Passage entirely. Charter flight from Puerto Williams to King George Island (approximately two hours), six nights of intensive Antarctic exploration with up to 28 specialists and 18 Zodiacs, then fly back. Maximum Antarctica in minimum time. From approximately US$16,100 per person. Ideal for Australian travellers with limited leave.

Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula on Silver Endeavour, 18 to 20 days — The grand expedition combining all three sub-Antarctic and Antarctic destinations. The largest expedition team in ultra-luxury cruising. A defining polar voyage.

Silver Nova: Sydney roundtrip or trans-Tasman (multiple departures 2026–2027 season) — Embark in Sydney or Melbourne on Silversea’s newest flagship with the full S.A.L.T. programme. No international flight required. The most modern ultra-luxury ocean experience available from Australian ports.

Kimberley: Darwin to Broome on Silver Cloud, 10 days (2026 season) — Silversea’s first Kimberley deployment. Seven departures from May to August with 20 Zodiacs, 10 kayaks, and a full expedition team. An earlier Kimberley option than Scenic’s 2028 return, though on an older ship without helicopter capability.

Galapagos Islands on Silver Origin, 7 days year-round — A destination and ship Scenic cannot match. Purpose-built, 100 passengers, certified Ecuadorian naturalist guides, dedicated snorkelling deck, and Horizon Balconies that convert between open-air and enclosed. The pinnacle of luxury Galapagos expedition cruising.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Scenic

Scenic Eclipse II — The recommended first Scenic sailing for Australian travellers. The newer ship with expanded spa facilities (salt therapy lounge, Sky Deck pool), 14 suite categories, and refined interiors. Permanently based in Australia and Asia Pacific from 2028. Choose for Kimberley and Southern Hemisphere itineraries.

Scenic Eclipse — Primarily deployed to Europe, the Arctic, and Antarctic Peninsula. The original Discovery Yacht (2019) with the same hull and hardware as Eclipse II. Some reviewers note the interiors are beginning to show age compared to the newer ship. Choose for Northern Hemisphere itineraries or classic Antarctic Peninsula voyages.

Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028) — The flagship. 270 guests, 135 suites, fifteen dining venues, two-level spa, Triton AVA submersible, two Airbus helicopters. A significant step up in scale while maintaining the Discovery Yacht philosophy. First two sailings sold out before launch. Worth waiting for if your travel dates are flexible.

Silversea

Silver Nova or Silver Ray — The best introduction to Silversea’s ocean product. Full S.A.L.T. programme, Otium spa, asymmetric design, contemporary European aesthetics. Silver Nova deployed to Australian waters for the 2025–2026 season. Choose for the most modern ultra-luxury ocean experience.

Silver Endeavour — The most luxurious expedition ship afloat. PC6 ice class, 200 guests, 1:1 crew ratio, up to 28 expedition specialists, 18 Zodiacs. Choose for Antarctica (both fly-cruise and traditional), the Arctic, and the Northwest Passage. At 200 guests, the most intimate Silversea experience.

Silver Cloud — The Kimberley and Antarctic workhorse. First deployed to Australia’s Kimberley in 2026. Built in 1994 and converted for expedition in 2017, she is showing her age — multiple reviews report condition concerns — but the crew and expedition team remain excellent. Choose for the Kimberley (2026) or budget-conscious Antarctic sailings.

Silver Wind — Benefited from a US$40 million ice-class conversion in 2021. In better condition than Silver Cloud. Up to 28 expedition specialists and 24 Zodiacs. Good for Antarctic and Arctic itineraries.

Silver Origin — Purpose-built for Galapagos, year-round. 100 guests, certified Ecuadorian naturalist guides, the highest guide-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos. Choose for the definitive luxury Galapagos experience.

Silver Moon and Silver Dawn — Muse-class ocean ships with S.A.L.T. Silver Moon deployed to Australian waters for the 2026–2027 season. A strong choice for Australians wanting S.A.L.T. on a slightly more intimate ship than Nova-class.

Silver Spirit, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper — Older ocean ships without the S.A.L.T. programme. Smaller and more traditional. Consider for value-conscious bookings or specific itineraries these ships serve exclusively.

For Australian travellers specifically

Getting to the ship: For Antarctic voyages, routing is similar — fly to Buenos Aires or Santiago (approximately 14 to 16 hours from Sydney or Melbourne), then connect to Ushuaia or Puerto Williams. Silversea’s fly-cruise option from Puerto Williams replaces four days of Drake Passage sailing — a significant time-saver. For ocean voyages, Silversea offers 23-plus sailings from Australian ports (Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland) — no international flight required. Scenic’s Australian departures are limited to Eclipse II’s Kimberley and Southern Hemisphere seasons. For Kimberley voyages, both lines depart from Darwin and Broome — domestic flights only. Universal advice: arrive a day early. A missed expedition ship is unrecoverable.

Australian ownership versus Australian office: Scenic is Australian-owned and Australian-headquartered — Glen Moroney’s privately held company with global headquarters on Watt Street, Newcastle, NSW. The brand has deep recognition in Australia from decades of river cruise advertising, and the Kimberley programme carries particular credibility as an Australian company operating along Australia’s own remote coastline. Silversea maintains a professional Sydney office at 8 Spring Street with a dedicated Australian reservations and trade team. It is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, headquartered in Monaco with operational centre in Miami. Both serve the Australian market well. But the question of ownership and heritage resonates differently when you are choosing who to trust with a voyage to Antarctica or the Kimberley.

Pricing currency: Scenic prices in AUD on scenic.com.au. Silversea prices primarily in USD and GBP, though the Australian office provides AUD-equivalent quotes for Australian-market voyages.

Travel insurance: Both lines require mandatory travel insurance for expedition voyages. Specialist expedition insurance with minimum AUD $500,000 medical coverage and AUD $250,000 evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Medical facilities can be 72 or more hours away from any Antarctic position.

Loyalty programmes: Scenic’s Scenic and Emerald Rewards programme (launched February 2026) offers four tiers (Gold, Diamond, Emerald, Chairman’s Club) with cross-brand recognition across Scenic and Emerald Cruises. Chairman’s Club members receive complimentary suite upgrades and, from April 2028, one helicopter or flightseeing experience on select departures. Silversea’s Venetian Society is single-tier with milestone rewards — complimentary laundry at 100 days, 10 per cent savings at 250 days, a free seven-day voyage at 350 days, and a free 14-day voyage at 500 days. The Royal Caribbean Group cross-brand status match with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises adds flexibility that no competitor can match. For Australians who cruise domestically on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, the status match creates a continuous loyalty pathway into ultra-luxury.

Silversea’s Blacklane transfers cover major Australian cities — a chauffeured car from home to airport, included up to 50 miles on the All-Inclusive Plus fare. This is a tangible Australian-market benefit that Scenic does not offer.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines create the atmosphere of a boutique luxury hotel — quiet, refined, intimate, and structured around destination rather than entertainment. But the cultural accent differs.

Scenic’s atmosphere reflects its Australian heritage. The Discovery Yacht concept positions the onboard experience as luxury-first with expedition capability — the ship is as much the destination as the ice beyond it. With 228 guests and a near-1:1 crew ratio, intimacy is pronounced. Crew learn names quickly. Butler service creates personal relationships. The Observation Lounge with 270-degree views serves as the gathering point for sundowner drinks and expedition briefings. The Whisky Bar, with over 100 complimentary varieties, is a standout social space. The dress code is “elegant casual” with no formal nights — smart jeans pass without comment. The demographic is predominantly 50-plus couples, well-travelled, with a significant Australian and New Zealand contingent alongside North Americans and British passengers. The Australian influence creates a more relaxed, less formal ambience than some European luxury lines — think smart casual rather than black tie.

On expedition days, the shared intensity of Zodiac landings and helicopter flights forges genuine connections between guests. By midweek, most passengers know each other. The helicopter hangar and submarine launch add a sense of capability and adventure potential even when the equipment is not in use. Scenic feels like an Australian luxury lodge transplanted to the ocean.

Silversea’s atmosphere carries the legacy of Italian luxury cruising — refined, cosmopolitan, and confident. On expedition ships, the evening begins with the expedition leader’s daily recap and next-day briefing — a ritual that builds community. Bars are the social hub, with bartenders learning guest preferences by day two. The dress code is “Elegant Casual” with no formal nights on voyages of seven days or fewer. The demographic is predominantly 55-plus, well-travelled, affluent, with a high proportion of repeat Venetian Society members and a strong North American and European representation alongside a growing Australian contingent.

On the ocean fleet, the atmosphere shifts toward the more sophisticated end of the spectrum. The S.A.L.T. programme creates social moments around food and wine. The design on Nova-class ships is sculptural and contemporary — crisp neutrals, polished marble, structured forms. Formal optional evenings appear on longer sailings. The Silver Note jazz supper club provides evening atmosphere. It is more cosmopolitan, more international, and more polished than the expedition ships.

The difference in feel is subtle but real. Scenic is warmer, more personal, and more Australian — a ship where the line between crew and guests blurs pleasantly and the atmosphere is social without being formal. Silversea is more European, more composed, and more established — a ship where the service is immaculate and the heritage runs deep. Both foster the camaraderie that expedition travel creates. Both will have you in pyjamas at 5am when a whale is spotted off the bow. The choice between them is a choice of cultural accent, not of quality.

The bottom line

Scenic Ocean Cruises and Silversea Cruises are the two luxury lines that refuse to choose between ultra-luxury comfort and genuine expedition capability. Both are all-suite, all-butler, and all-inclusive. Both sail to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Kimberley. Both charge premium fares and deliver premium experiences. The question is not which is a luxury line and which is not. Both are. The question is what kind of luxury experience you are seeking — and whether that experience centres on expedition, ocean cruising, or both.

Choose Scenic when Australian ownership matters to you — when supporting a privately held Australian company built from a single coach in Victoria is part of the purchasing decision. Choose Scenic when helicopter and submarine capability excites you — when the prospect of a flightseeing excursion over an Antarctic glacier or a submarine dive beneath sea ice adds a dimension that justifies the extra cost. Choose Scenic when the broadest possible all-inclusive model is a priority — no dining surcharges, no boot rental fees, complimentary laundry, and ten dining venues including a sushi counter, teppanyaki grill, and degustation Chef’s Table. Choose Scenic when the X-BOW hull’s smoother Drake Passage crossing matters, when the Kimberley with helicopter capability appeals, and when the intimate 228-guest experience is your ideal ship size.

Choose Silversea when fleet scale and modernity matter — when twelve ships across two divisions provide the itinerary choice and departure flexibility that two ships cannot match. Choose Silversea when the expedition programme itself is the priority — when a team of up to 28 specialists backed by the Royal Geographical Society, the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising, and nearly two decades of expedition heritage matter more than onboard hardware. Choose Silversea when skipping the Drake Passage via fly-cruise is essential. Choose Silversea when the Galapagos is on your bucket list — Silver Origin is the only purpose-built ultra-luxury ship dedicated to the islands. Choose Silversea when the S.A.L.T. culinary programme appeals, when 23-plus Australian ocean sailings annually provide domestic departure convenience, and when the Venetian Society’s cross-brand loyalty pathway with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity adds value for a frequent cruiser.

Both lines have vulnerabilities worth acknowledging. Scenic’s Eclipse I is now seven years old with some reviewers noting dated decor and maintenance concerns; the “truly all-inclusive” marketing creates expectations around helicopters and submarines that the extra-cost reality can disappoint; and the fleet of two ships limits departure date flexibility. Silversea’s Silver Cloud at 32 years old is showing genuine age with reports of leaking pipes and dated fixtures; the removal of helicopters and submarine from Silver Endeavour eliminated hardware that many prospective passengers specifically seek; the La Dame surcharge and boot rental fee sit awkwardly on a line charging ultra-luxury fares; and the S.A.L.T. programme is absent from the expedition fleet.

For the Australian traveller who cannot decide, consider the experience that calls loudest. If the Kimberley with helicopters is the dream, Scenic is the only choice — though not until 2028. If the Galapagos calls, Silversea alone answers. If Antarctica is the goal and time is limited, Silversea’s fly-cruise compresses the experience into six extraordinary nights. If Antarctica is the goal and you want every dimension of exploration — aerial, underwater, and on the ice — Scenic’s Discovery Yachts carry the hardware that no other luxury line can match. If ocean cruising from Australian ports is the priority, Silversea’s fleet scale is decisive. And if the finest culinary immersion at sea matters, Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme on the Nova-class ships represents something no other line offers.

Both lines will deliver one of the finest travel experiences available on Earth. The privilege is having to choose between them.