Silversea Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas

The core difference

Regent Seven Seas and Silversea Cruises are both exceptional ultra-luxury lines, but they solve fundamentally different problems — and the choice between them reveals what matters most to you as a traveller.

Regent’s philosophy centres on removing every friction point. One fare covers business-class flights from Australian gateways, unlimited shore excursions at every port, all dining at every restaurant without surcharges, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, valet laundry, airport transfers, and a pre-cruise hotel night. The promise is that you pay once and genuinely never sign another bill. Under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Regent operates six ships (seven from December 2026 with Seven Seas Prestige) focused on classic ocean cruising — Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Asia, and world voyages. The fleet includes three Explorer-class ships built since 2016 that are widely regarded as among the finest luxury vessels afloat.

Silversea’s philosophy centres on destination immersion and service depth. Founded by the Lefebvre family of Rome in 1994 and now part of Royal Caribbean Group, the line operates twelve ships — eight ocean and four expedition — reaching every continent and more than 600 destinations. The S.A.L.T. culinary programme (Sea And Land Taste) changes restaurant menus every three days based on the regions being sailed. Butler service in every suite — including the smallest Vista category and all expedition ships — is unique in the segment. Four dedicated expedition ships reach Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, and Australia’s Kimberley coast. No other ultra-luxury line spans both ocean and expedition under a single brand.

For Australian travellers, the practical difference often comes down to flights. Regent includes business-class air from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide on Emirates, Qantas, or Singapore Airlines — a genuine saving of AUD $6,000–$12,000 per person on European itineraries. Silversea’s air programme is a separate add-on, giving flexibility to use frequent flyer points but requiring you to manage that complexity and cost independently.

What is actually included

This is the single most consequential comparison point and the one that causes the most confusion. Both lines use the term “all-inclusive,” but the scope is meaningfully different.

Regent includes in every fare: unlimited shore excursions at every port (4,500+ options across 550+ destinations); all speciality dining at every restaurant without surcharges, reservation caps, or cover charges; premium spirits, wines, and cocktails; complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi; all gratuities; valet laundry (wash, press, fold); and 24-hour in-suite dining. From Concierge suites upward, the Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare adds roundtrip business-class air from international gateways, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay with breakfast, airport-to-ship transfers, and a private chauffeur credit of up to USD $500 via Blacklane. Since July 2024, Regent also offers an All-Inclusive Cruise Fare (everything except flights and transfers) for travellers who prefer arranging their own air. Butler service from Penthouse Suites upward.

Silversea includes in every fare: butler service in every suite category — the only ultra-luxury line to do this universally. Premium spirits, wines, cocktails, and champagne throughout the ship. Standard Wi-Fi. All gratuities. 24-hour in-suite dining. Daily minibar replenishment including alcoholic beverages. Since September 2025, Silversea operates a three-tier fare system: the All-Inclusive Plus fare adds a shore excursion credit based on voyage length and region; the All-Inclusive fare covers everything except excursions; and the Last Minute fare is a discounted option with full payment at booking. On expedition ships, all Zodiac landings, expert-guided activities, expedition gear (parka and boots on polar voyages), and — on certain itineraries — charter flights and pre/post hotel stays are included.

Silversea does not include as standard: flights (separate add-on programme with variable availability); premium Wi-Fi (USD $29 per day in lower suite categories beyond the standard tier); supplements at La Dame (USD $60–$100 depending on ship) and Kaiseki (USD $40–$80); transfers; or valet laundry in base suite categories.

The practical effect for Australians is substantial. Regent’s headline fare is higher, but when you add Silversea’s flights from Australia, shore excursions, dining supplements, and premium Wi-Fi, the total cost frequently converges — and on long-haul European itineraries, Regent’s bundled model often works out cheaper for couples purchasing business-class flights.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines deliver exceptional dining, but with fundamentally different philosophies — Regent prioritises consistency and zero surcharges, while Silversea pursues destination-driven culinary innovation.

Regent’s dining is polished and reliably excellent across the fleet. Compass Rose is the elegant main dining room with open seating and a daily-changing menu supplemented by an “Always Available” selection including Black Angus filet mignon and whole Dover sole. Prime 7 delivers premium American steakhouse cuts. Pacific Rim serves pan-Asian cuisine praised for its lobster tempura. Chartreuse provides intimate French fine dining. Sette Mari at La Veranda offers Italian trattoria-style evenings. Coffee Connection serves casual fare throughout the day. The Pool Grill has introduced a gourmet pizza concept on refurbished ships. Seven Seas Prestige (arriving December 2026) adds Azure — a new Mediterranean mezze concept — bringing the total to eleven dining experiences across seven venues, the most in the ultra-luxury segment. Critically, every restaurant is included without surcharges, reservation caps, or per-visit limits. Any venue, any night, as often as you choose.

Silversea’s culinary centrepiece is the S.A.L.T. programme — Sea And Land Taste, overseen by three-time James Beard Journalism Award winner Adam Sachs. The S.A.L.T. Kitchen changes its menu every three days based on the ship’s current region — dishes served sailing the Aegean will not appear in the Norwegian fjords. The S.A.L.T. Lab offers complimentary hands-on cooking classes for approximately 22 guests. S.A.L.T. Bar serves destination-inspired cocktails with local spirits. S.A.L.T. Shore takes guests to local markets, artisan producers, and family kitchens. Six of eight ocean ships now feature S.A.L.T. following the Silver Muse refit in December 2025, with Silver Spirit adding the programme during its Spring 2026 refurbishment. Beyond S.A.L.T., Nova-class ships offer eight to ten dining venues including La Terrazza (Italian heritage), Kaiseki (Japanese fine dining), Silver Note (jazz supper club with tapas), and The Grill (poolside). Most dining is included, though La Dame (French tasting menu, USD $60–$100 depending on ship) and Kaiseki (USD $40–$80) carry supplements.

The dining verdict: Silversea wins on innovation and destination integration — S.A.L.T. has no equivalent anywhere in cruising, and the programme creates genuine connection to the regions being sailed. Regent wins on simplicity and consistency — zero surcharges, no friction, reliably excellent food at every venue on every sailing. For food-motivated travellers seeking culinary discovery, Silversea. For travellers who want superb dining without thinking about supplements, Regent.

Suites and accommodation

Regent wins on raw space at every category level. Silversea wins on service depth within the suite.

Regent’s Explorer-class ships (Explorer, Splendor, Grandeur) offer the Deluxe Veranda Suite at 307–361 square feet plus a 55–88-square-foot balcony. The Concierge Suite adds business-class air and a pre-cruise hotel night at the same footprint. Penthouse Suites run 450–545 square feet plus balcony, with butler service. The Master Suite spans 1,403 square feet. The Regent Suite — 4,443 square feet including a 1,417-square-foot wrap-around balcony with private in-suite spa (sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi) and Steinway Grand piano — is the flagship accommodation. The Heritage-class ships (Mariner and Voyager, both refurbished 2025–2026) offer entry-level suites from approximately 301 square feet. Seven Seas Prestige (December 2026) introduces twelve new suite categories including Grand Loft Suites (856 square feet), Skyview Sola (1,325 square feet), and the Skyview Regent Suite — 8,794 square feet with a private elevator, floating staircase, personal gym, and rooftop terrace. It will be the largest all-inclusive suite in cruise history.

Silversea’s suite sizes vary significantly by ship class. On Nova-class (Silver Nova, Silver Ray), the Classic Veranda Suite is approximately 357 square feet including a 60-square-foot veranda. The Medallion Suite reaches 527 square feet. The Otium Suite — 1,324 square feet with 270-degree panoramic views and a private whirlpool — is the top accommodation and architecturally one of the most distinctive suites at sea. On Muse-class (Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Muse), Classic Veranda Suites run 334–387 square feet. Grand Suites reach 1,055–1,970 square feet. On older Millennium-class ships (Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper), Vista Suites are 287–312 square feet — the smallest in the ultra-luxury segment.

Where Silversea counters decisively is butler service. Every suite on every ship — including the smallest Vista category and all expedition ships — receives a dedicated butler who unpacks luggage, manages the wardrobe, makes restaurant reservations, serves breakfast in-suite, draws aromatherapy baths, and remembers personal preferences throughout the voyage. On Regent, butler service begins at Penthouse level. The distinction is not trivial — once experienced, a Silversea butler’s absence on other lines is consistently cited by returning guests as the single thing they miss most.

The Nova-class ships also introduced an innovative asymmetrical design that places all suites forward-facing with public spaces flowing through the mid and aft sections — a layout that feels genuinely residential and open in a way traditional cruise ship architecture does not.

Pricing and value

Both lines sit at the top of the market, but the way each structures its pricing creates very different total cost outcomes for Australian travellers.

Regent’s pricing is straightforward. A 14-night Mediterranean voyage in a Deluxe Veranda Suite on an Explorer-class ship starts from roughly USD $860–$1,140 per person per night. Since July 2024, two fare tiers exist: the All-Inclusive Cruise Fare (everything except flights and transfers) and the Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare (adds business-class air from Australian gateways, pre-cruise hotel, airport transfers, and Blacklane chauffeur service from Concierge suites upward). Roundtrip Sydney sailings start from approximately AUD $11,169 per person for 10 nights. Seven Seas Prestige introductory pricing from approximately USD $650 per night represents strong value for a new build.

Silversea’s pricing requires more calculation. Entry-level per-diems on a 14-night Mediterranean in a Veranda Suite on Nova-class run roughly USD $700–$1,000 per person per night. Muse-class ships are typically 10–20 per cent lower. Australian and New Zealand sailings run approximately AUD $780–$1,200 per night. Kimberley expeditions on Silver Cloud start from approximately AUD $8,500 per person for 10 days. Since September 2025, the three-tier fare system means pricing varies by what is bundled — the All-Inclusive Plus fare includes a shore excursion credit, the standard All-Inclusive does not.

Total cost for an Australian couple on a 14-night Mediterranean voyage:

Regent (Deluxe Veranda Suite, Ultimate All-Inclusive): approximately AUD $55,000–$70,000. This covers everything — cruise fare, business-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, all dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, transfers, pre-cruise hotel, and valet laundry. One price, no surprises.

Silversea (Classic Veranda Suite, Nova-class, All-Inclusive Plus): approximately AUD $28,000–$42,000 for the cruise fare (butler, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursion credit included). Add business-class flights from Sydney to Europe (AUD $10,000–$18,000), additional excursions beyond the credit (AUD $500–$2,000), La Dame or Kaiseki dining supplements (AUD $200–$400), and transfers (AUD $500–$1,000). Total: approximately AUD $39,000–$63,000.

Silversea (using frequent flyer points for flights): the cruise fare plus approximately AUD $1,400 in taxes for points-redeemed business class. Total: approximately AUD $30,000–$45,000 — potentially AUD $15,000–$25,000 less than Regent. However, Classic Reward availability from Australia to Europe is notoriously limited in peak season (June–August) and requires date flexibility plus significant points balances (roughly 256,000 Qantas points per couple return).

The pattern is clear. Regent’s headline fare appears higher, but for Australians purchasing business-class flights to Europe, the total holiday cost is frequently comparable to or lower than Silversea once flights, excursions, supplements, and transfers are added. Silversea’s lower base fare advantage erodes for long-haul travellers — but survives and even strengthens for Australians with substantial frequent flyer points or those sailing from domestic ports where no flights are needed.

Spa and wellness

Both lines run proprietary spa programmes rather than outsourcing to third-party operators — unusual in the ultra-luxury segment.

Silversea’s Otium concept (from the Latin for creative leisure) represents the more ambitious wellness philosophy. On Nova-class ships, the Otium Spa spans 3,638 square feet with eight treatment rooms, an indoor relaxation pool, experiential showers, and a sauna with panoramic ocean views. Silver Dawn’s Otium Spa is the fleet’s largest at 8,500 square feet with an expanded thermal suite and relaxation areas. What makes Otium distinctive is that it extends beyond the spa door — guests receive complimentary butler-drawn aromatherapy baths using signature products, a dedicated in-suite Otium dining menu, and champagne in the relaxation room. The integration of wellness into the entire suite experience creates something qualitatively different from a spa visit. Older Muse-class ships operate the Zagara Beauty Spa — functional but significantly less impressive. Silver Spirit receives a comprehensive wellness upgrade during its Spring 2026 refurbishment.

Regent’s Serene Spa & Wellness replaced the long-running Canyon Ranch partnership in 2020 and now operates fleet-wide with ELEMIS facial therapies and Kérastase salon services. On Explorer-class ships, the spa spans two decks connected by a dramatic circular staircase, with treatment rooms, a comprehensive fitness centre with Technogym equipment, and — most distinctively — a complimentary Hydrothermal Suite featuring an aromatherapy steam room, infrared sauna, chill room, and experiential showers, available to all guests without booking or time limits. Seven Seas Prestige (December 2026) will introduce the most expansive Serene Spa at sea, with an infinity pool integrated into the spa complex, quartz crystal healing beds, and zero-gravity massage tables. Heritage-class ships (Mariner and Voyager) have simpler spa facilities without the Hydrothermal Suite.

Treatment pricing is comparable across both lines — signature massages run USD $289–$399 for 75–100-minute sessions. Neither includes hands-on treatments in the fare; thermal facilities and fitness access are complimentary on both.

The difference in approach: Regent delivers the more comprehensive physical facility — the two-storey spa, complimentary Hydrothermal Suite, and upcoming Prestige spa are genuinely impressive standalone destinations within the ship. Silversea’s Otium weaves wellness into the entire day — from butler-drawn bath to in-suite dining menu to the sauna before breakfast. Travellers who want a dedicated spa afternoon will prefer Regent’s infrastructure. Travellers who value wellness as a thread through the entire voyage will appreciate Silversea’s holistic integration.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither Silversea nor Regent will be mistaken for Broadway at sea — and their guests would not want them to be. Both prioritise enrichment over spectacle, but the emphasis differs significantly.

Regent’s Constellation Theater on Explorer-class ships spans two decks with tiered seating for approximately 694 guests and a dedicated 12-person production cast backed by a seven-piece live orchestra. The 2025–2026 lineup includes six new productions spanning tributes to women in rock, Motown, yacht rock, and 1940s big band. The quality is polished cabaret rather than West End spectacle — consistently entertaining and well-produced. The Observation Lounge at the ship’s bow is the social heart of the evening, with panoramic views and live music drawing guests well into the late hours. Guest lecturers include former ambassadors, aerospace experts, and international correspondents. The Culinary Arts Kitchen on Explorer-class ships offers hands-on cooking classes at 18 individual workstations — a professional teaching kitchen with ocean-view windows. The Heritage-class ships (Mariner and Voyager) gain the new Epicurean Enrichment Studio, adding destination-focused culinary lectures and chef-led shore excursions.

Silversea’s enrichment is anchored by the S.A.L.T. programme, which provides built-in culinary education at every port — the S.A.L.T. Lab’s complimentary hands-on cooking classes rotate menus every three days based on the regions sailed. S.A.L.T. Talks, S.A.L.T. Bar tastings, and S.A.L.T. Shore excursions extend the programme well beyond the kitchen. Silver Note on Nova-class ships is a dedicated jazz supper club — an intimate Manhattan-style venue with live jazz, tapas-style small plates, and cocktails. The Venetian Lounge on Nova-class is a two-storey belle-époque-style performance venue seating 370 guests for cabaret-style shows with a smaller production cast (four vocalists, five dancers). What Silversea trades in theatrical scale, it gains in late-night energy — the Dolce Vita bar, Panorama Lounge, and Silver Note keep the ship social well past the point when many Regent public spaces have quietened.

Both lines host guest lecturers — Silversea’s tend to be more destination-relevant (food historians, regional specialists), while Regent’s are broader in scope (diplomats, scientists, journalists). For food-motivated travellers, Silversea’s integrated S.A.L.T. programme is the clear winner. For those who enjoy a polished after-dinner show in a proper theatre, Regent delivers more consistently.

Dress codes have converged. Regent permits refined denim and dress trainers after 6 PM since August 2025. Silversea’s standard is elegant casual with one to two formal-optional evenings on longer sailings — neither mandatory. Both lines have moved significantly away from formality.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison is stark in scale — twelve ships against six — but Silversea’s advantage is not merely numerical.

Silversea operates twelve ships spanning three decades and two product lines. The ocean fleet includes Silver Nova (2023, 728 guests) and Silver Ray (2024, 728 guests) with asymmetrical design and full S.A.L.T. programme; Silver Dawn (2022, 596 guests) with the fleet’s largest spa; Silver Moon (2020, 596 guests) deployed to Japan and Australia/NZ; Silver Muse (2017, refitted December 2025, 632 guests); Silver Spirit (2009, refurbishing Spring 2026, 608 guests); and the intimate Silver Shadow (2000, 388 guests) and Silver Whisper (2001, 388 guests). The expedition fleet — Silver Endeavour (PC6 ice class, Antarctica/Arctic), Silver Cloud (Kimberley and polar), Silver Wind (multi-destination), and Silver Origin (purpose-built Galapagos) — reaches places no Regent ship can access.

Regent operates six ships becoming seven with Prestige: Explorer (2016, 750 guests), Splendor (2020, 750 guests), Grandeur (2023, 746 guests), Mariner (2001, refurbished November 2025, 700 guests), Voyager (2003, refurbishing April–May 2026, 700 guests), and Navigator (1999, 490 guests, retiring October 2026). Seven Seas Prestige arrives December 2026 at 77,000 gross tonnes and 822 guests — the largest ultra-luxury ship ever built. Three additional Prestige-class ships are ordered for 2030, 2033, and 2036.

Fleet breadth matters for Australian travellers because it determines choice. In any given month, Silversea has ships across a dozen regions simultaneously — Mediterranean, Asia, Australia/NZ, French Polynesia, Antarctica, the Kimberley, the Arctic. Regent’s six ships cover the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Asia, with seasonal Australian deployments. Regent has no expedition capability. If Antarctica, the Galapagos, the Kimberley, or the Arctic are on your wish list, Silversea is the only choice from this pairing.

Regent’s fleet growth trajectory is compelling — four Prestige-class ships through 2036 will create the newest fleet in the segment. Silversea’s fleet includes ships from 1994 to 2024, and the experience varies significantly by ship class. Silver Nova is cutting-edge; Silver Shadow is 26 years old.

Where each line excels

Silversea excels in:

• Expedition cruising. Four dedicated expedition ships reaching Antarctica (Silver Endeavour, PC6 ice class), the Kimberley (Silver Cloud, annual seasons from Darwin and Broome), the Galapagos (Silver Origin, purpose-built, year-round), and the Arctic. No other ultra-luxury ocean line spans expedition and ocean under a single brand and loyalty programme.
• The Mediterranean’s hidden ports. Smaller ships (388 guests on Silver Shadow, 596–728 on Muse and Nova classes) access intimate harbours that Regent’s 750-guest Explorer-class cannot reach — Bonifacio, Monopoli, Menton, Portofino without tendering. The Slow Cruise concept on Silver Shadow offers deep-dive single-region itineraries with extended port stays.
• French Polynesia. Silver Whisper is dedicated to Papeete-based itineraries from September 2026 through May 2027 — 26 voyages across 118 islands and atolls. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney–Papeete flights (8 hours). Regent has no Pacific deployment.
• Asia in depth. Silver Muse in Southeast Asia and Silver Moon in Japan from September 2026, with combinable 28-day itineraries. Broader and more flexible than Regent’s Asian programme.
• Butler service universality. Every suite, every ship, every sailing — a qualitative difference experienced guests consistently cite as transformative.

Regent excels in:

• All-inclusive completeness. Business-class air from Australian gateways, unlimited excursions, all dining without surcharges, transfers, pre-cruise hotel, and valet laundry. No other line matches this breadth of inclusion in a single fare.
• The Mediterranean with unlimited excursions. Forty-seven Mediterranean sailings for 2026–2027 include eight new Immersive Overnight voyages with extended port stays at Barcelona, Sorrento, Istanbul, and the Cinque Terre. Unlimited included excursions are particularly valuable in a region where individual excursion costs accumulate quickly.
• Alaska. Exclusively sailed by Seven Seas Explorer across 16 voyages — the most luxurious way to experience the Inside Passage. New Seattle embarkation alongside Vancouver and Seward. Unlimited included excursions are especially valuable where whale watching and helicopter tours are expensive.
• World cruises and grand voyages. The 2026 World Cruise on Mariner spans 154 nights, 77 ports, and 41 countries with first-class air. The Grand Asia Exploration (60 nights, Tokyo to Sydney) is particularly compelling for Australians — fly one way to Tokyo, cruise home.
• Suite scale. The largest suites in the segment at every category level, culminating in the Skyview Regent Suite on Prestige at 8,794 square feet.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Silversea

Silver Moon: Sydney to Auckland (approximately 14 nights, December 2026) — The easiest entry to ultra-luxury cruising for Australians. Departs Sydney, visits Tasmania and New Zealand’s scenic highlights, ends in Auckland. No long-haul flights required. Full S.A.L.T. programme featuring Australian and New Zealand regional cuisine. Butler service from embarkation.

Silver Cloud: Kimberley expedition (10 days, May–August 2026 and 2027, Darwin to Broome) — Butler service meets Zodiac landings along one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness coastlines. King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Waterfalls. From approximately AUD $8,500 per person. Domestic flights only — every Australian capital city connects to Darwin.

Silver Whisper: French Polynesia (7–14 nights, roundtrip Papeete, September 2026–May 2027) — Twenty-six voyages across 118 islands and atolls. Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney–Papeete flights (8 hours), making this surprisingly accessible. A deployment with no equivalent on Regent or any other ultra-luxury line.

Silver Moon: Japan cherry blossom season (March–April 2027) — Multiple Tokyo roundtrip sailings with overnights in Osaka and late departures in Kanazawa. Direct flights from Sydney on Qantas, ANA, and JAL (9–10 hours).

Silver Nova: Australian circumnavigation (47 days, 2026–2027 season) — The flagship on a comprehensive coastal voyage with the full S.A.L.T. programme, butler service, and the Otium Spa. A once-in-a-decade itinerary for committed Australian cruisers.

Regent

Seven Seas Explorer: roundtrip Sydney (10 nights, 19 December 2026) — An Australian summer holiday sailing. No flights, no jet lag, unlimited excursions included. From approximately AUD $11,169 per person — strong value for a zero-complexity ultra-luxury experience.

Seven Seas Explorer: Sydney to Bali (15 nights) — Via Komodo, Darwin, Cairns, and the Whitsundays. Business-class flights included. Cruise north to Bali, then fly home from Denpasar (direct flights to all major Australian cities, 5–6 hours).

Grand Asia Exploration: Tokyo to Sydney (60 nights, October 2026 on Seven Seas Explorer) — The ultimate “fly one way, cruise home” option. Business-class air to Tokyo is included in the fare. Cruise through the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia, arriving in Sydney. No return flight needed.

Grand Continental Sojourn: Barcelona to Sydney (82 nights, November 2026 on Seven Seas Navigator) — Sail from Europe home via Africa and Asia. Business-class air to Barcelona is included. The return journey is the cruise itself.

Mediterranean Immersive Overnights (2026 season) — The new Mediterranean Nights and Glamorous Grecian Nights itineraries with extended port stays deliver deeper destination access. Included business-class air from Australian gateways and unlimited excursions make the logistics straightforward.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Silversea

Silver Nova or Silver Ray (728 guests, 2023–2024) — The flagship experience and the best introduction to Silversea. Asymmetrical design, full S.A.L.T. programme, Otium Spa, largest pool in the fleet. Functionally identical — the only difference is the onboard art collection. Start here for the definitive contemporary Silversea voyage.

Silver Moon (596 guests, 2020) — The best ship for Australian travellers specifically, deployed to Japan and Australia/New Zealand. Full S.A.L.T. programme adapted to regional cuisine. More intimate than Nova-class and beautifully maintained. The recommended first Silversea sailing from domestic ports.

Silver Dawn (596 guests, 2022) — Features the fleet’s largest Otium Spa at 8,500 square feet. An excellent choice for wellness-focused travellers.

Silver Muse (632 guests, 2017, refit December 2025) — Returned from a comprehensive refit adding S.A.L.T., the Amp AI fitness system, and a pickleball court. Now competitive with Silver Moon and Silver Dawn.

Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (388 guests, 2000–2001) — The most intimate ocean ships at 388 guests. They lack S.A.L.T. and the Otium Spa, so they are best for experienced ultra-luxury travellers who specifically want a smaller ship. Silver Whisper’s French Polynesia deployment is the exception — the destination more than compensates for the ship’s age.

Silver Spirit (608 guests, 2009) — Receiving a comprehensive refurbishment including S.A.L.T. and suite upgrades, completing May 2026. Avoid before the refit; competitive with Muse-class after.

Regent

Seven Seas Splendor or Grandeur (750/746 guests, 2020/2023) — Either delivers the definitive Regent experience. Nearly identical in layout with the same restaurants, Constellation Theater, and Culinary Arts Kitchen. Grandeur has a stronger art collection (1,600 pieces). Start here for a Mediterranean or Northern European voyage.

Seven Seas Explorer (750 guests, 2016) — The original Explorer-class ship, still beautiful. Primary ship deployed to Australia and New Zealand. The Regent Suite (4,443 square feet) is the showpiece. Choose for Australian sailings and Alaska (exclusive to Explorer).

Seven Seas Mariner (700 guests, 2001, refurbished November 2025) — Heritage-class, now refreshed with redesigned suites and the Epicurean Enrichment Studio. More intimate than Explorer-class. Note: no Hydrothermal Suite.

Seven Seas Voyager (700 guests, 2003) — Entering dry dock April–May 2026 for the same scope of refurbishment as Mariner. Book from June 2026 onward.

Seven Seas Prestige (822 guests, arriving December 2026) — A generational leap: 40 per cent larger than Explorer-class, twelve suite categories, eleven dining venues, the most expansive Serene Spa at sea. The maiden voyage is a transatlantic — not destination-intensive. The optimal play is waiting for the first Mediterranean or Caribbean season in early 2027 after the initial shakedown period. Introductory pricing from approximately USD $6,499 per person represents strong value for a new build.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines deploy ships seasonally to Australian and New Zealand waters, but the scale of presence differs substantially.

Regent’s Australian proposition is anchored by included business-class air. For a 14-night Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise, the included return flights on Emirates, Qantas, or Singapore Airlines from a major Australian gateway represent AUD $6,000–$12,000 per person — a saving that alone can exceed the cost of a shorter domestic cruise. Regent also includes a pre-cruise hotel night and airport-to-ship transfers. Approximately 24 sailings touch Australian or New Zealand waters between 2026 and 2028, including roundtrip Sydney departures and a 32-night circumnavigation on Seven Seas Explorer. A dedicated Australian reservations line operates seven days a week. Active partnerships with Australian luxury travel advisors provide expert trip architecture including insurance and domestic connections.

Silversea’s Australian proposition spans both ocean and expedition. Silver Moon deploys to Australia/NZ and Japan — the most accessible ship for Australian travellers, with Sydney and Auckland departures requiring no international flights. Silver Nova’s 47-day Australian circumnavigation is a showcase sailing. The Kimberley programme aboard Silver Cloud (May–August annually from Darwin and Broome) is a unique offering that Regent cannot match — butler service, fine dining, and Zodiac landings along one of the world’s most pristine wilderness coastlines. Silver Muse’s Southeast Asia and Silver Whisper’s French Polynesia deployments are accessible from Australian gateways via short flights to Singapore (7.5 hours) and Papeete (8 hours). A dedicated Sydney office supports Australian bookings.

The loyalty pathway matters. Silversea’s Venetian Society integrates with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises through the Points Choice programme (launched January 2026) — Australians who cruise domestically on either mainstream line build status that carries into ultra-luxury. Given that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are among Australia’s most popular cruise lines, this creates a direct pathway from domestic cruising to the Silversea fleet. Regent’s Seven Seas Society offers cross-brand status honouring with Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises (all under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings) — relevant for Australians who have sailed those lines.

The onboard atmosphere

The cultural texture of a cruise matters at least as much as the tangible inclusions, and these two lines feel genuinely different.

Regent’s atmosphere is polished, relaxed, and quietly confident. The passenger base averages 58–65, predominantly American and British with strong Australian representation on southern hemisphere sailings. Service is professional, attentive, and anticipatory. The all-inclusive model creates a distinctive ease — no mental arithmetic about supplements, no signing for drinks, no hesitation about trying another restaurant. The Constellation Theater delivers polished production shows. The Observation Lounge at the bow draws a convivial crowd for cocktails and live music. Dress code is “Elegant Casual” since August 2025 — refined denim and dress trainers permitted after 6 PM. Formal-optional evenings appear only on voyages of 16 nights or longer, and are not mandatory. The atmosphere rewards comfort-seekers — travellers who want excellence delivered without effort.

Silversea’s atmosphere is more cosmopolitan, with significant European, Australian, and South American contingents creating an internationally diverse social mix. The Italian heritage (Silversea was founded in Rome in 1994) gives the line a warmth and animation that distinguishes it from its American-owned competitor — expect animated conversation over Aperol spritzes, effusive Italian crew, and a social energy that is more convivial than reserved. Evenings tend to be livelier and run later. Butler service creates a personal relationship between guest and ship that shapes the entire experience. On expedition ships, the shared intensity of Zodiac landings and wildlife encounters forges connections between guests that ocean cruising rarely matches. Nova-class ships feature sculptural contemporary design in muted tones — the aesthetic is more design hotel than traditional cruise ship. Dress code is “Elegant Casual” most evenings with formal-optional nights on select longer sailings.

Neither is better — the choice reflects personal temperament. Regent offers immediate familiarity and ease for English-speaking Australians. Silversea offers a more textured, internationally inflected experience with deeper personal service through the butler relationship.

The bottom line

Regent and Silversea are both exceptional, but they optimise for fundamentally different priorities — and the right choice depends on what matters most.

Choose Regent for the most genuinely all-inclusive fare at sea — where business-class flights from Australian gateways, unlimited shore excursions, all dining without surcharges, and the largest suites in the segment are covered in a single price. Choose it for Australian departures without international flights. Choose it for complete logistical simplicity, a familiar English-language atmosphere, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every cost is settled before you board. Accept that the fleet has no expedition capability and that the S.A.L.T.-style culinary immersion programme does not exist on Regent.

Choose Silversea for the broadest ultra-luxury programme available to Australians — ocean voyages from Sydney, Kimberley expeditions from Darwin and Broome, Antarctic voyages on the most luxurious expedition ship afloat, Galapagos sailings on the only purpose-built ultra-luxury ship in those waters, and French Polynesia from Papeete. Choose it for butler service in every suite, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme, and the cross-brand loyalty pathway from domestic Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruising. Accept that the fleet spans three decades and the experience varies by ship, that flights are not included in the fare, and that the total cost for European itineraries may exceed Regent’s once flights and excursions are added.

For most Australians purchasing business-class flights to Europe, Regent delivers better total value. For Australians with significant frequent flyer points, Silversea’s lower base fare creates genuine savings. For Australians who want expedition capability alongside ocean cruising — or who simply want to board an ultra-luxury ship without leaving the country — Silversea’s twelve-ship, dual-product-line fleet is unmatched.