I've been on 4 ultra-luxury cruises — here's how they compare and how to pick the best ship for you
Cruise giants Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC each own ultra-luxury cruise lines.
I've been on their brands' Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, and Explora's ships.
Here's how they compare in amenities, food, cabins, and 2025 itineraries.
Almost every cruise ship has a pool, buffet, and casino.
Only a few flex complimentary caviar and $600-a-day prices.
The industry giants Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and MSC flaunt giant amusement-park-like ships. But if you don't have kids or prefer quieter vacations, the four companies also operate smaller ultra-luxury brands, replacing on-board roller coasters with afternoon tea and sparkling wine.
I've been on the ships of their four high-end counterparts: Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Explora. Here's what you should know about each and how they compare, from dining to cabins.
Silversea's Silver Ray: A modern resort with local cuisines
Royal Caribbean Group's Silversea operates 12 ocean and expedition vessels and launched its newest ship, Silver Ray, in June.
The ship accommodates 728 guests and looks more like a modern luxury hotel than a traditional cruise. Think neutral interiors with contemporary pops of color, glass elevators with ocean views, and an Instagram-worthy pool deck.
Silversea's SALT, sea and land taste, program brings the itinerary's regional cuisines into the cruising experience. On Silver Ray, this includes cooking classes, a restaurant and bar with rotating menus, and food-focused excursions.
If you're not craving local bites, other complimentary restaurants include American, Italian, grill-your-own meat, and jazz-and-tapas options.
Not all meals are complimentary — the French, Japanese, and SALT Chef's Table dinners start at $80 a person. (At least the eight bars and lounges are free.)
You can spend your days sipping wine at the secret library, attending a guest lecture, or simmering in the sauna.
At night, enjoy cover bands and guest entertainers.
As for accommodations, Silver Ray's 364 suites range up to 1,324 square feet. Even the smallest 357-square-foot options have marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, pillow menus, and butlers.
The ship plans to sail around South America, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean next year. The cheapest seven-night itinerary from Callao, Peru, to Valparaiso, Chile, starts at $4,300 a person.
The fare includes WiFi, alcohol, and access to the spa. Guests can opt for a pricier package with flights and excursions.
Regent Seven Seas' Seven Seas Grandeur: Classic luxury
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Regent Seven Seas launched its sixth vessel last year.
The Seven Seas Grandeur accommodates 744 guests and has a classic luxury feel, complete with a traditional pool deck and $6 million worth of art, including a custom Fabergé egg.
It's a great option for travelers who enjoy the finest foods. Unlike Silver Ray, none of the seven restaurants have upcharges.
Truffles, caviar, lobster, or foie gras are on almost every menu, including the pan-Asian, French, and American steakhouse venues.
Head to the Italian outpost for risotto with mushrooms. If you're pickier, there's a restaurant with a customizable menu.
During the day, travelers can have afternoon tea at one of the four bars and lounges, break a sweat at the bocce court, or pay for a cooking class.
In the evening, live music and song-and-dance shows entertain guests.
Afterward, enjoy a nightcap on your balcony. Grandeur's 373 cabins, ranging from 307 to 4,443 square feet, all have balconies, walk-in closets, L'Occitane toiletries, and mini-bars.
The ship plans to spend the next year in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Europe. A seven-night roundtrip voyage from Miami to Mexico and Central America starts at $4,300 a person.
Excursions, alcohol, spa facilities, and WiFi are included. Like its rival, Regent Seven Seas' all-inclusive upgrade includes flights, transfers, and chauffeur credit.
Explora Journeys' Explora I: An elegant ship with high-end shopping
The European MSC Group-backed Explora Journeys launched last year with Explora I.
Its nascence and international background don't make it an unusual contender. Instead, the vessel mixes Seven Seas Grandeur's traditional layout with Silver Ray's contemporary feel.
The decor is elegant, the spa serves crystal-infused water, and the shops (specifically the Rolex store) are pricey. At 814 feet long and accommodating 922 guests, it's also the largest ship on this list.
Like the Seven Seas Grandeur, Explora I's guests can pay for a cooking class. If you'd rather not work for your food, there are six restaurants, including pan-Asian and European steakhouse options.
Dine at the French restaurant for a tuna tataki tart, or head to the Mediterranean eatery for a plate of grilled octopus.
Avoid the Italian if you're on a tight budget — the seven courses cost an additional $190 a person.
Travelers can spend sea days sipping on cappuccinos and sunbathing around the five pools.
At night, they can mingle at the Lobby Bar, one of 12 bars and lounges on the ship. The overhead Steinway piano provides the perfect melodic backdrop for cocktails and conversations.
Explora I has 461 cabins ranging from 377 to 3,014 square feet. Expect heated bathroom floors, butlers, walk-in closets, and Dyson hairdryers.
The ship plans to spend 2025 in the Caribbean and Europe. A seven-night roundtrip voyage from Miami to the Caribbean and Mexico starts at $3,225 a person.
Drinks, spa access, and WiFi are complimentary.
Seabourn's Seabourn Quest: A dated ship with exciting itineraries
Carnival Corp's Seabourn operates expedition and ocean vessels. The 13-year-old Seabourn Quest accommodates 458 guests and is its second-oldest ship, evidenced by the low ceilings, passé furniture, and traditional layout.
Thankfully, it doesn't compromise on dining — all eight food and beverage venues are complimentary, from sushi and cocktails in the club lounge to porterhouse steaks at the Mediterranean restaurant.
Pick at a seared fish filet in the main dining room or indulge in a caviar snack before bedtime.
During the day, travelers can take a dip off the ship's marina, attend a guest lecture, or hit the putting green. At night, they can catch live music or try a new board game.
Seabourn Quest's 229 cabins range from 295 to 1,182 square feet and include walk-in closets and personalized in-suite bars. Unfortunately, a handful don't have balconies.
Forget the Caribbean and Europe — Seabourn Quest plans to spend 2025 in Alaska, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It's not scheduled for a seven-night itinerary, but the cheapest six-night Alaska and Canadian voyage starts at $4,000 a person.
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