Regent vs Silversea - Newbee Question

[Fortunate2]

We're still new at this, retired, a couple of Silversea cruises thoroughly enjoyed and we're looking at Regent Seven Seas for a specific itinerary, LA-Miami.  I'm sure many folks have sailed on both and we'd appreciate your opinion on what we should be looking for if we decide to move forward with Regent.

 

Thanks much!!

Edited September 30, 2021 by Fortunate2

[UUNetBill]

@Fortunate2 We haven't sailed Silversea but we did a TON of research before we booked our first luxury cruise (actually first cruise, period) back in 2009 and between that and also looking at other options over the years, I think your enjoyment of a Regent cruise will depend a lot on you and your approach.  I think the major luxury cruise lines are more similar than different and if you keep an eye on the positives I'm sure you'd have a great experience.

 

Where I see people having issues is when they dwell on the differences and get worked up about seemingly minor things.  For example, Regent does a 'block party' on each cruise where the senior staff runs around the ship (literally) to meet with all the passengers.  Wine and snacks are served and it's a fun diversion.  Other lines don't do this...but if you sailed on Crystal or Silversea and expected this you might get miffed if it doesn't happen.  But each of the other lines has their special things that you get used to, so I think it's all a matter of managing expectations.

 

We haven't sailed on any of the other lux lines yet, but I always keep my eye on them in case I see a super itinerary that I'd like to try.  I'm sure that any of them would make me happy - but between our familiarity, loyalty programs, and all around positive experiences I haven't quite been pulled away yet.  But everything I've read leads me to believe that although we all have our favorite lines, any of them will take good care of you as long as you keep an open mind.

 

Just my two cents.  Happy travels, whatever you choose!

[Pcardad]

Short answer - Silversea wins hands down for an expedition type cruise to Antarctica (think wet landings in rubber boats). For almost everything else, Regent wins.

[WesW]

Pcardad's answer above is short but generally right.  Here is my take:

 

We have over 200 days on both lines; having about 25 days booked on Silversea this year. We have about 25 days booked on Regent next year with 39 days booked on Silversea in 2022 (Expedition voyages)

For classic voyages we will generally pick Regent over Silversea as we have more fun on Regent during the daytime. We enjoy the games and how the officer and entertain staff (they run the games) participates with guests in friendly games. The cruise director on Regent during the day is much more active on Regent during classic voyages. Also, we enjoy the dance classes given by the Regent entertainment team For expedition voyages (Antarctica, Svalbard, Africa, Australia (Kimberley region) we choose Silversea as Regent has no Expedition option.

We enjoy the dining & service experience on both lines but prefer the Italian venue on Silversea (Italian line originally now majority owned by RCL). We love being able to get an expresso or Cappuccino any time we want at the self serve machines on Regent. On Silversea if you want coffee before 6:30am you have to order room service.

As gym rats we find the Regent gym/spa experience better as the gym is better equipped, personal trainers give more classes and the Spa experience is more enjoyable. Fitness classes have more space on Regent in devoted and reasonable spaces vs small class areas or no fitness class space on Silversea.

We enjoy the culinary teaching experience on Silversea much more than we have on Regent. Silversea has a dedicated Chef (David Bilsland) who not only gives cooking demonstrations, knife classes and small cooking classes; this month he now will help implement Silversea's newest culinary experience in Greece on the Silver Moon's near dozen Greece voyages, called S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste). We have done Market shopping with David in Spain, buying an Imberico ham that he carved and served as appetizers in the restaurant venues that evening. Silversea also has they own wine ambassador, Lawrence D'almedia who gives outstanding wine classes at no charge and fabulous tastings (Super Tuscans anyone) for a small charge.

The suites on both Regent and Silversea are wonderful. We like the soap/shampoo on Regent (L'occitane vs Bvlgari) more than on Silversea. Silversea for a nice touch includes a small flashlight to use at night complimentary on you suite's nightstand when boarding.

We believe the frequent floater program on Silversea far exceeds that on Regent (we got 5% of all future cruises and free laundry at 100 days cruised on Silversea vs 200 on Regent to earn free laundry, we will get 10% off future Silversea voyages after the maiden voyages of Silversea's newest ship, Silver Dawn this November. And next year after 350 days sailed we will get a complimentary seven day cruise.

As posters above note both lines are enjoyable, we are blessed/fortunate to be able to sail both lines.

[GOARMY]

WesW's comprehensive evaluation/comparison is spot-on. 

 

For us:  200+days on Regent; about 100 days on Silversea (no Expedition segments).  5+ Star service has been the standard we have experienced on both Lines over the past 23+ (pre-COVID) years. 

 

Regent's ships, with exception of Navigator, are significantly larger--without being TOO large.  As for Navigator, just a bit-larger.  For us, passenger complement at the 750 level hits the sweet spot.  More fine dining options, with sufficient Staff assuring no diminution in service standards.  

 

The bottom Line, as affirmed by earlier Posters, is that there are subtle differences between the two; but without much of a distinction affecting the overall experience.  It has come down to itineraries, and our willingness, at our age(s) to travel long distances to get on ship.  Fortunately, Regent assures Business Class Air on international segments as part of its basic "All Inclusive Package".  

 

Happy trails, and sails.  

 

GOARMY!

 

    

[DaveFr]

I agree with WesW and GOARMY. One minor correction: the laundry benefit on Regent is now better than it is on Silversea, since all Regent passengers get “free“ laundry.

 

Dave

[Sunprince]

We have sailed Regent, Silversea and Seabourn.  Overall we prefer Seabourn for the smaller size of the ships. We have found Silversea more formal with respect to dress code and engagement of CD/officers. On our last Silversea cruise the CD could not even bring himself to acknowledge departing guests, whereas on Seabourn an officer and crew always are there when you disembark to thank you for sailing with them. Seabourn crew calls you by name, remembers drinks and generally seem to enjoy interaction with guests.  Food is generally comparable on all 3 lines. Regent crew are less European, but provide excellent, friendly service.  Overall Regent ships are much more luxurious looking that Silversea or Seabourn.  We have met some very nice and interesting people on both Regent and Seabourn.  Either way, it’s up to what works best for your individual preferences,  What we did is try them all out and then go to your #1 or #2 preference based on itinerary.  

[Fortunate2]

Thanks to all for your observations and advice!  All most appreciated and we're moving forward with our Regent plans.  Hope to see you on board.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

20 hours ago, WesW said:

Silversea has a dedicated Chef (David Bilsland) who not only gives cooking demonstrations, knife classes and small cooking classes;

Wes, glad to see that David is thriving.  I knew he went to Silversea but then lost track of him.  We had the great pleasure of participating in his Cordon Bleu course on Regent Voyager, back in the day.  

Edited October 1, 2021 by Wendy The Wanderer

[hamasgirl]

Just my two cents here.  We have cruised on Regent, Seabourn and Silversea.  I agree with everything that has been said so far.  These lines all offer excellent cruise experiences as long as you go with the flow and look for the 'good' rather than the 'bad'.  We prefer Seabourn but enjoy the other two lines almost as much. 

 

That being said ...and not intending to start any conversation about the dreaded dress code issue....we have only experienced a 'dress code' issue on Silversea.  I agree with the poster who said that Silversea is much more formal than the other two. We always go along with whatever the dress-of-the-day requires.  On our Silversea Muse cruise on a casual night, we were escorted into a restaurant...all of the way to the back of the restaurant by the maitre d'.  He seated me and then took my husband aside and started to walk him back up to the front of the restaurant so that he could return to our suite and get a jacket.  My husband politely reminded him that the dress code was casual that evening.  The maitre d' said '''oh, you are right"...and walked away.  No apologies...no nothing.  We laughed about it when my husband got back to the table and explained what happened...but you get the idea on how the dress code matters on Silversea.

 

Even so...our first cruise post-Covid will be on Silversea in 2022, with Regent and Seabourn cruises following.  And we are looking forward to enjoying cruising once again.

[UUNetBill]

Kind of tangential to the conversation, I had always considered Crystal and Seabourn to be possible substitutes for Regent.  But on one of our early cruises, I was in the Connoisseur Club having an "International Moment" (a Cuban cigar and some Scotch whiskey) when a couple came in to smoke the first of many cigarettes.  I got a sort of negative vibe off of them from the get go, like a cloud of snootiness surrounded them.  She in her slinky dress and he in his razor creased jeans (ugh), slicked back hair, mirrored shades (indoors in the evening!), etc...and they proceeded to list their complaints about Regent (enrichment, wine selection, crew, food, etc.) and how everything was FAR superior on Crystal and "Why on earth anyone would EVER sail on Regent"...

 

As they left, I wished them a nice remainder of their cruise and said how sorry I was that we'd never get to sail together again.

 

I also moved Seabourn up to first alternative cruise line and let Crystal slip to the bottom.  🙂

 

I know, I know - not everyone who sails Crystal is like that...but c'mon...

 

[Pcardad]

34 minutes ago, hamasgirl said:

Just my two cents here.  We have cruised on Regent, Seabourn and Silversea.  I agree with everything that has been said so far.  These lines all offer excellent cruise experiences as long as you go with the flow and look for the 'good' rather than the 'bad'.  We prefer Seabourn but enjoy the other two lines almost as much. 

 

That being said ...and not intending to start any conversation about the dreaded dress code issue....we have only experienced a 'dress code' issue on Silversea.  I agree with the poster who said that Silversea is much more formal than the other two. We always go along with whatever the dress-of-the-day requires.  On our Silversea Muse cruise on a casual night, we were escorted into a restaurant...all of the way to the back of the restaurant by the maitre d'.  He seated me and then took my husband aside and started to walk him back up to the front of the restaurant so that he could return to our suite and get a jacket.  My husband politely reminded him that the dress code was casual that evening.  The maitre d' said '''oh, you are right"...and walked away.  No apologies...no nothing.  We laughed about it when my husband got back to the table and explained what happened...but you get the idea on how the dress code matters on Silversea.

 

Even so...our first cruise post-Covid will be on Silversea in 2022, with Regent and Seabourn cruises following.  And we are looking forward to enjoying cruising once again.

This type of "stuck-up" attitude is exactly why I do not ever recommend Silversea unless the clients are going to Antarctica.

[Pcardad]

21 minutes ago, UUNetBill said:

Kind of tangential to the conversation, I had always considered Crystal and Seabourn to be possible substitutes for Regent.  But on one of our early cruises, I was in the Connoisseur Club having an "International Moment" (a Cuban cigar and some Scotch whiskey) when a couple came in to smoke the first of many cigarettes.  I got a sort of negative vibe off of them from the get go, like a cloud of snootiness surrounded them.  She in her slinky dress and he in his razor creased jeans (ugh), slicked back hair, mirrored shades (indoors in the evening!), etc...and they proceeded to list their complaints about Regent (enrichment, wine selection, crew, food, etc.) and how everything was FAR superior on Crystal and "Why on earth anyone would EVER sail on Regent"...

 

As they left, I wished them a nice remainder of their cruise and said how sorry I was that we'd never get to sail together again.

 

I also moved Seabourn up to first alternative cruise line and let Crystal slip to the bottom.  🙂

 

I know, I know - not everyone who sails Crystal is like that...but c'mon...

 

My favorite is constantly being asked why I am not sitting at the back of the tender with the rest of the crew....I just smile and tell them I am new.

[Emdee]

We love Crystal. The food, the entertainment, the service, the lectures and the itineraries. Yes the regular cabins are small. The line notes every thing you like…so my cabin is filled with Evian my daughter has a bottle of Jack. A cushion miraculously appears when I am seated at dinner and am offered a lap blanket as I am easily cold….also at dinner. To me who barely eats and seldom drinks this is luxury. 
I guess for us Regent is next. Seabourn service is very good. 
First time on Silversea last month and not sure if I like the formal atmosphere and evasive replies by staff. But giving it another try next year. Cancelled our SS Christmas cruise and booked on the Explorer instead.

Great to have choices….would rather be on my balcony with the ocean breezes than sitting at home. 

[bitob]

I‘m with EMdee 

Love love love Crystal for precisely the reasons she stated.

Trying Silversea for the first time next month and have another one booked (optimistic)

While I love Seabourn Square and all that caviar, the lack of butler service on Seabourn makes it my last choice of the luxury lines.  We really love having a butler on a cruise.   Nevertheless I have one Seabourn cruise booked for 2023 based on itinerary and traveling companions.  Seabourn does a fabulous job in Antarctica.

I have a b2b2b on Regent on the Grandeur.  Finally trying Regent at my TA’s suggestion.

 

It’s all good.   I do not want to stay home.

[TomTN]

On 10/1/2021 at 1:51 PM, Pcardad said:

This type of "stuck-up" attitude is exactly why I do not ever recommend Silversea unless the clients are going to Antarctica.

DW loves to dress up. I wore the official business man's uniform for years. I didn't  enjoy that, but will gladly follow the dress code on a cruise these days.

I don't  doubt the quoted posters, but it is hard to believe that Silversea upper management wants their employees to promote an atmosphere of snootiness.  ?

We have a March, 22 Med cruise booked on Regent with friends. If they decide to back out we would likely change to a Northern Europe/Fjords cruise. Silversea has itineraries I prefer, but this thread causes me have doubts.

 25+ cruises in the last thirty years, and I don't recall any employees acting as described. Maybe a few that were not very helpful.

Ha, I do recall not being allowed to enter a TGI Fridays in my early 20s (fifty years ago) because they required shirts with collars. I missed out on fine dining.😁

[Pcardad]

My comment had nothing to do with the dress code but with the attitude of the staff member. It's not the first time I have heard this or seen it. I hope you have a wonderful experience on your cruise.

 

 

[TomTN]

2 hours ago, Pcardad said:

My comment had nothing to do with the dress code but with the attitude of the staff member. It's not the first time I have heard this or seen it. I hope you have a wonderful experience on your cruise.

 

 

That is how I took it.  I'm just surprised that Silversea or any business would want or allow the "stuck-up" attitude you described.

We don't mind the dress code. I just prefer casual.

[ronrick1943]

On 10/2/2021 at 7:40 AM, bitob said:

I‘m with EMdee 

Love love love Crystal for precisely the reasons she stated.

Trying Silversea for the first time next month and have another one booked (optimistic)

While I love Seabourn Square and all that caviar, the lack of butler service on Seabourn makes it my last choice of the luxury lines.  We really love having a butler on a cruise.   Nevertheless I have one Seabourn cruise booked for 2023 based on itinerary and traveling companions.  Seabourn does a fabulous job in Antarctica.

I have a b2b2b on Regent on the Grandeur.  Finally trying Regent at my TA’s suggestion.

 

It’s all good.   I do not want to stay home.

I think you’ll enjoy Regent, the ship, service are outstanding.  In think it’s great to have choices- we’re giving Silversea a go and have bookend 2 cruise for an change.

[Clutj]

How well does Regent handle the included Business Class air on international flights?  Am looking at both and appears that Silversea only includes Economy…

[TomTN]

5 hours ago, Pcardad said:

My comment had nothing to do with the dress code but with the attitude of the staff member. It's not the first time I have heard this or seen it. I hope you have a wonderful experience on your cruise.

 

Sorry Pcardad, I thought I had double quoted you and Hamasgirl.  She did mention the dress code, although not negatively. Her post was more about the crummy attitude of a Silversea Matre d'.

 

[GOARMY]

Clutj:  

 

Regent handles Business Class very well.  We have never had a problem getting a good "connection" from SEATAC to wherever--Europe; Australia-New Zealand; or Far East.  Same as to reverse, when returning from foreign travel--emphasize FOREIGN.  On occasion--we have opted to use FF miles, either coming or going, thus getting the Air Credit.  When a domestic "leg" has been required, Regent has usually be able to get us on an "alliance partner" air carrier to ensure First Class on all segments.   

 

With Regent:  should you decide to pay the Deviation Fee, a little homework will be of benefit.  Give (through your TA, if possible) Regent Air at-least two options as to your preferred air segments.  No guarantees, but Regent will try.  So-much depends on contracts Regent has with air carriers; and the COVID-related issues with canceled, or rescheduled flights.  Example:  we have had air segment for upcoming late October Explorer Barcelona-Miami TA changed three times within the last six months.    

 

With Silversea (or Crystal, for that matter) have either used FF Miles to get these flights on our own; or simply paid to ensure Business Class on long duration segments.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

[napria]

We have our first Regent cruise booked for February of 2024.  Having sailed Silversea twice before and thoroughly enjoyed those cruises, I’ve also been wondering how the two compare.  My TA said that the major difference is “passengers don’t get as dressed up on Regent.”  I’m kind of sad about that because I love dressing up, but it will definitely be easier packing when we don’t have to worry about getting my evening gowns and my husband’s tux packed.  And he’s certainly glad not to have to wear the tux.

[GOARMY]

While not wishing to open up the preverbal Pandora's Box whenever references are made to either Dress Codes--or Tipping:  

 

Have had no problem conforming to whatever is the Standard during numerous Regent and Silversea sailings. See previous Post #5.  

 

Regent has (or at-least did prior to COVID) two "Formal Optional" (FO) nights on segments of 16 or more days.  Hopefully, we will be on such a segment this coming April-May for Mariner's Tokyo-San Francisco final portion of the revised 2022 World Cruise. So-revised that we await being provided with the definitive voyage description.  Based on past sailings, FO's are on Night 2 (Captain's Reception); and the penultimate night.  That final on-board dining night is left to one's sense of good taste, as folks are packing their bags for next day's departure. 

 

Regent has also offered a recent option of a Casual dress evening Pool Deck dinner.  So many choices.   

 

Frankly, guests' dress attire, particularly at the ship's Main, or a specialty Restaurant, should reflect appreciation for the 5+ star service experienced over the past 25 years whether we have been aboard Regent, Silversea, Crystal, or Seabourn ships. All great.  

 

It is relatively simple to me to pack, and then don a Sports Jacket at dinner, whatever night; and, frankly, a tie on some.  Attribute this pattern to 28 years Army service.  Spouse (a former model) dresses appropriately.  

 

Thus, unless otherwise notified, I plan to pack my tux for Tokyo.  

 

To each his, or her, own.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RetiredandTravel]

11 hours ago, napria said:

We have our first Regent cruise booked for February of 2024.  Having sailed Silversea twice before and thoroughly enjoyed those cruises, I’ve also been wondering how the two compare.  My TA said that the major difference is “passengers don’t get as dressed up on Regent.”  I’m kind of sad about that because I love dressing up, but it will definitely be easier packing when we don’t have to worry about getting my evening gowns and my husband’s tux packed.  And he’s certainly glad not to have to wear the tux.

 

Saying Silversea is more formal than Regent is probably a better way to put it.  We have never cruised on Silversea but people have told us there are more formal nights with tuxedos, suits & ties or sports coats and ties.  Normal attire during the evenings on Regent include several men with sports jackets (30-50%) and some with ties.  Everyone is dressed very nicely.  Personally I don't mind getting dressed up but if its a big issue on either line I understand there are dining options that are less formal.  Don't think an Elmer Fudd t shirt with flip flops but khakis and a nice long sleeved collared shirt.  Evening gowns are optional for the ladies on Regent, my wife always brings dressy dresses and never feels out of place.