Explora Journeys vs Regent Seven Seas

The core difference

Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas represent fundamentally different visions of what ultra-luxury cruising should become — and the choice between them reveals whether you prioritise innovation or proven completeness.

Explora is the segment’s most ambitious newcomer. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group (the world’s largest privately held shipping company), it was built from scratch with a philosophy its founders call “ocean living” — a deliberate rejection of traditional cruise culture in favour of a European residential aesthetic. The ships feel like floating boutique hotels: muted earth tones, natural materials, open-plan social spaces, and a 7,500-square-foot thermal spa included for all guests. The fleet is expanding rapidly — six ships by 2028, all purpose-built and uniformly modern. The dining, led by the daily-changing Anthology restaurant, emphasises destination-inspired cuisine. The atmosphere is contemporary, cosmopolitan, and deliberately un-cruise-like.

Regent is the segment’s gold standard for all-inclusive value. The line has operated since 1992 and bills itself as offering “the most inclusive luxury experience” — a claim that withstands scrutiny. Business-class air from Australian gateways on Emirates, Qantas, or Singapore Airlines. Unlimited shore excursions at every port. All dining at all restaurants with no caps, surcharges, or reservation fees. Airport transfers. A pre-cruise hotel night. Valet laundry. The suites are the largest in the segment at the upper categories. The fleet includes three ships built since 2016, with a fourth — Seven Seas Prestige — arriving December 2026 at 77,000 gross tonnes.

For Australian travellers, the practical reality is stark. Regent has approximately 24 sailings in Australian and New Zealand waters between 2026 and 2028, with roundtrip Sydney departures and included business-class flights for international itineraries. Explora has announced no Australian deployment whatsoever — the earliest realistic visit is 2029 or later. This alone makes Regent the default choice for any Australian who wants to sail within the next three years without a long-haul flight to reach the ship.

What is actually included

This is where Regent’s three-decade head start translates into a tangible advantage — and where the comparison is most consequential for Australian travellers.

Regent includes: roundtrip business-class air from most international gateways (including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide on Emirates, Qantas, or Singapore Airlines); unlimited shore excursions at every port (over 4,500 options across 550+ destinations); all dining at every restaurant without reservation fees, caps, or surcharges; premium spirits, wines, and cocktails; complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi; all gratuities; valet laundry (wash, press, fold); airport-to-ship transfers; and for Concierge suites and above, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay with breakfast and a private chauffeur credit of up to USD $500 via Blacklane. Butler service is available from Penthouse Suites upward.

Explora includes: premium spirits, wines, and cocktails throughout the ship; Starlink Wi-Fi; all gratuities; access to the 7,500-square-foot Helios Spa & Fitness Centre thermal area (sauna, steam room, vitality pool, snow room — complimentary for all guests); 24-hour in-suite dining; and all enrichment programming. Most dining venues are included without surcharges, with the notable exception of Anthology (approximately EUR $120 per person) and the Chef’s Kitchen experience (approximately EUR $180 per person).

Explora does not include: flights (no air programme from any gateway); shore excursions (all at additional cost through Explora’s curated programme); airport-to-ship transfers; valet laundry (chargeable); or pre-cruise hotel stays.

The structural difference is identical to what separates Regent from most competitors: Regent’s model assumes you want every element of the journey handled in a single fare, while Explora’s model covers the onboard experience comprehensively but treats getting to the ship as your responsibility. For an Australian couple flying business class to a Mediterranean embarkation port, Regent’s included air is worth AUD $12,000–$24,000 — a saving that eliminates most or all of the apparent price gap between the two lines. Add unlimited excursions (AUD $2,000–$5,000 per couple on a two-week voyage) and the total-cost equation frequently favours Regent despite a higher headline fare.

Explora’s unique inclusion is the thermal spa. On Regent, the complimentary Hydrothermal Suite is available only on Explorer-class ships (Explorer, Splendor, Grandeur) — not on Heritage-class vessels. On Explora, every guest on every ship has unlimited access to sauna, steam room, vitality pool, and snow room at no charge. For wellness-focused travellers, this is a meaningful differentiator.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines deliver excellent dining, but with different philosophies and different pricing structures.

Explora offers six dining venues per ship. Emporium Marketplace is the main restaurant — a contemporary open-plan space with show kitchens and rotating international menus. Fil Rouge is the elegant main dining room with table service and a refined European menu. Sakura serves Japanese-inspired cuisine including sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki. Med Yacht Club is the casual poolside venue for Mediterranean-inspired fare. The standout is Anthology — a 42-seat restaurant that changes its entire menu daily based on the ship’s current destination and the chef’s seasonal inspiration. A Mediterranean port might yield Ligurian pesto trofie and branzino al cartoccio; a Northern European call might produce gravlax and juniper-cured reindeer. The Chef’s Kitchen is an interactive culinary theatre for approximately 18 guests. Both Anthology and Chef’s Kitchen carry surcharges.

Regent offers seven to eleven dining venues depending on the ship, with Seven Seas Prestige (December 2026) expanding to eleven. Compass Rose is the elegant main dining room with open seating and a rotating menu supplemented by an “Always Available” selection including Black Angus filet mignon and whole Dover sole. Prime 7 is a classic American steakhouse. Pacific Rim serves pan-Asian cuisine. Chartreuse delivers French fine dining. Sette Mari at La Veranda offers Italian trattoria. The new Azure restaurant on Prestige will serve Mediterranean mezze-style shared plates. The Epicurean Perfection programme brings rotating guest culinary figures aboard select sailings.

The critical difference: Explora’s Anthology is arguably the most creative single dining concept in ultra-luxury cruising — the daily-changing, destination-inspired menu creates genuine anticipation and novelty. But it costs extra. On Regent, every restaurant is available every night with no caps, no surcharges, and no reservation fees. You can dine at Prime 7 or Chartreuse every evening of your voyage without restriction. Regent’s culinary range is broader (more venues, more cuisines) and entirely frictionless. Explora’s peak is arguably higher but gated behind a supplement. Most travellers who have sailed both find Regent’s consistency and accessibility more satisfying over the course of a full voyage — though Explora’s food quality at the included venues is genuinely excellent.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer all-suite, all-balcony accommodation — a baseline that separates them from mass-market cruising. The comparison reveals different strengths at different price points.

Explora’s entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is 377 square feet with a private terrace — one of the most generous entry-level offerings in the ultra-luxury segment. The design is contemporary residential: warm wood tones, natural stone bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, Dyson hairdryer, Italian bed linens, and a European king bed. The Ocean Grand Terrace adds a living area at approximately 495 square feet. The Prestige Suite jumps to approximately 538 square feet. At the top, the Owner’s Residence spans approximately 2,798 square feet across two levels with a private terrace, separate dining area, and Jacuzzi. Every suite has a private terrace. Butler service is available for Prestige Suites and above.

Regent’s entry-level Deluxe Veranda Suite on Explorer-class ships (Explorer, Splendor, Grandeur) is 361 square feet with an 88-square-foot private balcony — slightly smaller than Explora’s entry level. On Heritage-class ships (Mariner, Voyager), the entry-level suite is approximately 301 square feet with balcony. The incoming Seven Seas Prestige offers entry-level suites from 307 square feet. However, Regent’s mid-range and upper categories pull ahead decisively: Penthouse Suites are 545–892 square feet, the Master Suite is 1,403 square feet, and the Regent Suite on Explorer-class spans 4,443 square feet including a 1,417-square-foot balcony, private in-suite spa with sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, and a Steinway Grand piano. The Skyview Regent Suite on Prestige will be 8,794 square feet — the largest all-inclusive suite in cruise history. Butler service is available from Penthouse Suites upward.

The comparison: Explora wins at the entry level (377 versus 361 square feet) with a more contemporary design aesthetic that many travellers find fresher and more appealing than Regent’s classic luxury style. Regent wins decisively from mid-range upward, with significantly larger suites at every upper category and a top-end offering that no competitor approaches. If you are booking a base-category suite and value modern design, Explora has the edge. If you are booking mid-range or above and value sheer space, Regent is unmatched.

Pricing and value

Headline fares tell only part of the story — and for Australians, the total cost comparison consistently favours Regent.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD $450–$750 per person per night depending on voyage length and suite category. A seven-night Mediterranean sailing in an Ocean Terrace Suite costs roughly USD $550–$700 per night. Introductory pricing on newer ships can be more aggressive, with Explora II launch fares starting from approximately USD $450 per night.

Regent’s per-diem runs approximately USD $650–$1,140 per person per night depending on ship, itinerary, and suite category. A 14-night Mediterranean sailing in a Deluxe Veranda Suite on Explorer-class costs roughly USD $860–$1,140 per night. Seven Seas Prestige introductory pricing starts at approximately USD $650 per night.

The total cost reality for an Australian couple on a 14-night Mediterranean voyage:

Regent (Deluxe Veranda Suite, all-inclusive): approximately AUD $24,000–$36,000 per couple. This covers the cruise, business-class flights from Australia, unlimited shore excursions, all dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, transfers, and a pre-cruise hotel night.

Explora (Ocean Terrace Suite, cruise only): approximately AUD $13,000–$19,000 per couple for the cruise fare. Add business-class flights from Sydney to Europe: AUD $10,000–$18,000. Add shore excursions (seven to ten ports): AUD $2,000–$5,000. Add Anthology dining (two to three visits): AUD $500–$800. Add transfers and incidentals: AUD $500–$1,000. Total: approximately AUD $26,000–$43,800 per couple.

The pattern is clear. Explora’s headline fare is 20–40 per cent lower than Regent’s, but once you add the elements Regent includes and Explora does not, the total cost converges — and for Australian travellers flying long-haul in business class, Regent frequently works out comparable or cheaper. Explora offers better value when you hold significant frequent flyer points for flights, prefer to explore ports independently, or are booking a European departure where the air cost gap is smaller.

Spa and wellness

This is Explora’s strongest competitive dimension — and the area where the newer line has a genuine structural advantage.

Explora’s Helios Spa & Fitness Centre spans approximately 7,500 square feet across two decks and is the centrepiece of the onboard experience. The thermal area — sauna, aromatic steam room, vitality pool, snow room, and experiential showers — is complimentary for all guests with no booking required and no time limit. This is not a small amenity: the thermal spa is architecturally integrated into the ship’s design as a social space, not an afterthought. Treatment rooms offer ocean views. The spa programme features partnerships with Swiss and Italian skincare brands. A dedicated outdoor wellness area includes a yoga platform with ocean views. The Ocean Wellness Pool — a 25-metre infinity-edge pool — is among the largest at sea. Each ship also has four pools and multiple Jacuzzis.

Regent’s Serene Spa & Wellness replaced the previous Canyon Ranch partnership in 2020 and is now fleet-wide. On Explorer-class ships, the two-storey spa complex features a Hydrothermal Suite — aromatherapy steam room, infrared sauna, chill room, and experiential showers — that is complimentary for all guests. Products are by ELEMIS and Kérastase. The incoming Seven Seas Prestige will feature the most expansive Serene Spa at sea, with an infinity pool, quartz crystal healing beds, and zero-gravity massage tables. However, Heritage-class ships (Mariner, Voyager) have smaller spa facilities without the complimentary Hydrothermal Suite.

The comparison: Explora’s spa is larger, more architecturally ambitious, and consistently available across the entire fleet. Regent’s Hydrothermal Suite is excellent but only available on Explorer-class and Prestige-class ships — if you sail Heritage-class, there is no equivalent. For wellness-focused travellers, Explora’s thermal spa culture is a genuine differentiator and arguably the best in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. Both lines charge similar rates for hands-on treatments (signature treatments USD $200–$400 for 75–100 minutes).

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines take a curated approach to entertainment, but their philosophies differ markedly.

Explora’s entertainment model rejects traditional cruise programming. There are no large-scale production shows, no Broadway revues, no theatre seating for 600. Instead, the line offers intimate musical performances, DJ sets, cultural storytelling sessions, acoustic concerts, and destination-focused experiences. The Journeys Lounge hosts talks by local experts and cultural figures. The outdoor Astern Lounge transforms from daytime relaxation to evening socialising with live music. Wine and spirit tastings are frequent and often complimentary. The approach is deliberately understated — Explora’s target guest prefers a sophisticated cocktail conversation over a showstopper musical number. Enrichment includes destination briefings, wellness workshops, and culinary demonstrations.

Regent’s Constellation Theater on Explorer-class ships seats approximately 694 guests for narrative-driven production shows performed by a dedicated 12-person cast and seven-piece orchestra. Current productions include Broadway in Concert and Diamond Run — an espionage-themed musical thriller. The Observation Lounge is a highlight for pre-dinner cocktails with panoramic views. Regent’s enrichment programme features guest lecturers including former ambassadors, diplomats, and scientists. The Culinary Arts Kitchen on Explorer-class ships offers hands-on cooking classes (USD $89). The new Epicurean Enrichment Studio (debuting on refurbished Mariner and Voyager) adds destination-focused culinary lectures.

Dress codes: Explora has no formal dress code — “elegant resort” is the guideline at all times. Regent relaxed its dress code in August 2025 — refined denim and dress trainers are now permitted after 6 PM under “Elegant Casual.” No mandatory formal nights on either line. Explora’s atmosphere is more consistently casual-contemporary; Regent’s evening ambience is slightly more polished.

The comparison: This is a matter of taste. If you enjoy production shows and structured evening entertainment, Regent delivers a more complete programme. If you find traditional cruise entertainment dated and prefer an understated, resort-like atmosphere with intimate live music and cultural programming, Explora is more aligned with your preferences. Neither approach is objectively superior — they simply serve different sensibilities.

Fleet and destination coverage

Regent has the established fleet advantage; Explora is expanding at an extraordinary pace.

Explora currently operates two ships — Explora I (July 2023, 922 guests) and Explora II (September 2024, 922 guests). Explora III arrives 2026, Explora IV in 2027, and Explora V and VI by 2028. All are built at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard in Italy. By 2028, Explora expects six uniformly modern ships — all under five years old — making it the newest fleet in ultra-luxury cruising. Current deployments focus on the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and transatlantic crossings, with emerging coverage in Asia and the Middle East.

Regent operates six ships (becoming seven with Prestige in December 2026): Seven Seas 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. Three additional Prestige-class ships are ordered for 2030, 2033, and 2036.

Destination coverage: Regent deploys across the Mediterranean, Alaska (exclusively on Explorer), Caribbean, Northern Europe and Baltic, Asia, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, and South America. Annual World Cruises run 130–154 nights. Explora covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, transatlantic, Middle East, and is expanding into Asia. No Australian deployment has been announced. Annual World Cruises have not yet been introduced.

Regent’s advantage is fleet size translating to itinerary breadth: seven ships means more sailings in more regions in any given month. Explora’s advantage is fleet uniformity — every ship is essentially identical in quality, and there is no risk of booking a 25-year-old vessel as can happen with Regent’s Heritage-class ships.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Design and modernity. Every ship was purpose-built from 2023 onward with a consistent contemporary aesthetic. The interiors — natural materials, earth tones, open social spaces — feel more like a luxury resort than a cruise ship.
• Spa and wellness. The 7,500-square-foot Helios Spa with complimentary thermal area on every ship is the best wellness offering in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. No booking required, no time limits, no ship-class lottery.
• Entry-level suites. At 377 square feet with a private terrace, the Ocean Terrace Suite is the most generous base-category offering in the segment.
• Contemporary atmosphere. For travellers who find traditional cruise culture stuffy or dated, Explora’s European ocean-living philosophy creates a genuinely different experience — no formal nights, no production shows, no cruise director.
• Value for self-arranging travellers. If you hold frequent flyer points for flights and prefer independent exploration in port, Explora’s lower headline fare delivers excellent per-dollar value.

Regent excels in:

• All-inclusive completeness. No other cruise line includes business-class air, unlimited shore excursions, all dining, drinks, transfers, pre-cruise hotel, and laundry in a single fare. The peace of mind this creates is a genuine luxury.
• Upper-category suites. From Penthouse Suites upward, Regent’s accommodation is substantially larger than Explora’s at every comparable tier. The Regent Suite and incoming Skyview Regent Suite are in a class of their own.
• Australian accessibility. Approximately 24 sailings in Australian and New Zealand waters between 2026 and 2028, roundtrip Sydney departures, and included business-class air from Australian gateways. Explora has no Australian presence until 2029 at the earliest.
• Itinerary breadth. Seven ships covering every major cruise region, including Alaska (exclusively on Explorer) and extensive Southern Hemisphere deployment. More choice in more destinations in any given month.
• Unlimited dining. Every restaurant, every night, no caps, no surcharges. Anthology’s creativity is impressive, but Prime 7 every night at no extra cost has its own appeal.
• Proven track record. Over three decades of operation, established loyalty programme, and a reputation for consistent delivery. Explora is still proving itself.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Regent has an overwhelming accessibility advantage for Australians — more ships in Australian waters, more embarkation options, and included flights for every international sailing.

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Discovery (10 nights on Explora I or II, multiple departures 2026–2027) — Roundtrip from Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome) visiting the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and Dubrovnik. From approximately USD $5,500 per person. Fly Sydney to Barcelona (approximately 22 hours via Dubai or Singapore). Explora’s Mediterranean is its strongest season — the European atmosphere feels most natural in these waters.

Northern Europe & Baltic (12–14 nights on Explora I, summer 2026–2027) — Southampton or Copenhagen to Norwegian fjords, St Petersburg alternatives, Stockholm, and Helsinki. The contemporary Scandinavian-influenced design feels particularly at home in Northern European waters.

Transatlantic Crossing (14 nights on Explora I or II) — Southampton to Miami or New York. A classic repositioning voyage at competitive pricing. The ship’s resort-style pools, thermal spa, and relaxed atmosphere suit long sea days.

Note for Australians: Every Explora sailing requires arranging your own international flights, transfers, and shore excursions. Factor AUD $5,000–$9,000 per person for business-class flights to European embarkation ports.

Regent

Sydney roundtrip (10 nights, December 2026 on Seven Seas Explorer) — Embark Sydney (no flight required for NSW residents), cruise to New Zealand and back. From approximately AUD $11,169 per person. The most convenient ultra-luxury option for Australians.

Bali to Sydney (16 nights on Seven Seas Explorer) — Via Komodo, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, and Airlie Beach. Fly Sydney to Bali (approximately 6.5 hours via Denpasar), cruise home. Business-class flights included in fare.

Auckland to Sydney (14–15 nights, January 2027 on Seven Seas Explorer) — Comprehensive New Zealand itinerary arriving in Sydney. Fly to Auckland (3 hours direct), cruise home. Business-class flights included.

Grand Continental Sojourn (82 nights, Barcelona to Sydney) — An extended voyage home from Europe through the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, and into Australian waters. Business-class air to Barcelona included.

Grand Asia Exploration (60 nights, Tokyo to Sydney) — Ideal “fly one way, cruise home” for Australians wanting an extended Asia experience ending at their doorstep.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

Explora I (922 guests, July 2023) — The inaugural ship and the one with the most passenger feedback to date. The thermal spa, Anthology restaurant, and overall design have been well received. Choose for Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries. Any early-ship teething issues have been resolved.

Explora II (922 guests, September 2024) — Near-identical to Explora I with minor design refinements based on guest feedback. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship preference.

Explora III (arriving 2026) — The third sister ship, expanding the fleet’s geographic reach. Launch pricing may offer value, but wait for post-maiden reviews if you prefer proven reliability.

Explora IV–VI (arriving 2027–2028) — Two of these later ships are expected to be a new, larger class — potentially LNG-powered and offering different suite configurations. Details are limited. Worth monitoring if you are not sailing before 2028.

Regent

Seven Seas Grandeur (746 guests, 2023) — The newest Explorer-class ship and the most refined. All the benefits of the Explorer class with the latest design touches. Excellent choice for a first Regent experience.

Seven Seas Explorer (750 guests, 2016) — The primary ship deployed to Australia and New Zealand. The Regent Suite (4,443 square feet) is a genuine showpiece. Choose for Australian-departing sailings.

Seven Seas Splendor (750 guests, 2020) — Near-identical to Explorer with subtle design refinements. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship preference.

Seven Seas Prestige (822 guests, arriving December 2026) — The largest Regent ship at 77,000 gross tonnes. Eleven dining venues. The Skyview Regent Suite at 8,794 square feet will be the largest all-inclusive suite in cruise history. Worth booking for the Mediterranean inaugural season.

Seven Seas Mariner (700 guests, 2001, refurbished November 2025) — Heritage-class, now fully refreshed. Good value within the Regent fleet. Note: no complimentary Hydrothermal Suite (spa thermal area) on Heritage-class ships.

Seven Seas Voyager (700 guests, 2003, refurbishing April–May 2026) — Book from June 2026 onward to sail the refreshed ship.

For Australian travellers specifically

This comparison has the clearest Australian-specific verdict of any ultra-luxury pairing: Regent is the overwhelmingly practical choice for Australian travellers today.

Regent’s Australian proposition is exceptionally strong. Included business-class air on Emirates, Qantas, or Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Approximately 24 sailings in Australian and New Zealand waters between 2026 and 2028, with dedicated seasonal deployments and roundtrip Sydney options. A dedicated Australian reservations line (1300 883 501, seven days a week). Active partnerships with Australian luxury travel agencies. For an Australian couple flying business class to a Mediterranean embarkation port, Regent’s included air is worth AUD $12,000–$24,000 — a saving that alone can exceed the price of the cruise itself on shorter voyages.

Explora’s Australian proposition is effectively non-existent until 2029 at the earliest. No Australian sailings have been announced for 2026, 2027, or 2028. No Australian air programme exists. The closest Explora itineraries are Southeast Asian sailings — still requiring a significant flight from Australian cities. Explora is part of the MSC Group, which has Australian cruise operations through MSC Cruises, so the commercial infrastructure for an eventual Australian deployment exists. But today, an Australian booking Explora must fly internationally to reach every single departure port and arrange all logistics independently.

The practical implication: If you want to sail ultra-luxury within the next three years with minimal logistical friction, Regent is the only viable choice from this pairing. If you are willing to fly to Europe or the Caribbean and handle your own arrangements, Explora offers a genuinely compelling product — but you are paying a significant premium in flights and logistics that Regent would absorb into the fare.

Loyalty pathways for Australians: Regent’s Seven Seas Society offers cross-brand status honouring with Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises (all under NCLH). Explora’s Journeys Circle is building its programme but lacks equivalent cross-brand partnerships. Neither line has a direct Qantas Frequent Flyer partnership, though Regent’s use of Qantas as a preferred carrier for Australian guests means status credits may accrue depending on fare class. Bookings through Qantas Cruises earn 1 Qantas Point per AUD $1 for either line.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines attract affluent travellers but create notably different social environments.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary, European, and deliberately un-cruise-like. The average passenger age is approximately 50–60 — younger than most ultra-luxury lines. The demographic skews European (Italian, French, German, British) with growing American and Australian representation. The design language — natural materials, muted tones, open social spaces — creates a resort ambience rather than a traditional cruise environment. There is no casino. There are no production shows. The dress code is “elegant resort” at all times — no formal nights, no jacket requirements. Music is curated: lounge DJs, acoustic sets, jazz trios. The vibe is more Aman resort than QE2. First-time Explora guests frequently comment that it “doesn’t feel like a cruise” — which is precisely the point.

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. Regent’s all-inclusive model creates a particular kind of relaxation: there is never a moment of calculation about what costs extra, which removes a subtle source of friction that exists even on other luxury lines. The dress code relaxation in 2025 (refined denim and dress trainers now permitted after 6 PM under “Elegant Casual”) signals a move toward a more contemporary atmosphere. There is no casino. The Observation Lounge — at the ship’s bow with panoramic views — is the social heart of the evening.

The comparison: Explora appeals to travellers who want luxury without the conventions of traditional cruising — younger demographics, design-conscious couples, and those who associate “cruise ship” with something they want to avoid. Regent appeals to experienced travellers who appreciate the rituals and rhythms of luxury cruising, delivered with maximum convenience and no financial friction. Both are excellent — the question is whether you want to be aboard a floating luxury resort or a floating luxury cruise ship. Explora is the former; Regent is the latter.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas are both excellent ultra-luxury products, but they serve different priorities — and for Australian travellers, the practical equation heavily favours Regent.

Choose Explora if you want the newest ships in ultra-luxury cruising, a contemporary European atmosphere that deliberately rejects cruise conventions, the best complimentary thermal spa at sea, and a design aesthetic that feels more luxury resort than luxury liner. Accept that you will arrange and pay for your own flights, excursions, and transfers — and that no Australian departures exist until 2029 at the earliest. Explora is ideal for design-conscious travellers, spa enthusiasts, and those who hold significant frequent flyer points to cover the air gap. If you are sailing from a European port and value modernity and atmosphere above all else, Explora delivers something genuinely different.

Choose Regent if you want everything handled — flights, excursions, dining, transfers, laundry — in a single fare with no supplements. Choose it if you want to sail from Sydney without an international flight. Choose it if suite size matters at the upper categories, if itinerary breadth matters (seven ships covering every major cruise region), or if you value a proven line with over three decades of consistent delivery. For Australians specifically, Regent’s included business-class air, dedicated Australian sailings, and established local infrastructure make it the overwhelmingly practical choice.

The honest summary: Explora is the more exciting product for travellers who value design, wellness, and modernity. Regent is the more practical product for travellers who value completeness, convenience, and proven reliability. For most Australians weighing these two lines today, Regent wins on accessibility alone — you can sail from Sydney next month. Explora requires a 20-hour flight to reach the nearest departure port.