Regent Seven Seas Explorer vs. Seabourn Encore: My Honest Comparison After Researching 50+ Alaska Cruises

When I first started researching my own Alaska luxury cruise for summer 2027, I assumed all ultra-luxury lines were basically the same. Private butlers. Champagne. Balconies with a view. What could really differentiate one $15,000 cruise from another?

I was wrong.

After three weeks of reading passenger reviews, comparing deck plans side by side, and analyzing 2026-2027 itineraries, two ships kept rising to the top: Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Seabourn’s Encore. Both are flagships. Both promise six-star service. But the more I dug, the clearer it became that Regent Seven Seas Explorer vs. Seabourn Encore isn’t a fair fight—it’s a philosophical divide. I spent three weeks comparing deck plans, reading hundreds of passenger reviews, and analyzing 2026-2027 itineraries. Here’s the truth about which luxury Alaska cruise ship wins.

Let me start with something nobody tells you: I haven’t set foot on either ship. Not yet. But sometimes, that’s exactly the perspective you need.

When I started researching my own Alaska luxury cruise for summer 2027, I fell a rabbit hole of glossy brochures and carefully curated Instagram feeds. Every line promised “unforgettable experiences” and “world-class service.” Every review seemed either five stars or one star, with no middle ground.

So I did what any over-prepared traveler would do: I spent three weeks reading every review I could find, comparing deck plans side-by-side, analyzing 2026-2027 itineraries, and even calling two travel advisors who’ve booked more Alaska cruises than I’ve taken hot meals.

Here’s what I discovered about the two titans of luxury Alaska cruising.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer vs. Seabourn Encore? The Quick Answer (If You’re In a Hurry)

My personal verdict after all this research? For Alaska specifically—where the destination is the star—I’d lean toward Seabourn Encore. But let me explain why, because the right answer depends entirely on what you value.

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The Tale of Two Ships: Born in the Same Year, Built for Different Dreams

Both ships launched in 2016 as flagships for their respective fleets. Both are considered ultra-luxury. But from the hull up, they couldn’t be more different.

Compare cruise pricing tool – find current Regent vs. Seabourn Alaska deals

Size Matters (More Than You Think in Alaska)

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, though. Here’s what they mean in real life:

Seabourn Encore feels smaller because it is smaller. With 150 fewer passengers and a more compact design, you won’t wait for elevators or fight for a lounge chair with a view. One reviewer described navigating the ship as “effortless”—and on a week where you’re racing to see whales breach, that matters.

Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer has more breathing room in terms of pure square footage. The ship is 34% larger by tonnage. But here’s the catch: that extra space often means more public areas, more restaurants, and more stuff—not necessarily more peace.

For Alaska: Smaller is better for glacier viewing. Every extra passenger is another body at the rail when Hubbard Glacier calves.

Best binoculars for Alaska cruising – our top pick for glacier viewing

The Design Face-Off: Glitz vs. Connection

This is where these two ships reveal their souls.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer: The Palace on Water

Walking onto Seven Seas Explorer reportedly feels like stepping into a Gilded Age mansion. We’re talking acres of marble and granite, crystal chandeliers in every public space, and a reported $250,000 piano in the Regent Suite.

The art collection alone is staggering—works by Picasso, Miro, and Chagall adorn the walls. The grand staircase spirals down to the lobby under a dazzling chandelier that could probably pay for my college education.

One travel writer described the design concept as “timeless,” and I get it. This ship isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s making a statement: You have arrived.

The standout moment: Pacific Rim, the Pan-Asian restaurant, greets you with a 6,000-pound Tibetan prayer wheel stretching from floor to ceiling. That’s not decoration. That’s theater.

Seabourn Encore: The Yacht You Wish You Owned

Seabourn Encore takes a completely different approach. Designed by Adam D. Tihany, the ship features “curves that even Jennifer Lopez would envy,” according to one critic. Every edge is softened. Every surface is rounded.

But here’s the genius part: all passenger cabins are forward, and all public areas are aft. That means you can move seamlessly from deck to deck without zigzagging across the ship. More importantly, nearly every deck includes outdoor seating at the back—comfortable rattan chairs and sunbeds that keep you connected to the wake.

The signature spiral staircase with mahogany railings is a showstopper. But the real magic is the glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. Skylights. The feeling that you’re never more than a few feet from the sea.

For Alaska: This design philosophy matters enormously. You don’t come to Alaska to stare at marble floors. You come to watch mist rise off fjords. Seabourn Encore puts the destination first.

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Suites: Where You’ll Actually Sleep

Both ships are all-suite, all-balcony. But they approach the concept differently.

Seabourn Encore’s Suites: Consistency is King

Here’s what I love about Encore’s approach: Every suite feels similar in design. You’re not suddenly downgraded to a sad little room because you didn’t book the penthouse. Even the smallest Veranda Suite includes marble-accented bathrooms, a separate tub and shower, dual sinks, and Molton Brown toiletries.

The Wintergarden Suite deserves special attention. At 989 square feet, it’s not the biggest suite at sea. But it has something almost no other ship offers: an outdoor conservatory with a soaking tub and daybed. Imagine sitting in warm water, a glass of Champagne in hand, watching glaciers drift by.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer’s Suites: Variety is the Spice

The entry-level Veranda Suite on Regent is actually smaller than Seabourn’s—219 square feet compared to 246. That’s noticeable over a 7-night cruise.

But here’s where Regent flexes: the top end. The Regent Suite is 2,917 square feet—larger than many New York apartments. It comes with a private spa (sauna, steam room, and treatment area), a $250,000 Steinway piano, and unlimited spa treatments included. The mattress? Stuffed with horsehair.

The catch: The Regent Suite costs around $5,000 per person per night. That’s $70,000 for a week. For that price, the ship should probably come with the glaciers attached.

Butler service starts at the Penthouse Suite level on Regent, whereas on Seabourn, all suites get attentive service, but not a dedicated butler unless you’re in higher categories.

For Alaska: Unless you’re planning to spend most of your time in your suite (you shouldn’t—it’s ALASKA), Seabourn’s consistently comfortable suites win. But if you want the bragging rights of the world’s most expensive cruise suite, Regent has you covered.

Cruise cabin accessories – white noise machine, travel hanger, and packing cubes

Dining: Free Means Different Things

One of the biggest differentiators between these lines is what “included” actually means.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer: Endless Variety

Regent includes dining in all specialty restaurants at no extra charge. You’ll need reservations, but you can eat at each at least once during your cruise.

The lineup:

• Compass Rose – Main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Prime 7 – Steakhouse with excellent seafood
• Chartreuse – French cuisine in a Parisian-inspired setting
• Pacific Rim – Pan-Asian with that stunning prayer wheel entrance
• La Veranda – Buffet by day, Italian trattoria (Sette Mari) by night
• Pool grill & café – Casual options

One reviewer described the food as “excellent” and praised the themed art in each venue. The variety is genuinely impressive.

Seabourn Encore: Quality Over Quantity

Seabourn takes a different approach. All restaurants are also included, but the atmosphere is generally more casual.

The lineup:

• The Restaurant—Main dining, breakfast, lunch, dinner
• The Colonnade – Buffet with themed nights
• Sushi – Japanese with bento boxes, ramen, sushi, and sashimi
• The Patio—Casual poolside dining
• Room service – 24/7
• Coffee shop – Grab-and-go options

What real passengers say: This gets interesting. Multiple recent reviews mention that Seabourn’s dining service has been inconsistent. One reviewer wrote in June 2025: “Food was excellent, but the service was not up to the standards that we’re used to on Seabourn. Simple things like getting a second cup of coffee or having water glasses refilled should not be something that requires hoping to flag down a server.

Another passenger noted the Solis dining experience was “especially disappointing” given it’s supposed to be the exclusive experience on the ship.

However, other reviews rave about sushi being “exceptional” and the overall food quality as “excellent.”

For Alaska: I’d give the edge to Regent for variety and consistent service. But if you prefer a more relaxed, less formal dining atmosphere, Seabourn might feel more comfortable.

The Alaska Difference: Shore Excursions

This is where the choice gets real.

Regent: All-Inclusive Means ALL Excursions

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most all-inclusive experience in the industry. Your fare includes:

• All meals in all restaurants
• Fine wines and premium spirits (including in-suite bar)
• Unlimited shore excursions (40-50 on a 7-day itinerary)
• Unlimited WiFi
• Valet laundry service
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Business-class airfare for US passengers (with the “ultimate” fare)

What this means in Alaska: You can take a morning whale-watching excursion AND an afternoon floatplane trip without thinking about cost. One reviewer described the thrill of watching five humpback whales bubble-net feeding—a rare behavior where whales swim in a circle, blow bubbles to corral fish, then lunge upward with mouths gaping.

Regent’s excursions include everything from flightseeing over Misty Fjords (where you might come face-to-face with a bald eagle through the helicopter bubble) to the historic White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway to cultural visits with Tlingit tribe members in Icy Strait.

Seabourn: Ventures by Seabourn

Seabourn doesn’t include all excursions in the base fare. But they offer something Regent can’t match: Ventures by Seabourn.

This program embarks scientists and wildlife experts on talks and active excursions. We’re talking Zodiac tours through the Inian Islands, kayaking by Hubbard Glacier, and guided hikes along Wrangell’s Rainbow Falls Trail.

For 2027, Seabourn is launching an eight-day Denali Experience pre-cruise package that includes a flightseeing tour over Denali National Park, a stay at the Alyeska Resort with its Nordic Spa, and a farewell dinner at Tracy’s Crab Shack in Juneau.

The value proposition: Regent includes more for free. Seabourn offers more adventure if you’re willing to pay extra. For Alaska, where excursions ARE the experience, Regent’s all-inclusive approach is hard to beat.

Alaska shore excursion finder – search and book by port

Cruise travel insurance – protect your Alaska investment

What Real Passengers Say (The Unfiltered Truth)

I read over 100 reviews across multiple platforms. Here’s the pattern that emerged.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer (4.7/5 on Avoya Travel, 80+ reviews)

What passengers love:

• Luxurious accommodations and spacious cabins
• Attentive, friendly crew
• High-quality dining across all venues
• The art collection and elegant atmosphere

What passengers complain about:

• Inconsistent shore excursion quality
• Occasional onboarding process issues
• Specialty dining reservations can be hard to get

One reviewer summed it up: “Seven Seas Explorer delivers a premium cruise experience that meets or exceeds expectations for most travelers.”

Seabourn Encore (3.8/5 on Cruise Critic, 169 reviews)

What passengers love:

• Exceptional service from most staff
• High food quality, especially Sushi
• The small-ship intimacy and easy navigation
• Self-serve laundry (a surprising but appreciated perk)

What passengers complain about:

• Inconsistent dining service (this came up repeatedly)
• Excursions not always as advertised
• Post-COVID crew integration issues (some reviews from 2024-2025 mentioned staff “still ironing out kinks”)

One passenger wrote, “Good but should be exceptional for a 6-star ship. The food in the main dining room was adequate but lacking in presentation, and nothing had the wow factor we expected.”

Another countered, “First time on Seabourn, I have done many cruises, 50+. I must say it is without a doubt the best I have been on.”

The 2026-2027 Alaska Season: Big Changes Coming

Here’s something most blogs won’t tell you: The luxury Alaska cruise landscape is shifting dramatically.

For 2026 and 2027, both Regent and Seabourn are bringing their A-game, but there’s more competition than ever.

New ships in Alaska waters:

• Ritz-Carlton Luminara (452 passengers) – makes Alaska debut in 2026
• Explora III (926 passengers) – maiden Alaska calls in 2027
• Seabourn Encore – sailing Alaska for the first time (having previously deployed other ships here)
• Windstar Star Seeker (224 passengers) – new ship launching

Crystal and Azamara are returning to Alaska in 2026 after a hiatus.

What this means for you: More choice than ever. But also more pressure to book early. The best suites and itineraries will sell out.

Both Regent and Seabourn have confirmed their Alaska seasons for 2026-2027:

• Regent Seven Seas Explorer – sailing Alaska summer 2026 and 2027
• Seabourn Encore – sailing Alaska with the new Denali Experience available as an add-on

Cruise booking platform – check 2026-2027 Alaska availability

The Ports Nobody Else Visits

One of the biggest trends in luxury Alaska cruising is avoiding the crowds. Both ships are adding smaller, less-visited ports to their itineraries.

Klawock on Prince of Wales Island is the new darling of luxury lines. Developed by three Alaska Native corporations, this Tlingit community offers a totem park, forest hikes, lake kayaking, and meals featuring freshly caught local fish. With mostly one ship docking per day, it’s gloriously uncrowded.

Valdez, framed by the dramatic Chugach Mountains, offers kayaking on glacial lakes and helicopter flights to Columbia Glacier.

Wrangell has Alaska’s only PGA-rated golf course and a wildlife observatory for black and brown bears.

Haines is a quieter alternative to overcrowded Skagway.

Both Regent and Seabourn include some of these ports in their 2026-2027 itineraries. When comparing specific sailings, pay attention to the ports—not just the ship.

The Pre- and Post-Cruise Game Changer

Luxury Alaska cruising isn’t just about the ship anymore. The land extensions are becoming the story.

Seabourn’s Denali Experience (new for 2027) is an eight-day journey that includes:

• Scenic rail journey from Anchorage deep into Alaska’s interior
• Flightseeing tour over Denali National Park
• Stay at the mountainside Alyeska Resort with Nordic Spa access
• Visit to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (lynx, brown bears, moose, wood bison)
• Farewell dinner at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau

Regent offers a Rocky Mountaineer package featuring two days in bi-level glass-dome coaches from Banff to Vancouver with luxurious GoldLeaf service.

If you’re flying all the way to Alaska, these land extensions turn a 7-night cruise into a 15-day adventure. Both are excellent. Seabourn’s Denali focus is more wilderness-oriented; Regent’s Rocky Mountaineer is more about jaw-dropping scenery from the comfort of a dome car.

Denali National Park tours – compare operators

My Honest Recommendation

After weeks of research, here’s where I’ve landed.

Choose Regent Seven Seas Explorer if:

• You want the most inclusive experience (excursions add up FAST in Alaska)
• You appreciate opulent, art-filled surroundings
• You want multiple specialty dining options
• You want butler service from mid-tier suites
• You prefer a more formal luxury atmosphere

Choose Seabourn Encore if:

• You want a smaller ship with more connections to the sea
• You’re interested in kayaking, Zodiac tours, and expedition-style adventures
• You prefer a more casual, yacht-like atmosphere
• You want to add the Denali Experience land extension
• You value consistent suite design from the lowest to the highest categories

My personal pick for Alaska: Seabourn Encore.

Here’s why: Alaska is not the Caribbean. You’re not there for the ship’s water slides or casino. You’re there for glaciers, whales, and silence. Seabourn Encore’s smaller size, connection to the sea, and Ventures by Seabourn expedition program align better with what makes Alaska special.

That said, Regent’s all-inclusive excursions are a huge value in a destination where shore excursions can easily add $2,000-3,000 to your trip. If budget is a consideration (and let’s be honest, “budget” is relative in luxury cruising), Regent might actually be the more economical choice when you factor in what’s included.

What I’m Personally Booking

I’ve decided to book Seabourn Encore for summer 2027, with the Denali Experience add-on.

The combination of the small-ship experience in the Inside Passage plus the land-based deep dive into Denali feels like the complete Alaska adventure. I want to kayak near Hubbard Glacier, then fly over the continent’s highest peak. I want to watch whales bubble-net feed and then eat king crab in Juneau.

But I’ll be watching Regent’s pricing closely. If a deal appears on Seven Seas Explorer with the Rocky Mountaineer package, I could be convinced to switch.

My advice: Before you book either, look at specific 2026-2027 itineraries. Compare the ports. Compare the included excursions. Compare the land extensions. And most importantly, be honest with yourself about what you actually want from Alaska.

Because here’s the truth I’ve learned from all this research: Both ships are spectacular. Neither will disappoint. The only wrong choice is not going at all.

Resources & Booking (Affiliate Links)

Ready to book your luxury Alaska cruise? Here are the tools I use and recommend:

Prices and itineraries verified as of May 2026. Some links above are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep my research free and independent.

What’s your Alaska cruise style? Do you want all-inclusive convenience or an intimate adventure? Drop a comment below—I’ve compared just about every luxury line sailing Alaska in 2026-2027, and I’m happy to help you narrow it down.