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The Ultimate Battle of Luxury at Sea
Let’s be honest—choosing between Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas is like trying to pick between a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce. Either way, you’re in for a lavish ride. But if you’re anything like me (and let’s face it, you have great taste), you want to know exactly where your money is going and why one might be the better fit for your style of luxury.
As someone who’s spent more time on luxury cruise decks than I care to admit (all in the name of research, of course), I’m here to break it down—no fluff, no sales pitch, just a brutally honest, elegantly refined showdown. And yes, I consulted Addison Jaynes, our Founder and CEO of Reliant Cruising, because if there’s one person who knows luxury travel inside and out, it’s him.
What’s the Difference Between Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas?
At first glance, Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas seem like they could be sister brands (and technically, they are both owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings), but their offerings cater to slightly different luxury travelers.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
| Feature | Oceania Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Premium (somewhat inclusive) | Ultra-luxury (all-inclusive) |
| Ship Size | Mid-sized (684-1,250 guests) | Boutique luxury (496-746 guests) |
| Dining | Culinary-focused, world-class menus | Michelin-level gourmet dining, all-inclusive |
| Shore Excursions | Optional, paid experiences | Unlimited included excursions |
| Suites & Cabins | Spacious, but not all suites | All-suite, ultra-luxury accommodations |
| Service | Top-tier but less personalized | Nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio |
Now, let’s deep dive into the real nitty-gritty.
1. The Pricing: What’s Actually Included?
If you’re looking at the price tag alone, you might think Oceania is the “budget” version of Regent. (Yes, I just called a luxury cruise a budget option—stay with me.) Oceania’s fares tend to be lower, but once you factor in shore excursions, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, your final bill might start creeping toward Regent’s all-inclusive rates.
Regent, on the other hand, goes full Oprah mode—”You get an excursion! You get Wi-Fi! You get a pre-cruise hotel stay!” If you want to cruise without constantly reaching for your credit card, Regent is the way to go.
2. Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas: Ship Size & Atmosphere
Oceania operates mid-sized ships (think 684 to 1,250 passengers), which allows them to dock in ports that larger ships can’t. The atmosphere is refined but not overly stuffy—think “upscale boutique hotel on water.”
Regent keeps things intimate and exclusive, with ships accommodating between 496 and 746 guests. It’s essentially a floating five-star resort, where you’ll never have to fight for a deck chair or wait in line for a cocktail.
3. Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas: Accommodations
Here’s where Regent truly flexes. Every single cabin is a luxury suite with a private balcony. Oceania offers lovely, well-appointed staterooms, but if you want a suite experience on Oceania, you’ll be shelling out extra for their Penthouse, Vista, or Owner’s Suites.
Meanwhile, Regent’s suites are so spacious that I once contemplated subletting one as a Manhattan apartment. (Not legally possible, but you get the point.) The Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor even comes with its own in-suite spa—a ridiculous yet entirely necessary luxury.
4. Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas: Dining & Culinary Experiences
Both cruise lines take their food seriously, but they do it in different ways.
- Oceania is famous for its culinary program, led by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Every meal feels like a Michelin-starred event, and their hands-on cooking classes are a dream for foodies.
- Regent takes dining to the next level, not just in quality, but in inclusivity. While you might have to pay extra for certain specialty dining options on Oceania, Regent’s gourmet restaurants—steakhouses, French bistros, and Pan-Asian cuisine—are all included.
So, if you love fine dining but hate picking up the check, Regent wins.
5. Excursions: Pay-As-You-Go vs. Unlimited Adventures
This is a major deciding factor. Oceania charges per shore excursion, and while they have incredible choices (including some of the best culinary tours in the industry), these add up quickly.
Regent? Unlimited shore excursions included in every port. That’s right—unlimited. Want to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site? Done. Prefer a private vineyard tour in Bordeaux? No problem. You can take as many excursions as your heart desires, and your wallet stays blissfully untouched.
6. Service: Luxury vs. White-Glove Perfection
Oceania offers outstanding service, but Regent takes it to another level. With a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, Regent staff members remember your name, your drink order, and the exact way you like your pillow fluffed.
Addison Jaynes once put it best: “Regent doesn’t just offer five-star service—it anticipates your needs before you even realize you have them.” Enough said.
The Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
At the end of the day, it comes down to what kind of luxury traveler you are.
- Choose Oceania if: You love top-tier dining, a relaxed luxury experience, and don’t mind paying extra for premium perks.
- Choose Regent if: You want an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experience where everything—seriously, everything—is covered.
Either way, Reliant Cruising can help you secure exclusive perks and unbeatable pricing (because let’s be real, you deserve more than just the standard fare). Ready to book? Let’s chat: hello@reliantcruising.com.
Final Thought: If You’re Going to Cruise, Cruise in Style
At the end of the day, whether you choose Oceania Cruises vs Regent Seven Seas, you’re signing up for an unforgettable experience. But if you’re looking for the ultimate, no-holds-barred luxury experience—Regent Seven Seas wins.
