Seven Seas Explorer

Seven Seas Explorer is Regent's flagship statement of ultra-luxury: an all-suite, all-balcony ship for roughly 746 guests that bills itself as the most luxurious ever built, backed by some 2,500 artworks and around 500 chandeliers. The vibe is refined, quiet and mature - an affluent, older clientele who prize space and personal service over party energy or crowds. With about 548 crew, staff learn your name fast, and the genuinely all-inclusive fare (drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and most shore excursions) means almost no nickel-and-diming once you're aboard.

The cabins are the headline strength - every accommodation is a suite from roughly 55 to nearly 1,000 square feet with a marble bath and walk-in closet, among the most spacious at sea. Dining is excellent at the top specialty venues, with Prime 7 and Chartreuse repeatedly praised, though the main Compass Rose is hit-or-miss and reviewers cite cold dishes and uneven service there. There's a single outdoor infinity pool area rather than a water-park scene, a Canyon Ranch spa that's good but not lavish, and entertainment that is pleasant but the ship's weakest area; included Wi-Fi works but runs slow at sea.

This ship is best for well-traveled, affluent couples and solo cruisers who want spacious suites, included excursions and personal service on fjord- and port-intensive itineraries rather than big-ship shows or nightlife. It competes head-on with Silversea, Seabourn and the former Crystal in the top luxury tier; its edge is the truly inclusive fare with shore excursions baked in, which can make a higher sticker price even out, while Seabourn is often praised for a more intimate polished feel and Regent counters with larger suites and stronger top-venue cuisine.