Regent Seven Seas vs Scenic Eclipse

Please Note: There may be additional inclusions and privileges for select stateroom and suite guests or select loyalty member tiers. Activities and entertainment vary by ship, itinerary and departure and are a guide only.

The Verdict

Scenic Eclipse is a luxury small ship that accommodates just 228 passengers (200 in the polar regions) and is promoted as the ‘World’s First Discovery Yacht’ (soon to be joined by Scenic Eclipse II in 2021/22). It is designed to blend luxury and discovery and is known for its all-inclusive six star adventures to lesser travelled ports, as well as its unique take on more traditional cruise destinations.

Regent Seven Seas also sits in the luxury small ship category, however ships in the Regent fleet carry roughly three times the number of passengers than the Eclipse. Regent offers similarly all-inclusive fares and while they pride themselves on immersive journeys around the world, these perhaps focus more on cultural experiences than the more active adventures that are a hallmark of the Scenic Eclipse experience. So, which is right for you?

Comparing Destinations

If you’re looking to take a voyage around some classic cruise destinations in absolute luxury, then either Regent Seven Seas or Scenic Eclipse may tick all your boxes. With a fleet of five ships to Scenic’s single yacht, there are more itinerary options and departure dates on offer with Regent Seven Seas. Where the offering of both lines does overlap it will come down to whether you prefer a yacht-style experience or a more traditional small ship cruise (we’ve broken down the onboard experience a bit further on).

Ports of call are most similar between the lines in the Mediterranean and Western Europe, as well as around the Baltics. Further afield you will notice more distinctive itineraries and ports of call. Thanks to its size, Scenic Eclipse can get to smaller ports and given the lines’ focus on discovery, tends to incorporate lesser visited destinations.

For example, in Alaska you’ll find Regent cruises the Inside Passage and generally covers the coastline between Vancouver and Seward (as do most lines). Scenic Eclipse’s 2020 Alaskan itinerary covers this popular region as well as more of the coastline to the north, cruising from Nome on the Seward Peninsula through the Aleutian Islands. In Northern Europe Regent visits Iceland and southern Greenland, while Scenic Eclipse cruises further north into the Arctic Circle with a suite of trips that showcase Svalbard.

While there is some overlap in journeys and destinations, Scenic focuses more on expedition style itineraries with a strong polar program. The Eclipse spends more time in the Arctic and Antarctica than anywhere else, with roughly half of its sailings currently taking place in these remote regions. Meanwhile, Regent’s largest offering is in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Alaska, with Japan and Iceland also popular destinations for the line.

Comparing Shore Programs

Both Regent Seven Seas and Scenic Eclipse include shore excursions in their cruise price. Regent Seven Seas’ shore program includes complimentary options at every port, as well as a selection of Regent Choice excursions for a fee. When cruising on Scenic Eclipse all excursions are included, except for helicopter and submarine trips.

On Eclipse journeys, there can be up to three styles of excursions. Freechoice options offer a diverse range of sightseeing activities which tend to be more traditional, such as walking tours and sightseeing city highlights with a local guide. Enrich options are more exclusive such as private concerts, and Discovery excursions see guests set off on Zodiacs, kayaks, and e-bikes for adventure filled experiences (depending on the destination).

Guests will find that Scenic’s included Freechoice options may offer similar experiences to Regent’s complimentary and paid range. While Regent does offer active and expedition style excursions where the destination calls for it (think kayaking in Alaska, or on Chile’s Strait of Magellan), these are less common than those offered by Scenic’s Discovery collection – and that’s what sets Eclipse trips apart.

These discovery experiences are perfect for active explorations off the beaten path. In more traditional cruising destinations, you can expect hiking and kayaking trips, and in remote regions, you can look forward to Zodiac expeditions, as well as unique helicopter and submarine experiences. Given that the Eclipse was designed for adventurous discoveries, this is where it comes into its own.

Comparing Regent's & Scenic's ships

Ships and Facilities

The Scenic Eclipse is considerably smaller than those in Regent’s fleet, which makes for a more intimate cruise experience. It is intentionally designed to be more of a yacht than a traditional cruise ship, however, Scenic has still managed to include a generous number of venues and amenities on board. Among the facilities, guests will find a spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, indoor and outdoor swimming and plunge pools, a cooking school, and a theatre to host shows and lectures.

Comparatively, on board Regent’s four newer ships you’ll find roughly 700 passengers, with the Seven Seas Navigator breaking the mould with just 490 guests. Careful consideration has been given to the space-to-passenger ratio on these more traditional small cruise ships, so although you’ll share your experience with more fellow cruisers, you’ll never feel crowded. Having larger vessels than the Eclipse affords Regent more facilities like shopping boutiques and a casino and allows for more outdoor space.

Sharing the Journey

On board both Regent Seven Seas and Scenic Eclipse you can expect to find well travelled guests with an appreciation of life’s luxuries. Given that the Scenic Eclipse is marketed more to the adventurer, you may find a younger and perhaps more active group, particularly on sailings to remote regions where Zodiac excursions and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking take precedence.

Scenic doesn’t recommend their Eclipse cruising style for children under 12 and don’t provide any children’s programs, so you’re likely to find couples, friends, and solos rather than families (particularly those with younger children). While Regent isn’t heavily family focused, there are select sailings that run children’s programs. If you are considering a family friendly option, look for Regent’s Club Mariner Program.

Onboard Dining

Given the difference in ship size, there is less disparity in dining options than you might expect. Both the Eclipse and Regent ships offer a similar number of venues to choose from (options vary slightly across Regent’s fleet) and on both lines you can enjoy varied menus in the main dining room, a pool grill, French fare and Asian flavours. There is also the option for room service 24/7 on Regent Seven Seas, and with butler service for every suite on the Scenic Eclipse in-suite dining is just a call away. A butler service is only available for upper suite categories on Regent.

Who provides the best value – Regent Seven Seas or Scenic Eclipse?

Voyages aboard Scenic Eclipse and the Regent fleet are considered all-inclusive, with very few out of pocket expenses. With either line you could almost get away with leaving your wallet at home, however Scenic edges ever so slightly ahead with their complimentary inclusions.

Some areas where Scenic comes out on top is with their butler service for every suite (offered by Regent only on Penthouse Suites and higher) and all onshore experiences included. You’ll only have to pay extra for helicopter and submarine trips with Scenic. Regent’s complimentary shore excursion offering is also quite generous, however, there are more optional for-fee experiences with the Regent Choice program (these are usually more comprehensive tours, specialist excursions, or private driver/guide experiences).

If having a butler on hand isn’t imperative and you are content with Regent’s free shore excursions, then you can often cruise with Regent Seven Seas for less than on the Scenic Eclipse. With more ships and suites to choose from, you have more chance of securing a lead in (lowest priced) fare with Regent, if that is what you are after. With just 114 suites onboard Scenic Eclipse, you need to book early to secure the lower priced suites, so you’ll often find Eclipse fares are higher than those available with Regent.

Naturally the best value cruise will depend on what is important to you, as well as the itineraries you are considering and promotions on offer at the time. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a luxury all-inclusive cruise experience for the price paid.