Home > Cruises > Compare Cruise Lines > Scenic Discovery Cruises vs Silversea

Scenic Discovery Cruises vs Silversea

Compare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of cruising with Scenic Discovery Cruises and Silversea, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
Scenic Discovery Cruises

Scenic Discovery Cruises

11 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What destinations are Scenic exploring this season?

Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe More...

Scenic snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. Cruises
155
DeparturesDepartures
208
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
17 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
Balcony
$1,753
Suite
$3,251
No. of ShipsNo. of Ships
All-Inclusive LevelAll-Inclusive level
All-Inclusive+
Onboard CurrencyOnboard currency
USD

Our thoughts...

The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who cruises with Scenic?

Well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking ultra-luxury small-ship cruising and destination-focused exploration. Guests are international, with a strong Australian, New Zealand, North American and British mix.

What are Scenic known for?

Ultra-luxury small-ship cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse, Eclipse II and Ikon, all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, close to 1:1 crew-to-guest service, expedition cruising and onboard helicopters and submersibles.

Are Scenic's fares all-inclusive?

All-inclusive fares with all dining, premium beverages throughout the day, in-suite minibar, gratuities, WiFi, butler service and Scenic Freechoice or Discovery excursions.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Additional costs include helicopter and submersible experiences, spa and salon treatments, a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines and spirits and laundry outside applicable suite inclusions.

Are gratuities included?

Yes. Tipping and gratuities onboard and onshore are included.

Are shore excursions included?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice and Discovery excursions are included. Expedition and Discovery voyages can include Zodiac cruising, guided landings, kayaking and paddleboarding, while helicopters and submersible experiences cost extra.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is included throughout the ship.

Does Scenic have a loyalty program?

Yes. Scenic and Emerald loyalty programs are combined into Scenic & Emerald Rewards, allowing members to earn status across Scenic's and Emerald's ocean, river and land journeys.

Is Scenic a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are permitted but Scenic Eclipse is primarily designed for adults rather than families.

Are any onboard activities included?

Included activities include live music, theatre performances, cabaret, trivia, dance classes, lectures, Discovery Team presentations, gym use, yoga and Pilates, pools and spa relaxation facilities.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

No.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Helicopter and submersible experiences and spa treatments cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse offers up to 10 included culinary experiences, ranging from casual venues to fine dining and degustation restaurants. Reservations are required for some venues, but there is no dining surcharge.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No. Dining packages are unnecessary because all onboard dining experiences are included.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas and other non-alcoholic beverages are included, along with a complimentary in-suite minibar.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines, Champagne, spirits and other alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day, except for a small selection of rare, fine and vintage labels.

Do Scenic sell any beverage packages?

No. A beverage package is unnecessary because premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are already included.

Do Scenic offer room service?

Yes. In-suite dining and beverage service are included, with personalised butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Scenic Eclipse has an expansive Senses Spa with thermal and relaxation facilities. Salt therapy lounges, dry and wet saunas, cold plunge pool and mineralised spa facilities are included. Selected spa therapy and salon treatments cost extra.

Are there gyms onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Scenic's Discovery Yachts have fully equipped gyms included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Scenic's ships?

Yes. Complimentary yoga, Pilates, stretching and other group wellness activities are offered, with programmes varying by voyage.

Do Scenic offer personal training?

Yes

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes

Do Scenic offer a laundry service?

Yes, self-service laundry service is available and included. Complimentary laundry is included with selected higher suite categories and loyalty benefits.

Recent Scenic reviews

Great trip in spite of the low water problems, and thanks Ethan!! 0
, MA, United States, Sep 2026
We were obviously disappointed when we learned cruising would be limited due to low water levels on the Danube River but Scenic went out of their way to make up for that. All in all it was a great trip -- the cruising, the food, the hotels, the excursions, even the bus rides! And Ethan Battison was perfect in taking care of the arrangements with Scenic read more and keeping us up-to-date. Couldn't be happier with him.
Perfect Journey 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
Thank you Rachel at Global Journeys for helping us to book our dream holiday on Scenic Exlipse II when we found Scenic to be unhelpful. Grace took over from Rachel and was also very efficient with some details as well as obtaining a refund for our flight change from Emirates to Thai Airways. The boat is magnificent - brilliant stabilisers, great facilities, read more staff couldn’t be better and excellent and varied dining experiences. The included daily excursions and guide were of very high quality. We enjoyed the 21 day trip from Stockholm to Bergen visiting Estonia, Latvia, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. There were many highlights but we will never forget sailing through the Norwegian Fjords.
Mekong discovery 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
Amazing trip in comfort and luxury provided by scenic tours. All hotel accomodations were 5 star comfort, tour guides local and knowledgeable, service and dining experience on cruise unparalleled. Outstanding service provided by Tracey with booking and follow through.
Lovely trip through the shallow waters of the danube 0
, WA, Australia, Jul 2026
Sadly the Danube is not at its best. Interuptions to the itinery meant more coach travel than usual. I think people on board called it a river cruise on wheels. However Avalon cannot be falted for there efforts. We saw 90% of what was originally offered. The service on the boat was magnificent. Food plentyful and well presented. As was the bar service read more especially happy hour. Cabins were always well prepared and clean along with the bathroom facilities. We missed out on Bulgaria but having been before it really didnt bother us. Kayla kept us up to date with changes which we thank her for. Avalon sent me 6 emails with changes but a couple were a mystery to us. We had booked flights out of Bucharest for the 15th August but there email was for the 14th. Good job we had Stefano as our ship manager to correct things. Thanks again to Global Journeys for the bookings. Our 15th river cruise and i think our 10th with Avalon.
Wonderful double Scenic River Cruises in France 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
We loved both cruises with Scenic: Normandy & Gems of the Seine plus Spectacular South of France. Tracey Standing from Global Joirneys was very helpful and efficient in organising this Scenic package and always ready to answer any questions we had or information we needed to know. There was a great collection of people on each cruise from the U.K., read more USA, Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians. The food was magnificent, the wine and other drinks flowed, the Excursions all enjoyable and the entertainment on board was wonderful. I would highly recommend both these cruises, especially together, to anyone considering river cruising in France.

Scenic's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Wonders of the High Arctic: Greenland & Iceland (Scenic)
From
28,442pp
32 Day Ultimate Voyage: Greenland & Canada's Hudson Bay (Scenic)
Ultimate Voyage: Greenland & Canada's Hudson Bay

32 Days Copenhagen to Montreal

From
63,862pp
13 Day Broome & the Kimberley Coastline - Cruise & Land Journey (Scenic)
From
20,226pp
14 Day Ancient Kingdoms and Natural Treasures: Chile to Panama (Scenic)
From
12,533pp
19 Day Ultimate Voyage: Amsterdam to Bergen & the Norwegian Fjords (Scenic)
From
34,006pp
Silversea

Silversea

1 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Silversea?

We asked Silversea why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

A luxurious cruise means many things to many people but we feel that Silversea’s small ship cruises personify the true meaning of comfort. Our intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet.

Enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, delicious gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service read more for every suite and of course all gratuities. Whether you long to mingle in the Mediterranean, swim with the turtles of the Galapagos or embrace the glaciers of Alaska, there is something special about knowing that this cruising is all inclusive.

What destinations are Silversea exploring this season?

African & Indian Ocean Alaska Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Baltic Canada & New England More...

Silversea snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. Cruises
441
DeparturesDepartures
640
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
13 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
Oceanview
$1,077
Balcony
$1,325
Suite
$2,546
No. of ShipsNo. of Ships
All-Inclusive LevelAll-Inclusive level
All-Inclusive
Onboard CurrencyOnboard currency
USD

Our thoughts...

The low down on Silversea from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Silversea is an ultra-luxury, all-suite cruise line. Its classic All-Inclusive fare includes butler-serviced suites, dining, unlimited wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, while shore excursions are typically optional. You can upgrade to their All-Inclusive Plus fare which includes a generous shore excursion credit if you're looking at getting everything paid up before you leave. We’ve had amazing feedback from our past clients, so if you’re looking for some pampering while exploring the world aboard a small luxury or expedition ship, we think Silversea is very hard to go past.

Who cruises with Silversea?

World travellers seeking to explore remote locations with most passengers from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

What are Silversea known for?

Luxury cruises and expeditions, over 1,000 destinations, and overnight and late port departures.

Are Silversea's fares all-inclusive?

Positioned as all-inclusive, although shore excursions and some specialty restaurants incur charges.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Shore excursions, selected specialty restaurants, some premium champagne, wines and spirits, spa and salon services, personal training, laundry service and upgraded WiFi packages incur additional charges.

Are gratuities included?

Yes.

Are shore excursions included?

Excursions are not included and cost extra. Expedition-cruise Zodiac, sea and shore excursions are included, with optional excursions available for purchase.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Complimentary WiFi is provided for one device at a time in every suite and two devices at a time in premium suites; upgraded premium access packages are available for purchase.

Does Silversea have a loyalty program?

No. Venetian Club only.

Is Silversea a family friendly cruise-line?

Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises or ships. Children under five cannot participate in expedition excursions or embarkations requiring a Zodiac, and an adult family member must remain onboard during Zodiac excursions.

Are any onboard activities included?

Small ship cruises offer production shows, classical soloists, cultural entertainment and feature films. Expedition cruises offer expert lectures and films.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, but not on Silversea's expedtion ships.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

No.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Silversea's ships?

Yes. La Dame, Seishin Restaurant and Kaiseki Restaurant attract a charge; most other dining is complimentary.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

No.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are included.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Premium wines and spirits are included, although some premium champagne, wine and spirit selections cost extra.

Do Silversea sell any beverage packages?

No.

Do Silversea offer room service?

Yes. 24-hour in-suite dining is available, with butler service for every suite.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available at an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Silversea's ships?

Yes. Circuit training is complimentary, while Pilates and yoga may incur charges. Services vary between classic and expedition ships.

Do Silversea offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes.

Do Silversea offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.

Recent Silversea reviews

Outstanding cruise on Silver Whisper 4
, VIC, Australia, Apr 2026
This was our first Silversea cruise and it was everything we hoped it would be. Our cabin was very nice with a balcony, walk in robe, bath and separate shower and a very comfortable bed. The food in the restaurants was outstanding with filet Mignon steak and lobster available every day. There was a wide variety to choose from on the menus. There read more was also. a good variety of wines to choose from and bottomless champagne! Two evenings Silversea organised a BBQ on a local island with local entertainment which was very well organised.
Alaska to Canada Silversea Cruise 1
, Australia, Aug 2025
Hannah at Global Journeys did a wonderful job of organising our 27 day Silversea cruise from Alaska to Tokyo. She was polite and professional throughout the process and was quick to follow up and resolve any issues that arose along the way. I have no hesitation in recommending Hannah and Global Journeys to those searching for a reliable, efficient and read more professional travel company.

The cruise itself was wonderful. Silversea delivered a quality experience from start to finish. The Silver Nova is a beautiful, contemporary ship with spacious common areas and comfortable cabins. The staff are excellent and the amenities on board first class. Alaska is spectacular and Japan is a wonderful combination of old and new, traditional and modern. We thoroughly enjoyed this holiday.
Copenhagen to Dublin 1
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2025
An excellent Silverseas cruise. All excursions included. Service from all personnel was fabulous & greatly appreciated. Lovely large and clean cabin, even though we were on a lower deck. Great variety of excursions on this expedition cruise.

Silversea's most popular trips this month...

8 Day Tahiti to Tahiti (Silversea)
Tahiti to Tahiti

8 Days Tahiti to Tahiti

From
6,223pp
14 Day Reykjavik to Nuuk (Godthab) (Silversea)
Reykjavik to Nuuk (Godthab)

14 Days Reykjavik to Nuuk

From
25,774pp
11 Day Copenhagen to Copenhagen (Silversea)
Copenhagen to Copenhagen

11 Days Copenhagen to Copenhagen

From
15,239pp
12 Day Tokyo to Osaka (Silversea)
Tokyo to Osaka

12 Days Tokyo to Kyoto

From
12,593pp
20 Day Papeete (Tahiti) to Auckland (Silversea)
Papeete (Tahiti) to Auckland

20 Days Tahiti to Auckland

From
21,805pp

The Verdict - Scenic Discovery Cruises vs Silversea

Scenic’s Discovery Yacht collection and Silversea both offer ultra-luxury expedition cruising, but they approach it differently. Scenic operates two purpose-built Discovery Yachts (with Scenic Ikon lauching in 2028) with a strong focus on active exploration and all-inclusive luxury, while Silversea has a broader fleet spanning both classic cruising and dedicated expedition ships, giving you considerably more choice of ships, destinations and cruise styles.

Which ships will suit me best?

Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II each carry up to 228 guests, reduced to 200 in polar regions, and combine expedition capability with an unusually large range of luxury facilities for ships of their size. Expect all-verandah suites, butler service for every guest, up to 10 dining experiences, extensive spa facilities and specialist equipment including helicopters and a submersible. Silversea’s current expedition fleet ranges from the intimate 100-guest Silver Origin to Silver Wind carrying 274 guests, with all-suite accommodation and butler service throughout. Scenic provides a very consistent yacht-style experience, while Silversea gives you more variation depending on the ship and destination.

Which has the better expedition experience?

Both include Zodiac exploration, expert-led shore activities and dedicated expedition teams, but Scenic adds some particularly distinctive ways to explore, including its helicopters and submersible, at additional cost, and where operationally available. Silversea has greater expedition breadth, with purpose-built and converted expedition ships sailing regions including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, the Kimberley and the South Pacific. Scenic therefore stands out for the range of exploration equipment available from its Discovery Yachts, while Silversea gives you more ships and expedition destinations to choose from.

Which offers better value?

Both are highly inclusive, with butler service, dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi and gratuities included. Scenic also includes its Discovery activities, Freechoice and Enrich experiences, with helicopter and submersible journeys among the main extras. Silversea expedition fares include expedition activities and required expedition gear, while Classic voyages now offer different fare options, with shore excursions either purchased separately or covered partly by a shore excursion credit on All-Inclusive Plus fares. When comparing expedition voyages specifically, both include most of what you’ll need, so the itinerary, ship and type of exploration are likely to matter more than small differences in inclusions.

Which has the better itineraries?

Silversea has the broader overall program because it combines a large classic cruise network with four dedicated expedition ships, including the Galápagos-based Silver Origin. Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II also cruise extensively through Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, the Americas, Europe and other regions, with their smaller fleet placing more emphasis on carefully selected Discovery Yacht itineraries. If you want the widest choice of departure dates and expedition destinations, Silversea has more options; if the Scenic Eclipse style of yacht cruising and exploration appeals, Scenic delivers a particularly consistent experience across both ships.

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