Included touring is the deciding factor
Regent’s included shore excursions deliver massive value on port-intensive itineraries in regions like Alaska, Northern Europe, or Japan. Explora prices its tours à la carte, meaning the real financial math between the two lines comes down to your personal travel style—specifically, how often you plan to join organized tours versus exploring ports independently.
Onboard feel
Explora is the more relaxed ship, with contemporary design, flexible dining, and unusual space given over to pools and wellness. Regent is more traditional, with a stronger main dining room and a crew culture built over decades. Guests who value polished, familiar service tend to prefer Regent. Guests who find that formality tiring tend to prefer Explora.
How I would decide
- Touring in most ports: Regent
- Sea days, spa, and long lunches: Explora
- First luxury cruise where predictability matters: Regent
- You have sailed the established lines and want something different: Explora
Common questions
- Does Explora Journeys include shore excursions?
- No. Shore excursions on Explora Journeys are purchased separately. Regent includes many excursions in its fare.
- Which line is more relaxed?
- Explora. There are no formal nights and no assigned dining times.
- Which has better value?
- It depends on your touring. On port-heavy itineraries where you take excursions, Regent's included program usually delivers better total value.