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
Want more time in port? Look for Regent's Immersive Overnights collection. Every voyage in that collection features at least one overnight port call, leaving room for an evening ashore or a less hurried day of exploring. Not every Regent voyage belongs to the collection, so check the actual arrival and departure times, tour availability, and distance from the berth.
Explora Journeys is designed around a floating luxury hotel at sea: ocean-facing suites with terraces, contemporary interiors, room to relax, varied dining, and welcoming service. Space per guest matters more than simply counting passengers.
The onboard fare covers most dining, a broad selection of drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, thermal-area access, and fitness and wellbeing programs. A welcome bottle of champagne and an in-suite spirit of your choice are also included. Port-to-city shuttle services are available where offered.
EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II each have six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. In-suite dining is also available. Most dining is included; Anthology is available for an added charge.
Both include many onboard essentials. Regent's included touring is a major distinction, while Explora places more emphasis on a contemporary hotel atmosphere, dining choice, pools, and wellness. Compare actual fares and the experiences you intend to buy rather than treating one as automatically better value.
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.