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Royal Caribbean Vs Regent: Choosing a Contemporary or Luxury Cruise

Since the cruise market emerged in the 1970s, the options for a vacation have grown. Are you sticking with a standard or “contemporary” cruiser? Or do you take advantage of the all-inclusive package deals offered by luxury ocean liners? However, with river cruises now a popular option, do you prefer the slower journey that spends more time in each port?

Essentially, the choice comes down to the traveler: the type of trip and the features you want. However, contemporary and luxury ocean liners have advantages.

Contemporary Cruises

While not the first ocean liner, Royal Caribbean embodies the contemporary cruise ship. This particular brand consists of more than 20 ships, including two of the largest in the world, and also lists Celebrity Cruises as its premier travel experience.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ships reflect the number of activities offered by contemporary cruise ships. Basic activities and entertainment cover spas for relaxation, gyms and other recreational facilities, night shows, night clubs and multiple restaurants on board. The sheer possibilities that result from such combinations have created the “freestyle cruise” experience, one that, beyond the standard features of ticket price and itinerary, a traveler can create alone.

The larger ships have also resulted in the expansion of activities on board. Beyond the basics, a contemporary cruise can include nightclubs for all ages, restaurants for a wider variety of palates, rock-climbing walls and other high-end recreational options, and multiple slides and water activities.

The variable, freestyle or a la carte cruise experience is often within the budget of many travelers and extends past activities. Such a cruise, whether on a Royal Caribbean or another contemporary ship, involves rotating or open dining, rather than the fixed schedule of years past.

Additionally, contemporary cruise ships are said to have more family-friendly features on board, whether it’s activities and dining specifically for kids or even childcare provided by experienced professionals.

luxury cruises

If Royal Caribbean liners epitomize the contemporary cruise experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruise is the pinnacle of the luxury market. Considered one of the highest rated cruise lines, Regent consists of a small fleet, just three ships, with each ship accommodating 700 passengers or less. The onboard experience, however, is seen as more spacious and luxurious, with personalized service and gourmet dining a top priority.

Part of luxury travel is the educational experience. In addition to excursions in each port, as well as voyages to less traveled destinations, luxury cruises often include lectures and demonstrations, as well as other enrichment opportunities.

One aspect of Regent and other luxury cruises is the all-inclusive offerings. Tickets, while higher in price, cover the cost of not only food, a stateroom, access to pools and gyms, and entertainment, but also complimentary drinks, port tours, airfare, and hotel stays.

Travelers should keep in mind that luxury cruises are often geared toward adults. While there may be onboard activities for children, the entire experience is designed with the adult traveler in mind.