Silversea vs Seabourn
Both put a veranda on every suite and drinks and gratuities in the fare, and their newest ocean ships carry between 600 and 730 guests. The difference is life on board: Silversea’s Nova class is bigger, more contemporary and more ambitious about food; Seabourn’s Encore class is smaller, more sociable, closer to the water and the more value-led of the two.
We compare each line’s newest ocean class: Silversea’s Nova class (Silver Nova and Silver Ray) and Seabourn’s Encore class (Seabourn Encore and Ovation).
Where CruiseLens separates them
The characteristics on which the two ships are two points or more apart on our 1–10 scales, largest gap first. Scores are an advisor’s judgement held to a written methodology, not a measurement.
Where they are alike
Within a point of each other on 16 of 28 characteristics: formality, fellow guests, buzz, privacy, solo travel, suite space, service style, remoteness, included touring, activity, enrichment, evening shows, late nights, all-inclusive, being sold to and children.
So which is for you?
Lean Silversea for the table: menus rebuilt for each region, more restaurants and more ambitious cooking, with a butler in every suite — and for open-air living on a more contemporary ship.
Lean Seabourn for a smaller, more convivial ship where the sea feels closer, at fares that lean more towards value.
Going on expedition? Then the brand matters far less: Silversea’s and Seabourn’s expedition ships are the most alike pair across the two lines in our data.
Your answers, not ours. CruiseLens weighs all 28 characteristics against how you travel and names the ship that fits you — Silversea Nova class or Seabourn Encore class, or one of the other 28 ship groups. Twenty-three questions, about four minutes.
Find my ship → Ask MarcThe published facts
From each operator’s own published pages. Silversea Nova class: Silver Nova (representative; Silver Ray sister), checked 23 August 2026. Seabourn Encore class: Seabourn Ovation (representative; Encore sister), checked 23 August 2026.
| Silversea Nova class | Seabourn Encore class | |
|---|---|---|
| Guests (double occupancy) | 728 | 600 |
| Crew | 544 | 450 |
| Guests per crew member | 1.34 | 1.33 |
| Gross tonnage | 54,700 | 40,350 |
| Space ratio (gross tonnage per guest) | 75 | 67 |
| Year built | 2023 | 2018 |
| Entry-level veranda accommodation, incl. veranda | 355 sq ft (301 sq ft interior + 54 sq ft veranda) | 314 sq ft |
| Butler service | Butler service in every suite | Personal suite host and suite attendant; not marketed as butler service fleetwide |
| Restaurants | 9 dining venues | 5 restaurants plus 24-hour room service |
| Dress code | Casual by day; elegant casual/formal optional depending voyage and venue | Resort casual by day; elegant casual evenings; formal optional on selected nights |
| Drinks | Beverages included in suite and throughout ship; rare premium labels excluded | Premium wines and spirits included; select rare labels excluded |
| Gratuities included | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-fi | Included; allowance and premium tier vary by fare/suite | Unlimited Wi-Fi included; streaming/premium tiers may vary |
| Shore excursions | Not included on the All-Inclusive fare; the All-Inclusive Plus fare adds a shore-excursion credit whose value varies by voyage (classic voyages) | Ocean voyages generally chargeable; expedition landings/activities included as specified |
| Flights, transfers, hotel | Fare/market dependent | Not generally included; package dependent |
| Minimum guest age | 6 months | 6 months (12 months on transatlantic sailings) |
Expeditioner Travel is paid commission by the cruise line on bookings, by every line here; no line pays for placement or for a score. How we’re paid.