I am planning on going on a cruise for the first time in the near future and have narrowed down the choices to Silversea, Regent, or Seabourn but how would they rank and compare to each other. What are the pros and cons? Thank you.
When we first started cruising went on the "Big Brand" ships, first cruise was Princess, been on Regent.
Depends what you want! The top brands you mention will give you superb service, excellent food, we even had our own butler! They are ideal if you want to boast to friends and make the neighbours jealous!
We are more interested in seeing all the amazing places in the world that big/posh lines do not take you to! There are many 100+ passenger ships with top luxury going to fabulous places or expedition small ships with less luxury but doing incredible visits to unique destinations you can only dream of!
Got off National Geographic research vessel last week after spending week grey whale watching / kayaking / snorkeling with wild seals down in Baja California!
Went inside the crater (in our ship!) of waterlogged dormant volcano at Deception Island Antarctica!
Been through Panama Canal (also Suez canal), what unique experiences!
Been to Disko Bay (Greenland) where Titanic iceberg started from, kayaked between smaller bergs.
Since this is your first cruise, I would recommend going with Royal Caribbean, or Celebrity, but I can't recommend Carnival. The lines you mentioned are top cruise lines, which also come with very, very high prices. If you went with RC, you could get the feel for a cruise without gambling with thousands upon thousands of dollars to only find out that you don't like it. After your first or second cruise then you could try those.
All three are at the top of the heap in the industry. Most people can't afford them hence the popularity of all the mainstream lines. Perhaps cruise critic might be good source for info. I don't know anyone who's used any of them.