Exploring “The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built”

Regent Seven Seas Cruises promises an unrivaled experience, and they most certainly deliver. When every detail of your voyage has been taken care of, such as flights, airport transfers, shore excursions, and more, you know you are sailing with the best of the best.

Next Level Luxury

I recently had the opportunity to tour Seven Seas Explorer, one of five ships currently in Regent’s modern fleet, the newest of which is Seven Seas Splendor being christened in February. After spending some time on board, I can confidently say she is genuinely ‘the most luxurious cruise ship ever built!’ In a word, she is simply exquisite. It is evident from my short time on the ship that Regent Seven Seas Cruises has spared no expense to curate the most luxurious vacation experience possible for their guests.

Discerning travelers who appreciate 5-star stellar service, exquisite cuisine, extravagant suites, and having every luxury included, will feel right at home on board this ship. No detail has been overlooked. You will see it everywhere in the design, decor, and amenities.

Service

With a 1.36 guest-to-crew ratio, guests can expect the highest level of personalized service from their attentive staff. During embarkation, the crew welcomes you to your home away from home with a champagne toast, setting the tone for what you can expect throughout your voyage.

The crew knows more than just your name. They know which table you like to sit at, how you take your coffee, and what to stock in your minibar. Whether you are enjoying a gourmet meal, a spa treatment, or lounging by the pool, it feels as though they can anticipate your every need.

Seven Seas Explorer Suites

Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship. Yes, all-suites! There are many to choose from; among the largest are the Regent, Master, and Grand Suites. But even the smallest of these private sanctuaries, like the Veranda Suites, have spacious closets, high-end finishes, marble bathrooms, and relaxing Elite Slumber™ beds, which promise the most blissful night sleep you could ever imagine.

The one-of-a-kind 4,000 square-foot Regent Suite offers guests a front-row seat to the ocean on their voyage. Located on the bow of Deck 14, it is the largest and most luxurious suite on Seven Seas Explorer. Impeccably decorated with rare works of art, there are two spacious bedrooms, two balconies, private solarium, full-sized walk-in his and her closets, and two and a half bathrooms. 

The master bath is an in-suite spa. This is perhaps my favorite part about the Regent Suite. Having your own personal spa space is an extravagant extra to have onboard a cruise ship. It felt like an utterly decadent amenity. I pictured myself lying on the heated beds for hours looking out on the ocean while relaxing. There is also a private sauna, a large marble bathtub, and even an outdoor jetted spa on the deck. The bathroom is well stocked with lavish bath products from L’Occitane, Spongellé, Labottega, and Guerlain, as well as plush bathrobes and slippers.

Entertaining is easy in the Regent Suite. Throw a cocktail party for a few friends at your personalized in-suite full-liquor bar, enjoy catered in-room dining, or tickle the ivories on the custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano.

Regent Cruises’ All-Inclusive Experience

Regent’s all-inclusive experience onboard means everything you can imagine or want is included. From the moment you step aboard, it’s all paid for leaving you with nothing more to worry about except enjoying your cruise. Dine at any of the specialty restaurants or order from room service any time; it is always included!

The all-inclusive experience consists of:

• Free business class airfare
• Free transfers between airport and ship
• Free unlimited beverages, wines, and spirits
• Free open bars & lounges, including in-suite minibar
• Free pre-paid gratuities
• Free specialty restaurant dining
• Free unlimited WiFi
• And more

A highlight of the Regent experience is partaking in the free unlimited shore excursions. The tours, available at at more than 450 ports of call, are more than just museum visits. They are curated experiences that allow Regent’s guests to immerse themselves in local cultures around the world.

Dining on Seven Seas Explorer

All guests on Seven Seas Explorer have the opportunity to dine in any of their specialty restaurants. From Compass Rose to Prime 7, their chefs have worked to bring the flavors of the world to your plate.

While onboard, I enjoyed expertly prepared french fare at Chartreuse. As we sat for lunch in this swanky space, I was reminded of dining in a chic Parisian bistro. Everything from the decor to the food is a vibrant shade of yellow, tying back to the restaurant’s name Chartreuse. The bar area has plush velvet chairs, the perfect spot for a pre-meal cocktail, while the tables are set with the most beautiful china. 

My meal started artfully plated tuna tartar surrounded by a decadent carrot and ginger dressing. I very much enjoyed the main course which was mediterranean sea bass. For dessert, I was treated to a modern take on traditional baked Alaska, a dish usually presented on the final night of a cruise. It was an individual portion of baked meringue covered ice cream served with a raspberry and vanilla sauce.  

Extraordinary Extras

Unlike any cruise ship I have been on thus far, Seven Seas Explorer offers small, hands-on cooking classes in an extraordinary oceanfront classroom. Their Culinary Arts Kitchen has room for up to 18 guests who can choose from a wide range of gourmet cooking classes ($89/person) offered during their voyage.

All of the workstations are equipped with induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks, and top of the line cooking essentials. In their classes, guests have a chance to learn new techniques or hone skills they already have. All levels of experience are welcome as the chef guides you step-by-step through the preparation of a delectable meal. Best of all, after you have seared and sauteed your dishes, you’ll get to try them all with a glass of wine and then take the recipes home with you.

Additionally, there is an opportunity for gastronomic enthusiasts to take part in the Gourmet Explorer Tours. These excursions are a unique opportunity to dive deep into the culinary culture and local flavor of the cruise destinations. This might mean shopping with the chef for ingredients at the local market in France or taking a tapas class in Spain. 

Where will you go next with Regent Seven Seas Cruises?

Can you picture yourself sailing on Seven Seas Explorer for your next cruise? I know I can! Regent Seven Seas Cruises embodies all of the things I expect from a luxury cruise line. In addition to the first-class service, stunningly spacious suites with oversized bathrooms and closets, and culinary excellence, I love that their cruises are all-inclusive. When I vacation, I prefer to pay for everything upfront so that there are no surprises at the end of the trip. 

I am aware that the price tag for Regent cruises aren’t cheap; however, when you factor in the free roundtrip business class flights on intercontinental flights and the complimentary ground transfers, that alone is an incredible value. Add on the unlimited shore excursions and other included amenities, and it is completely worth it.

Seven Seas Explorer sails to the Caribbean and Latin American during the winter months. In the spring, she makes her way over to the Mediterranean. Eventually, she finds herself in Northern Europe during the summer stopping at ports of call in Russia and Norway before heading to Asia in the fall.

I’d love to hear which Regent Seven Seas itinerary you’d choose. Please let me know in the comments below.

Disclosure: Regent Seven Seas provided complimentary accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities for review purposes. As always, this post reflects the honest opinion of my experience without outside influence.