This was my first time on a Regent Seven Seas ship, and before boarding I attended a training session in the City Cruise Terminal at Southampton. This was really useful as it meant that we learned some of the tools needed to help establish the ideal customers to whom we should be talking to about Regent Seven Seas.
The ship had only just returned from a world cruise, meaning that there was a lot going on, with large amounts of luggage to unload. There were also a lot of crew changeovers as well, and the ship was undergoing a safety check and emergency drill. Despite all of this we were only held up for about 10 minutes or so, and as we went onboard I was impressed with the genuine friendliness of all the crew we met.
Due to the fact it had started raining just before we boarded, we didn’t spend a lot of time on the open decks, but enough to see that there was a good sized pool and Jacuzzis on deck 11, together with plenty of quality sun loungers, and a pool grill. Deck 11 is also home to the Observation lounge forward, and La Veranda Restaurant, with an Al Fresco dining section, aft.
We then set off to view some of the suites, which was what I was most interested in seeing (apart from lunch that is). Seven Seas Voyager is an all-suite, all-balcony ship, and even the lead-in accommodation is a deluxe suite (category D-H) measuring 356sq ft, including a 50sq ft balcony, which is large compared to the mainstream cruise ships.
After that you move up through progressively larger suites, penthouse, seven seas (forward), seven seas (aft), voyager, grand and master suites. All suites from penthouse and above come with butler service included.
The largest are the MS master suites with two situated on deck 11, measuring 1,403sq ft (including a 187sq ft balcony) and two more situated on deck 7, measuring 1,335 (including a 183sq ft balcony). These suites each have 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
The fixtures and fittings found in all the suites were of a very high standard, and I can imagine that anyone staying in them would be very satisfied. Being an all inclusive ship, it means that the drinks are included in the suites, as well as the bars and restaurants, and will be replaced as and when required. If I was going to be a bit picky, I would say that the room safes could do with being larger as they were not suitable for a laptop computer.
The suites were all situated from deck 6 up to deck 10, and each of these decks had a self service launderette should passengers care to take advantage of them.
Having viewed the various suites we went to deck 6, and visited the well stocked library, the beauty salon, aerobics room, fitness centre, spa and saunas.
On deck 5 we saw the upper level of the large and impressive Constellation Theatre, the café area called ‘coffee connection’, and the main reception area. Also nearby were the internet café and computer training room, and the boutiques. We then visited the speciality restaurants, which are ‘Prime 7’, serving high quality steak and seafood, and ‘Signatures’, which is a cordon bleu restaurant. While you have to make reservations for these restaurants, there is no charge as they are part of the ‘all inclusive’ dining. Next door to Signatures is the Horizon Lounge, which has some comfortable seating outside on the aft deck.
We then moved down to deck 4, to see the card and conference room, the Connoisseur Club, Voyager Lounge and Casino, before ending up in the Compass Rose restaurant. We were served a fabulous meal, which included one of the best steaks I think I have ever had, which was a Filet Mignon of Black Angus Beef with Porcini Mushroom Jus. Other comments from around the table showed that it was a very popular choice.
Summary
An extremely enjoyable and worthwhile visit and I can see how the tagline ‘the most inclusive ultra-luxury cruise experience at sea' is justified. When you stop and consider just what is included in the price you pay, they do offer exceptional value for money cruises.
- Free return economy flights & transfers on every cruise
- Free unlimited excursions in every port
- All fine dining including speciality restaurants
- All drinks & beverages including fine wines, premium spirits, cocktails & selected Champagnes
- All gratuities (no tipping or service charges)
- In suite dining & 24 hour room service
- In suite fridge replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and water
- Butler service in C category suites and above
We were told in the training session, that with many other cruise lines it isn't so much "How much does it cost to get on the ship", but when you take into account the cost of excursions, drinks and gratuities, it is more like "How much does it get to get off the ship". You don't get this with Regent Seven Seas as so much is included in the price, and I will certainly be recommending it to my clients.
