Regent Seven Seas Cruises
I must admit I was a little anxious prior to our own first sailing with Regent Seven Seas. Especially as it was the maiden voyage of Seven Seas Explorer, billed as, “The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built”. Would everyone onboard be snobbish millionaires? Would we feel like fish out of water? We had nothing to fear, we never felt out of place. The staff and our fellow passengers made us feel at home instantly.
While the dress code is “smart casual resort wear” during the day, there were no tuxedos or tiaras at night. We dressed as we would going out to a really nice restaurant at home, and we always felt comfortable. While most of our fellow passengers were obviously well off, we made friends easily. We didn’t find anyone too hoity-toity, the opposite in fact. Everyone we spoke with, was well educated, well-travelled (most had visited NZ already) and had the best stories to share over dinner.
The greatest thing about Regent Seven Seas is that everything is included in the cost of your cruise. Not just your accommodation, transport, and meals but also your tips, drinks, exercise classes, shore tours and even laundry!
One of my typical days started with an early room service breakfast, with a fresh coffee, croissant, and cereal outside on our balcony. Then off to a Spin class at the gym, to sweat off last night’s gourmet calories. A quick shower in our suites opulent marble bathroom. Then off the ship to visit the next amazing vineyard on my included shore excursion.
The free sightseeing tours that Regent include, transform their cruises to an experience like no other! I must admit on other cruise lines I normally explore ashore on my own. I might pick one or two ships shore excursions when I can see a tour is will make things easier for me. However, when you have a free tour available at every port – you take advantage of them – and they are fantastic.
I’m a bit of a wine buff, and particularly around the Med there is at least one winery tour in each port. I got to try so many wines, from experimental Italian Whites, Provencal Rose’s, Spanish Reds, the Sherry’s of Jerez, to a variety of Port Wines in Oporto. I learned so much – I was in heaven!
Then back on board, greeted with a cool towel and refreshing fruit juice. Some time to relax in the Infinity pool at the rear of the ship, before meeting new friends for pre-dinner drinks in the plush Meridien Lounge. Then another highlight – a leisurely gourmet meal of the best French cuisine at Chartreuse.
If you struggle getting a good night’s sleep away from home, I can assure you there’s no need to worry on Regent. You’ll get an amazing nights rest cocooned in your Suite’s sumptuous bed, to awake refreshed, ready for the next exciting day of your Regent cruise.
