I just returned from the most luxurious ship ever built: Regent Seven Seas Explorer.
The ship is brand new and boasts 55,000 tons of pure luxury. With 750 guests spread over 10 decks, this is the largest ship in Regent Seven Seas fleet. Walking around on board you would never know there are this many people on board. The public areas were never crowded, and I didn’t have to stand in line once for a tender, disembarkation or dinner seating. There are 542 crew members on board, and their only mission is to tend your every need. After day one, crew members knew my name and made sure I felt at home every second of my day. Since Regent Seven Seas is an all-inclusive product, you never have to worry about your personal comfort or needs.
With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, all shore excursions are included. Our groups were never more than 20 people to one guide, and the guides were phenomenal! In Sardinia, Italy, for example, we didn’t just learn that the island spans 270 km by 146 km in size and is divided into four provinces that accumulate a total of 27 sub-regions all with different languages, we also learned that it’s the third largest producer of cork (yes, the thing that keeps your wine bottled up) in the world and that it’s one of the top exporters of granite. We did an extensive wine tasting, visited the harbor and set foot into Nuraghe La Prisigiona, an archeological site built 14 centuries B.C. And we still had free time to shop our hearts out at some of the most amazing boutiques in the Mediterranean. A must do: The Ice Cream Shop in Porto Cervo – their gelato is some of the best I’ve ever tasted!
My stateroom, a Concierge Balcony Suite, provided an entire 454-square-feet to stretch out in. I had a walk in closet, a bedroom area, separate sitting area, a desk, a minibar hutch, a large balcony furnished with two chairs and a table as well as an incredibly comfortable lounge chair. My bathroom was beautifully laid out with double vanities, ample storage space, a bathtub and the most amazing rain shower ever! All drawers are easy-close draws. It’s truly the little things in life that make a difference.
Feeling peckish? Try any of the amazing six restaurants on board. Each features its own kitchen and cuisine, with the décor to match. Options range from the buffet to Asian-Fusion, French Cuisine, Italian Cooking, a top notch Steakhouse or the main restaurant. All dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated, and unlike other cruise lines, there are no extra fees for any of the restaurants or room service.
For those who can’t sit still for too long, there is a tennis court, an 18-hole putting course, a jogging track and a top-of-the-line gym with stunning ocean views for your workout.
Are you more the lounging-by-the-pool and getting spoiled silly in the Canyon Ranch Spa kind of person? Not a problem at all. The salt water pool is accompanied by two hot tubs and the spa features a separate infinity pool for a more relaxed atmosphere. The pool bar is fully stocked and they make a mean strawberry daiquiri.
Your evening entertainment is taken care of as well. The Constellation Theater offers a different show every night. I absolutely loved the “Best of the ‘60s” performance. Nobody was able to stay in their seats! All three lounges offer live music in the evenings, and after 10 p.m., the DJ is ready for you. Make sure to pack your dancing shoes!
I can tell by now you are wondering what else there is to do on board. Clearly this can’t be it? And you are right! Any aspiring chefs amongst us? Arts Kitchen offers cooking classes (extra charge applies), themed by the port of the day. Some days you will have hands-on classes on board only, other days you will get a shopping list and get to go ashore with the chef to pick ingredients at the market and then learn how to prepare them. What’s my favorite kitchen tip? Coat your salad bowl with dressing first before adding your salad, then stir to get a more even mix on your greens…
The drawback? I’ve been home for three days now and someone has yet to ask me what I would like to drink and if they can fetch me a snack. In all seriousness though, once you get on board this amazing ship, life as you know it will never be the same. Get ready to be spoiled beyond belief in some of the most unique destinations around the world. It would be my pleasure to make your arrangements and help get you there. QCBN
By Daniela Harrison
Daniela Harrison is a Travel Consultant for Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff.
For questions, or to make reservations, she can be reached at: Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com or 928-556-0853.
