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Login Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.
Our recent Alaska cruise on Regent Seven Seas Explorer was fabulous. From the moment we stepped on the ship to the seamless disembarking process at the end, the experience was absolutely exquisite. The ship is beautifully appointed from floor to ceiling. Every detail on the Explorer is top notch. The carpet is spotless, the furnishings are luxurious (and comfortable), and the artwork around the ship is interesting and tastefully curated. Be sure to check out the Picassos and Chagall in the lounge in Prime 7 Steakhouse. Every suite is spacious and has a balcony! We were in a mid range suite and it felt like a luxury hotel room, but somehow nicer. The staff on the ship was welcoming and friendly. They genuinely seemed to enjoy having us aboard and always greeted us with a smile and salutation. The food is picture perfect and tastes as good as it looks. They are also very accommodation with food allergies and preferences. There is a designated allergy free section of the expansive galley and it was easy for the kitchen staff to meet the needs of a vegetarian celiac traveller who we met and dined with on multiple occasions. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the several restaurants hours of operation listed in the daily newsletter, "Passages", so that you can check out all of the daily options from high end to pool grill casual. In fact, be sure to check out "Passages" every day so you know what's happening on and off the ship. The entertainment was top notch and a great way to wind down after a wonderful day, or start the evening at happy hour. I highly recommend, catching the several presentations by the onboard naturalist to learn about the natural history of the area, as presented by an expert. Don't miss the daily trivia contest at 4:30 in the observation lounge. It's a lot of fun and a good way to meet people as you can recruit a team of up to six to help increase your chances of winning. In addition, the "Krew Kapers" performance later in the week is a must see variety show presented by the surprisingly multi-talented crew members. Don't be surprised if you get misty eyed! Because it is Alaska, and you will be passing along the Tongas National Forest, don't be surprised if you have some cloudy days or even rain. After all, the Tongas is the world largest intact temperate rain forest. A little bit of rain and mist makes the scenery and photos more dramatic and it makes the sunny days all the better. One evening we were told we would have 8 ft swells, but the explorer handled the "rough seas" beautifully with barely a noticeable gentle rocking motion. No one seemed be affected. Be sure to keep an eye out for whales, seal, sea lions, bald eagles, and other wild life. These magnificent creature are practically everywhere along the way. What more is there to say? If you appreciate luxurious surroundings, friendly people, delicious food, top notch entertainment, and a heck of a lot of fun at see, look no further. The Seven Seas Explorer has it all!
the staff the service, the suites, the cuisine, the space the activities the shore excursions and FREE LAUNDRY all unbelievable! Every staff member is so kind and smiles and makes you feel so at home and welcomed.....the service.....I was traveling with a friend who had some dietary needs and the ship restaurant staff accommodated immediately! The choice of restaurants and all included we did not have to pay to dine in the steakhouse or French restaurant or my favorite the Asian. It was the most relaxed and enjoyable experience. The shore tours were very good. We took advantage of all the complimentary tours. We hiked in the Tongass Rainforest and there were only 11 of us and the guide was amazing. And actually all of the guides we had on the FREE tours were extremely knowledgable. Gettign on the ship was very simple, no crowds and no lines......and the same when we got off the ship, easy! the entire onboard experience is so lovely casual relaxed.....And great activities!
Final Review: My First Regent Seven Seas Cruise on Seven Seas Explorer — Alaska I am glad to share my final thoughts on our very first Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage aboard Seven Seas Explorer to Alaska. My wife, Tami, and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary onboard. We were originally booked in a Penthouse Suite and later won an upgrade bid to a G2 Grand Suite at the front of the ship. Before I begin, a brief disclosure. I am an unpaid, unbiased Ultra-Luxury Cruise, Travel, and Travel-Related Product influencer/content creator. I am NOT a travel agent. I pay for my own cruises. I share detailed reviews because, in my experience, affluent ultra-luxury guests often do not take the time to write long, detailed, balanced reviews or comparisons. My opinions are based only on my personal experience. My integrity is not nor has it ever been for sale. I also understand that some people believe content creators receive different treatment. I can only speak for myself. I did extensive research for months before this cruise, communicated clearly, set realistic expectations, and treated the crew with kindness and respect. If someone believes that helped enhance my experience, I will simply say: that same due diligence is available to every guest. Overall Impression I waited a long time to cruise Regent because I believed the investment was too high. After this voyage, I now understand the value better. When you compare what Regent includes, it can be a very strong value if you book wisely, research carefully, and understand what you personally want from a cruise. Regent is like every cruise brand I have experienced: it has positives and negatives. On this sailing, the positives clearly outweighed the negatives. My overall rating: 8 out of 10. What makes Regent feel truly ultra-luxury is NOT only the ship, suite, food, or inclusions. It is the crew and officers. The personalized service was exceptional. On day two, a server at the buffet greeted us by name: “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Tilkin.” That kind of detail matters. Food & Dining Food is always subjective. For us, Regent’s overall dining experience was very good, though not the very best we have had at sea. I would rate it 7.5 out of 10. Compass Rose Compass Rose is one of the best main dining rooms I have experienced on any ship. The service was excellent, the menu was broad, and they truly seemed willing to customize meals. Breakfast was especially strong, and the Sunday brunch was excellent. Freshly squeezed orange juice was a real highlight. One impressive moment was ordering Dover Sole and having it deboned tableside. That is classic service and very much appreciated. Buffet and Pool Grill The buffet looked beautiful, and I liked that the Pool Grill was just outside. The smell of steaks and burgers grilling was wonderful, and the heated outdoor dining area was a smart touch in Alaska. The prime rib on embarkation day was excellent in my opinion. Some criticized that comment online by comparing it to famous land-based prime rib restaurants. I found that comparison unnecessary. I simply enjoyed it. Other buffet items were more hit-or-miss. The baked goods were fine, but not memorable. The burgers looked great but lacked seasoning. Pasta was similar: nice presentation, average flavor. Prime 7 Prime 7 was a serious surprise. My expectations were modest because cruise ship steakhouses can be inconsistent. This one exceeded expectations. The steaks were excellent. The crab cakes were excellent. I would personally skip the clam chowder. The popcorn sundae, however, was over the top. Pacific Rim Pacific Rim was very good, especially the Miso Black Cod. Many consider it the best restaurant onboard, and I understand why. One piece of advice: eat at Pacific Rim in the restaurant. We ordered from Pacific Rim to our suite one evening because my wife was not feeling well, and the food arrived cold and was not enjoyable. The next night we ordered from Prime 7, and it was better, but still not the same as dining in the venue. Coffee Bar and Afternoon Tea The coffee bar was excellent. In Alaska, they even put a bear design on top of my coffee, which was a wonderful touch. The snacks were just right. Afternoon tea had lovely service, music, and atmosphere. The food looked better than it tasted. Compared with other afternoon teas I have experienced, it was just okay. Butler, Steward, and Suite Service Our butler was the best butler we have ever had on any cruise. Butler service can be hit-or-miss, but ours was a grand slam. Our room steward was equally outstanding. Tami and I keep our suite neat, just as we do at home, so I judge suite service by how everything feels after we leave and return. Somehow, everything was always perfect. On our anniversary, the team created towel art with a large heart and white roses in the center. It was thoughtful, personal, and memorable. No one, in my experience, does personalized service better than Regent. Excursions Most excursions are included, while higher-end options carry an additional charge. I noticed that some paid excursions could have been purchased independently for slightly less, but the difference was not enough for me to worry about. VIP Train The VIP train was well worth the money. The seating was comfortable, the views were excellent from both sides, and the guide was easy to understand. Drinks, snacks, and a restroom were included. I highly recommend it. Fin Island Fin Island was outstanding. We saw eagles, enjoyed a very good lunch, and experienced beautiful nature. The real highlight came after lunch: whales, otters, and other sea life. This is what many people come to Alaska to see. Entertainment, Talks, and Activities The nature talks, especially the whale presentation, were very well done. The production shows were better than expected. Do not expect mega-ship entertainment. This was more refined and appropriate for a smaller ultra-luxury ship. Sail away felt like the old days of cruising. Lovely, classic, and memorable. The Ship Seven Seas Explorer is a lovely, well-maintained ship. It did not feel tired to me. It was luxurious without feeling stuffy, easy to navigate, and we rarely waited for an elevator. It was not the most impressive ship I have sailed, but it was certainly worthy of the Regent name. The area most in need of improvement is technology. Our Grand Suite Was the Grand Suite worth the upgrade bid? Yes. Would I book that same suite again on this ship? No. The suite itself was huge, with a dining table for six, a large jacuzzi soaking tub, a large walk-in closet, a full bar setup, and the ability to dine from any open restaurant. The suite also included special options such as an in-suite caviar experience and a private party for eight, though we did not use those benefits because my wife became ill. The forward location was a mixed bag. When the ship was moving, the balcony furniture had to be locked down. In Alaska, the bedroom blinds also allowed some light in at night because it stays bright outside so late. I am grateful we experienced the Grand Suite, especially for our anniversary, but I believe we would also have been very comfortable in our original Penthouse Suite. Medical Center The onboard medical team was professional, thorough, and kind. It was expensive, but that is why cruise travel insurance matters. Areas for Improvement Pre-Cruise Hotel The Anchorage Hilton was the provided pre-cruise hotel. In my opinion, it was very poor. We had no internet for two days, and the room badly needed renovation. My advice: take the credit and book your own hotel. Internet The upgraded streaming internet was disappointing. Charging $19 per day for better internet did not feel consistent with an ultra-luxury experience. At this price point, every guest should have reliable internet included. The service was also choppy compared with other ships I have sailed recently. Entitled Guests and Social Media Ultra-luxury cruising can attract some entitled guests. Most people we met were kind, gracious, and classy, even when they disagreed. However, a small number of people online were rude, condescending, and unnecessarily personal. That is not Regent’s fault. It is simply part of today’s social media environment. My advice: if you post detailed reviews, have thick skin. Many people will appreciate the work. A few will criticize the effort, question your motives, or assume the worst. That is unfortunate, but it comes with the territory. Final Conclusion This was a lovely cruise and a very strong first experience with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Would I cruise Regent again? Yes, but with conditions. It would depend on the itinerary, price compared with other ultra-luxury brands, and ideally a newer ship. I did not book another Regent cruise while onboard, and I had no desire to do so at that moment. That is not a criticism. It simply means I remain a free agent. Regent delivered a classic ultra-luxury experience. Many guests will love that style. I personally lean toward a more subtle, relaxed version of luxury, which other brands may provide better for my preferences. My final advice is simple: know what you want before you book. There are many excellent options at this price point. Do your due diligence. Read the positive and negative reviews. Look for patterns, not isolated complaints. And take every guest opinion, including mine, with a grain of salt. Taste is personal. Expectations matter. Research matters. And in the end, the best cruise is the one that matches you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.
Our Alaska cruise was wonderful, exceeding our high expectations. The Regent Seven Seas Explorer is small enough to cruise in fjords, but large enough to have all the amenities you expect on a luxury cruise. We’ve sailed on larger ships, and this was a superior experience. We sailed one day to the Hubbard glacier, far up a fjord lined on both sides with waterfalls, cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. The cold blue glacier at the fjord’s head, calving icebergs, is the most spectacular of all the beautiful vistas on our itinerary. We stayed there for over an hour as the Captain slowly rotated the ship so everyone had a great view. There were plenty of choices for great excursions at our stops, although some, like whale watching, were at capacity. We saw humpbacks and grey whales, otters, and eagles at close range. My favorite on board activity was cooking, a wonderful experience in a modern, purpose-built kitchen, lead by a highly experienced and engaging chef. The Explorer is very stable, handling 8 foot seas one night with only mild rocking. The ship never felt crowded, and we never had long waits for an elevator. The crew was uniformly well trained and did everything possible to make our experience great. Food was quite varied, uniformly high quality, and available around the clock. We also tested the on board medical care, and found a highly capable doctor, nurses, and extremely well equipped clinic. We were glad they were there. We have already booked our next cruise with Regent.
Regent Seven Sea Cruises® offers an all-inclusive, in-suite luxury experience like no other at sea. Every suite has spacious closets, high-end finishes, relaxing Elite Slumber™ beds and private balconies. Sizes range from 307 to 4,443 square feet (93.6 to 443 square meters)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® takes pride in creating dining experiences that are simply superb. From succulent lobster to the perfect burger and shake, you’ll find an array of refined flavors and refreshments from which to choose.
The Regent Experience goes beyond the intuitive, personalised service of our world-class team and having every luxurious amenity at your beck and call. It goes beyond culinary experiences delivering epicurean perfection at sea and on land. It goes beyond immersive shore excursions — thousands of which are included — across 550-plus ports of call around the world. It goes beyond each of these by including all of them and more, creating opportunities to live life to the fullest every day.
IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION
Wanderlust tugs at the heart of every traveler. Indulge yours with thousands of INCLUDED Unlimited Shore Excursions, optional Overland Programs, bespoke experiences and a veritable menagerie of opportunities for immersing yourself in over 550 ports of call worldwide.
DESTINATION IMMERSION
Allow us to be your guide as we continue to explore the world around us, from the locales you've longed to see to the hidden gems in places you've been before. Experience some of our favourite excursions as we traverse the world to engage each destination in its most glorious state.
EXPAND YOUR HORIZON
Celebrate your favourite areas of interest, from nature and wildlife to architecture and the culinary arts, through classes, guest speakers and other unique engagements. We invite you to join us and expand your knowledge on every voyage.
Each voyage offers marvellous opportunities to learn, grow and expand your world through enriching presentations and more. Expand your culinary skills with classes specially designed for the Culinary Arts Kitchen, impeccably led by our expert chefs. Enlighten your perspective further when sailing aboard select voyages spotlighting various areas of interest, and hosting presentations, engagements and tours with thought leaders and guest speakers renowned in their various fields of expertise.
Daytime Enrichment
You’ll find time spent on board the ship to be just as enriching as time ashore. Relax by the pool, compete in a friendly game of trivia or bocce ball, indulge in treats at afternoon tea and gain insight from an expert lecturer.
Evening Entertainment
Evenings on board are filled with music and fun. Enjoy a rousing cabaret show, test your luck at the Casino, step onto the stage for karaoke or simply find a quiet place on deck to revel in the symphony of stars.
Boutiques and More
Browse a well-curated selection of duty-free designer clothes, jewelry, perfume and more at the onboard boutiques. Then fuel up with an espresso from an onboard café or unwind at a wine tasting in one of the lounges.
Shows
From a dueling battle between genres and a story of romance to a thriller filled with intrigue, these are just a taste of the lavishly staged musical productions that await.
Luxury travel is a holistic experience, one that reenergizes and restores the mind, body and spirit, leaving you with a greater sense of satisfaction and wellbeing. Serene Spa & Wellness™ invites you into a globally inspired, tranquil haven of health, beauty and wellness.
Our Club Mariner program is designed for age groups 5-8, 9-12 and 13-17, and is supervised by specially trained counsellors. Club Mariner is available on select sailings only. Please ask your travel professional for details. Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted in the Spa or Fitness Centre.
