Consider yourself lucky. You are one of the 1% in the world who can afford to travel on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, the most luxurious cruise ship in the world!
We wrote about Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer in 2016, when it was christened in Monte Carlo by Princess Charlene of Monaco. But now, as the liner gets ready to sail on its inaugural season this week, Baroque Travel finds out why it’s going to be considered the world’s most luxurious liner
The magnificent Regent Seven Seas Explorer that was christened by Princess Charlene of Monaco on 13 July, 2016, set sail from Los Angeles this month on its inaugural journey, the start of its winter season. This spacious, elegant, exquisitely plush ocean liner offers wall-to-wall luxury in each of its 375 suites, all with private balcony and every possible amenity.
So what sets the Seven Seas Explorer apart from the rest? Let’s start with the magnificent giant chandelier in the main dining room, created from $200,000 worth of hand-blown glass. It’s one of 158 chandeliers on board, and contains 6,000 hand-placed octagonal pieces of glass. Then there’s the Regent Suite that takes up the entire front of Deck 14, which boasts its own spa, steam room and mini pool. And let’s not forget the $7 million worth of exquisite artworks decorating the ship…
Regent’s $450 million Seven Seas Explorer promises superlative service and unbeatably opulent accommodation. The ship, which has just sailed from Los Angeles to Miami on a 15-night cruise via the Panama Canal, boasts a one-to-one guest-crew ratio and is most notable for its subtle extravagance and exceptional service offerings.
Cruises are renowned for being all-inclusive, but the Seven Seas Explorer takes this to another level. Your caviar, champagne and lobster, staff tips, sightseeing on shore, entertainment and anything else you require is all included in your fare, as if the business-class flights to get you to and from the ship.
But it’s the whole atmosphere that oozes luxe. The spaciousness of the cabins and their generous private balconies, the pampering in the bathrooms that offer two tubs and double sinks as well as showers and marble everywhere. The Illy espresso maker, binoculars and cashmere blankets are just the start. There’s also a caviar service in your suite, access to the ship’s private dining room, the Study, and the two-bedroom Master Suite with its baby grand piano and bar.
When it comes to fine dining, this cruise ship pulls out all the stops. There are two main lunch restaurants and six where guests can enjoy dinner. Staff is on hand the moment you step aboard, offering caviar and shrimp canapés, and the party is never-ending from then onwards. The largest restaurant is the Compass Room; it seats 400 guests who enjoy superb cuisine on specially designed Versace place settings. And if you’re interested in learning to cook, there’s a dedicated Culinary Arts Kitchen for that.
A voyage on the Seven Seas Explorer is full of exciting experiences. Every day is a new adventure, with a choice of entertainment and sports options that caters for everybody. There’s a casino, jogging on the outdoor deck, paddle tennis, golf practice, library, bocce ball… or just lazing on a plush pool chaise and soaking up the sun.
This winter, this superlative super liner will be cruising the Caribbean, visiting the Bahamas and Mexico and passing through the Panama Canal right up till the end of March. The ship cruises the Med during the summer season and then returns to the Caribbean for its second season in December 2017.