Luxury brand Regent Seven Seas prides itself on its all-inclusive promise and six-star ships but, of course, such frills come at a price. Did members think it was worth shelling out for all that Regent Seven Seas has to offer?
With five stars in all seven categories, Regent Seven Seas certainly impressed Which? members, who love its small ships and ‘personal ambience’. The all-inclusive nature of its high-end cruises is a major draw: ‘We like knowing exactly what our holiday is going to cost’.
Who is Regent Seven Seas?
This luxury American cruise line has just four mid-sized ships, the largest of which carries 750 passengers. Fares are all-inclusive, so expect everything from premium drinks and gourmet restaurants to gratuities and excursions to be thrown in. Although Regent covers the globe, popular routes include trans-Atlantic crossings, North America and Canada, and the Med, including popular round-UK tours departing from Southampton.
What’s Regent Seven Seas like?
Although our top-rated ocean cruise line swept the board with five stars in every category, it was the only one to achieve full marks for the quality of on-board facilities. Its ‘all-suite’ ships feature spas, jogging tracks, casinos, libraries and theatres, so there’s plenty to do in the evenings and on sea days. Although it was the second most expensive of the lines we surveyed, members rated Regent Seven Seas highly for value for money. ‘It appears expensive, but everything is included – wine, posh restaurants, shore excursions and tips’, said one respondent. With a maximum of 1.6 passengers per crewmember, there was also praise for Regent’s ‘faultless service and attention to detail’.
Members like the ‘open dining’ concept, which allows you to eat whenever and with whomever you choose, unlike more traditional lines with allocated tables and time slots. Each ship offers a range of restaurants, serving everything from steaks and modern French cuisine, to more exotic Pacific Rim fare – all without a supplement.
Free shore excursions are a big draw, with several on offer at each port. These range from simple walking tours to beach safaris and water sports, although there is a charge for a few premium activities. Regent’s itineraries are geared towards spending daylight hours ashore, so you can pack a lot in to a week-long cruise. Although there are no adults-only sailings, this upmarket line attracts a more mature audience, and is not really aimed at the family market.
Should I book with Regent Seven Seas?
The mix of ‘six-star’ boats, exciting itineraries and ‘all-inclusive everything’ means luxury cruise lines don’t get any better. If your budget will stretch, Regent Seven Seas won’t disappoint, provided it’s not West End-style entertainment you’re after.
