Maybe you’ve never taken a cruise because you think that they are large crowded ships full of families and kids. Maybe you think that only luxury vacations occur on land and that cruise ships can’t possibly have fine dining, excellent entertainment, and luxurious cabins. Well, think again! I had the opportunity to participate in a ship inspection in Florida recently aboard the Regent Seven Seas Navigator and believe me when I tell you that I am completely sold on luxury cruising and you should be, too!
From their brochure: “The six-star ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises are perfect for both the discerning traveler and worldly adventurer. Here in an atmosphere of sophisticated eases, guests can discover the luxury of following their own inclinations. Seven Seas Navigator features spacious accommodations, impeccable personalized service and stellar cuisine. Suite dimensions range from 301 sq. ft. to 1,173 sq. ft. including balcony. Many categories offer connecting suites, and triples are also available. Her interiors are sumptuous, the amenities lavish. Restaurants meet superior standards of culinary excellence. Complimentary beverages include fine wines, beer and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and tea are served throughout the ship. Both space ratios and service levels are among the highest at sea. And, our outstanding enrichment and shore excursion programs not only inform but inspire. Enjoy the most all-inclusive luxury cruise experience with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.”
The Regent Seven Seas Navigator can accommodate 490 guests on her 12 decks. Walking around the ship, you really feel like you are at a luxury resort. What really stood out to me was the attention to detail in the way that the ship is decorated and the absolutely impeccable service. This picture is from the Navigator Lounge where guests enjoy music from the pianist and each other’s company after dinner or any other time. The staff is there to please you and it shows, but they look like they really enjoy their jobs. Since everything is included in your cruise fare as this is an all-inclusive cruise (air, cruise, beverages, excursions, taxes, and gratuities), the staff actually earn a higher salary than their counterparts on other cruise lines.
Cabins: What can I say other than I loved the cabins! As an all suite ship with the smallest cabins at 301 sq. ft., you have more than enough room no matter what size cabin you are in. This picture is of cabin 927, which is a Penthouse Suite C with 356 sq. ft. You can see the full size sleeper sofa, chair, and table at the far end of the cabin before the balcony. The curtains pull shut so that if you have someone sleeping on the sofa, you can separate the cabin for privacy with the curtains. Did I mention the Regent Seven Seas bathrobes and slippers in each cabin? Not only does each cabin have an iPod docking station, but as of this summer all cabins will have an iPad in each suite for use during the cruise.
But what about the bathrooms? Often times the bathrooms appear to be an afterthought for cruise lines being nothing more than a small closet with an ultra small shower. Not on Regent Seven Seas! Check out the abundance of Hèrmes and L’Occitane bath products on the shelves of this marble bathroom. Imagine not having to bring any of these toiletries with you on a cruise? We are talking about a full size bathroom with sufficient cabinet space for you to unpack your things and get comfortable. Each bathroom in every suite has a full-size tub and separate shower. Very few ships offer a bathtub on a cruise ship and that is a nice added touch. They have also installed sufficient lighting so you can actually see yourself — how nice is that? Adjacent to the bathroom is a walk-in closet with bright lighting and a safe. These are large closets with lots and lots of hangers and drawer space to put all of your items away. Don’t you hate when you get on a ship and there’s something like 10 hangers for everyone in the cabin?
We also had the chance to look at cabin 900, the Master Suite and I didn’t want to leave! At 1,067 sq. ft. with a 106 sq. ft. balcony, this suite is the epitome of luxury. With 1 1/2 bathrooms, a private bedroom, dining room, and an expansive living room, you could call this your home away from home. This tastefully decorated cabin has modern furnishings and touches. I loved the Nespresso coffee and Tea Forté set-up in the room along with the complimentary cocktail party, daily canapes, and upgraded bar set-up.
The most important part of any cruise is the butler service that is available for Penthouse Suite guests and higher. If you think you wouldn’t want a butler, why would you want to turn down an enhanced level of individualized service from butlers who can assist your arrival on board by unpacking your luggage, arranging pressing for your clothing, and making reservations in Signatures or at the Spa. Additionally, they can make changes in your shore plans or arrange for a private car or lunch reservations at your favorite restaurant. Celebrating a special occasion? Have the Butler arrange a private cocktail party with canapes. The highly-skilled butlers do it all – quickly, competently and without fuss.
In my next post I’ll talk more about some of the public spaces on Regent Seven Seas Navigator including the pool and dining areas. If you can’t wait and want to see more pictures than what I can put on here, visit my FaceBook page and click on “Photos.” Here you’ll see not only pictures of the Regent Seven Seas Navigator, but of other ships as well.
The Regent Seven Seas Navigator sails to the Caribbean, Alaska, and even from New York to Montreal among other places. Unlike other cruise lines, the earlier you book your cruise with Regent Seven Seas, the better the prices are so don’t put off booking your cruise. Here’s a sample 10-day Mayan Jewels cruise for January 4, 2014:
Jan 4 Sat Miami, Florida Depart 5:00 PM
Jan 5 Sun Cruise the Florida Straits
Jan 6 Mon Costa Maya, Mexico Arrive 9:00 AM, Depart 6:00 PM
Jan 7 Tue Roátan, Honduras Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 5:00 PM
Jan 8 Wed Santo Tomás de Castilla, Guatemala Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 6:00 PM
Jan 9 Thu Belize City, Belize Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 5:00 PM
Jan 10 Fri Cozumel, Mexico Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 4:00 PM
Jan 11 Sat George Town, Cayman Islands Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 4:00 PM
Jan 12 Sun Cruise Yucatan Channel and Florida Straits
Jan 13 Mon Key West, Florida Arrive 8:00 AM, Depart 4:00 PM
Jan 14 Tue Miami, Florida Arrive 8:00 AM
Window suites start at only $4499 per person including surcharges, airline fees and government taxes. Fares include FREE Roundtrip Airfare, FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions, FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package, FREE Unlimited beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities, FREE Ground Transfers, FREE Open bars and lounges and In-suite mini-bar replenished daily, FREE 24-hour room service and NO charge for Specialty Restaurants, and much more.
Until next time, consider a luxury cruise for your next vacation. With all of the extra amenities included on a Regent Seven Seas cruise, you can basically go on board without your wallet and relax. When was the last time you were able to do that on a vacation?