Introduction
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), a name synonymous with luxury and elegance on the high seas, has its headquarters nestled in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. Originally known as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, this distinguished cruise line has a rich history of providing unforgettable voyages to discerning travellers.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet is easy to understand and consists of just two classes: The Small Ships Class and Explorer Class ships. Interestingly, Regent operates in the Ocean Cruise market and has chosen not to enter the Expedition market.
At the time of writing, Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates six ships: three Small Ship class ships and three Explorer class ships. Rgent will expand its fleetto eighht ships by 2029 when its takes delivery of 2 new ships recently ordered from Finatieria in Italy.
In this article, we explain the unique features of each Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship class so that you can make an informed decision about which is the right Regent Ultra Luxury Cruise for you.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises History & Market Positioning
In September 2014, Regent Seven Seas Cruises embarked on a new chapter as a wholly-owned Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings subsidiary. This strategic acquisition placed RSSC alongside esteemed sister brands Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises, broadening its reach and enhancing its offerings.
Ownership and Strategic Development
The journey to this point began in February 2008 when Apollo Global Management, a prominent private equity firm based in New York, acquired Regent Seven Seas Cruises from Carlson Companies for a staggering $1 billion. This acquisition marked a significant shift, as Apollo also held ownership of Oceania Cruises and a substantial 15.8% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line. Despite this transition, Carlson retained ownership of the prestigious Regent brand and the operations of Regent Hotels & Resorts, ensuring the continuity of its renowned hospitality standards.
Following the acquisition, Apollo Global Management announced ambitious plans to expand the Regent fleet. A new ship, the Seven Seas Explorer, was conceived to surpass its predecessors, the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, in size and luxury. This new addition was designed to offer larger accommodations and expanded public spaces, setting a new benchmark for opulence at sea.
On 2nd September 2014, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings further solidified its position in the luxury cruise market by acquiring Prestige Cruise Holdings, the parent company of both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for an impressive $3.025 billion. This strategic move not only unified these premier cruise lines under one umbrella but also amplified their collective ability to deliver unparalleled travel experiences.
A Legacy of Luxury
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is celebrated for its all-inclusive luxury, offering guests everything from gourmet dining and fine wines to enriching shore excursions and world-class entertainment. With a fleet of meticulously designed ships, each voyage promises a blend of sophistication, comfort, and adventure, catering to the desires of the most discerning travellers.
As a pioneer in the Ultra Luxury cruise industry, Regent Seven Seas Cruises continues to push the boundaries of excellence, creating memorable journeys that capture the essence of exploration and indulgence. Whether sailing to exotic destinations or offering immersive cultural experiences, RSSC stands as a beacon of luxury, ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable voyage on the world’s most magnificent oceans.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer ©Mike King 2024
The Regent Seven Seas Cruises Fleet
The Regent Seven Seas “Small Ship” Class Ships
The Small Ship Class comprises Regent Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.
Seven Seas Mariner: The Trailblazer
As the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship, the Seven Seas Mariner set a new standard in luxury cruising. Accommodating 700 guests, the ship ensures an intimate atmosphere with impeccable service. The Mariner boasts multiple gourmet dining venues, such as the classic Compass Rose and the Italian-themed Sette Mari at La Veranda. For entertainment, the Constellation Theater offers Broadway-style performances, while the culinary arts kitchen allows guests to sharpen their cooking skills with hands-on classes.
Seven Seas Voyager: A Beacon of Refinement
The Seven Seas Voyager is synonymous with sophistication. This all-suite, all-balcony ship accommodates 700 guests, offering a refined and intimate cruising experience. The Voyager is celebrated for its culinary excellence, featuring diverse dining options like the elegant Compass Rose and the al fresco La Veranda. Guests can also unwind in the serene Serene Spa & Wellness™ or enjoy enriching lectures and performances in the Constellation Theater.
Seven Seas Navigator: The Intimate Haven
With a smaller capacity of 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator provides an exceptionally personal and luxurious voyage. This ship is renowned for its spacious suites, almost all featuring ocean views. Dining on the Navigator is an epicurean delight, with options like the sophisticated Prime 7 and the contemporary American fare at Compass Rose. The smaller ship allows it to access unique ports, offering guests exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Regent Seven Seas Navigator © Mike King 2024
The Regent Seven Seas Explorer Class Ships
The Explorer Class comprises Seven Seas Explorer (2016), Seven Seas Splendor (2022) and Seven Sea Grandeur (2023)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has three Explorer-class ships in the fleet which are the largest ships in the Regent Fleet.
The launch of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Explorer Class ships has set a new standard in the cruise industry, offering unparalleled luxury and sophistication. These vessels are perfect for those who seek the newest and most opulent cruising experiences.
Realated : Seven Seas Splendor Review
Unmatched Elegance and Luxury
The three ships in the Explorer Class, each accommodating 750 passengers, are among the most luxurious cruise vessels ever constructed. Their grandeur is evident in every detail, from the soaring ceilings and inlaid marble floors to the dazzling crystal chandeliers (with each ship boasting over 500) and the priceless Picassos adorning the walls.
Spacious and Lavish Accommodations
Every stateroom on these ships is a suite with a private balcony, ensuring a premium experience for every guest. Even the smallest suites are generously sized at 307 square feet, providing ample space and comfort.
At the pinnacle of luxury is the Regent Suite, a forward-facing room complex that spans an astonishing 4,443 square feet. This suite is one of the most elaborate and expensive at sea, costing $11,000 per night. Each ship also features a dozen more suites ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and additional accommodations between 500 and 1,000 square feet.
Related: Seven Seas Grandeur – Video Tour
Regent Seven Seas Grandeur © Mike King 2024
Exquisite Dining Options
Dining on Explorer Class ships is an extraordinary experience, with various high-end restaurants included in the cruise fare. These include:
- Compass Rose: The international cuisine staple of all Regent ships.
- Prime 7: Regent’s signature steakhouse.
- La Veranda: A casual dining option.
- Pacific Rim: An Asian eatery offering delightful dishes.
- Chartreuse: A French fine dining restaurant.
Thoughtful Design Enhancements
While all three ships share a similar footprint, subtle design tweaks have been made to improve passenger flow and overall experience. For example, on the Seven Seas Splendor, the grand staircase in the central atrium has been turned around compared to its layout on the Seven Seas Explorer. This staircase elegantly cascades from the public areas on Deck 5 to the marble-floored promenade on Deck 4, leading directly into the main restaurant, Compass Rose.
Unique Features and Amenities
One standout feature of the Explorer Class vessels is the Culinary Arts Kitchen, an elaborate cooking classroom not found on older Regent ships. This venue features 18 individual cooking stations equipped with top-of-the-line induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks, and various cooking equipment. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views, enhancing the cooking experience.
Each ship also boasts a Serene Spa & Wellness Center, offering treatment rooms, a relaxation room, and a hydrothermal suite with multisensory aromatherapy steam rooms, chill rooms, infrared saunas, and experiential showers. The outdoor lounge area features three whirlpools, and the spa also includes a beauty salon for hair and nail care.
Experience the Pinnacle of Luxury Cruising
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Explorer Class ships redefine luxury at sea, offering opulent accommodations, world-class dining, and unique amenities. Whether you’re looking to relax in the most spacious suites or indulge in gourmet cuisine, these ships promise an unforgettable cruise experience.
Regent Seven Seas Splendor. © Mike King 2024
Regent Seven Seas mariner Pool Deck © Mike King 2024
In Conclusion
One of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ hallmarks is its all-inclusive offering. This means that nearly every part of the cruise experience is included in the fare, from flights and transfers to shore excursions and fine wines and spirits. This approach ensures that guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience without worrying about additional costs. Guests particularly love the wide choice of speciality dining options on every ship.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises represents the pinnacle of luxury travel on the sea. Each ship in its fleet is a floating palace, offering the finest in accommodation, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re seeking an intimate getaway or a grand adventure, Regent Seven Seas Cruises promises a journey like no other, where every detail is meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable experience.
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