Regent Seven Seas Explorer Ship visit June 2018
The very friendly staff checked us in, handed us a lanyard and kept our passports, which we were to collect when we left the ship. Going through security and boarding the ship was very quick and easy, with no long queues. This is a six-star ship with 750 passengers and 542 crew.
Our first view of the inside of the ship was walking from the deck where we boarded straight into the Atrium. A very large crystal chandelier appeared to hover over a very ornate staircase down the next floor. The passengers weren’t due to come on until midday, so we had plenty of time to explore the Explorer. We took some photographs and then wondered where we were supposed to be. I noticed that several of our colleagues had been on the lower floor taking photographs and had disappeared. When reaching this floor, we were directed to the Constellation theatre. We sat on the lower level. The theatre is on two stories. There are swivel seats, which can be moved to accommodate wheelchairs.
There was a special presentation for us, the question asked was ‘Why Regent’. Several Travel Counsellors spoke of their success having booked people with Regent and all had been impressed with the ship and the service. Also, a couple (not in the travel trade) had been invited to speak about their excellent experience on board.
We were due to have lunch on board. Before this we were divided into groups and shown around the various suites, the restaurants and the rest of the ship. I was in the last group, and this was by far the smallest, which I think was an advantage. There were chandeliers fixed into the ceiling on the corridors.
This is an all-suite all balcony ship (you would be in trouble should you refer them to ‘cabins’!) We were shown all the various types of suites. The top-grade ones have a butler, which is very popular with Americans, but not so much with the British. I had difficulty when trying to open the door in the highest-grade suite, as it was so heavy, and I joked that if I had booked this accommodation for myself I would need a butler just to get out of the suite!
On the approach to the main dining room, the Compass Rose, there was a vase with lovely flowers in it, sitting on a table in the middle of the floor. As everything is of the highest quality on the ship we were asked to guess what the vase cost. Although we made what I thought were outrageous suggestions, no one came near the actual cost of £2000. I would be frightened to go near it! There are original pieces of art by world famous artists, all over the ship.
The main dining room is Compass Rose and this is where we treated to a three course meal.
Other places to eat are: Chartreuse featuring French dishes La Veranda advertised as Bountiful Buffet Sette Mari At La Veranda featuring Authentic Italian Cuisine Prime 7 - a Classic Steakhouse Pacific Rim featuring Asian dishes Pool Grill which is Al Fresco
There is a well-stocked library.
Canyon Ranch is the name of the sauna on board and there is a lovely large swimming pool with Jacuzzis.
There’s only one show each night at 9:30 pm, as people are not restricted to a particular time to dine, so the cruise line feels there is no need for more than one nightly show.
Children are not especially catered for, as there aren’t any kid’s clubs etc, but they are very welcome to join a cruise.
Practically everything is included, gratuities, as many excursions as you can possibly fit in and all the specialist restaurants. The only time you would need to pay for anything would be to participate in the cookery classes. This would incur a fee of US$69 for a session.
A very beautiful ship, with dark wood interiors. This is one of a fleet of four at present, with a new one due to be launched in 2020. This new ship will be the same size as the Explorer and we understand with lighter interiors.
It was a very interesting and nice experience and many thanks to all at Regent Seven Seas.