[ON LOCATION] LAUREL HERMAN
Regent Seven Seas Cruises knows a thing or two about creating a luxe cruise experience, so it’s no surprise that the cruise line’s newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, takes the glamour up a notch to deliver an all-inclusive, all-balcony suite luxury experience that offers top value for incentive groups.
Earlier this year, Prevue stepped on board this 373-suite sailing beauty—sister ship to Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer—for a sailing out of Port Miami, where the ship was christened in December 2023.
The 746-guest Grandeur, the third in the line’s Explorer Class, has the same footprint as her sisters but with a tweaked color palette and a totally reimagined Compass Rose, the ship’s main dining venue, which features Versace plates and enchanted forest-inspired aesthetics.
Overall, Prevue found Grandeur’s design elegant with marble, crystal and other high-quality touches at every turn. Neil Brodie, the brand’s VP of Charters, Meetings & Incentives, says, “Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most inclusive luxury experience for [groups] in all -suite, all-balcony ships with industry-leading space and service. We work with planners from beginning to end to understand the goals of the group and customize a plan that best suit their needs.”
We were oh so comfortable in our Concierge Suite, which gave us 332 sf of well-designed living space plus a large verandah (they range from 115 to 132 sf in this category). These suites feature a bathroom with a separate tub and shower and two sinks with L’Occitane amenities and plenty of storage space. We also loved the walk-in closet. The suite’s neutral, sophisticated and soothing tones and textures complemented by an understated upscale setting made our home away from home a true gem.
I also relished the fact that while lounging in bed I was met with ocean views as well as a great entertainment program on the flat-screen TV, offering Regent-exclusive PBS programming with topics ranging from photography and scientific discoveries to ancient history. Groups wanting this category for their attendees can book 140. Note that there are 15 suite categories to reserve on the Grandeur: from the 307-sf Veranda Suite to the 4,443-sf Regent Suite.
There is a plethora of places to explore on board Grandeur during the day and into the evening, but let me first point to the 1,600-piece art collection that includes the only permanent Fabergé Egg at sea, multiple Picassos and an amazing bronze-and-glass Bonsai Cherry Tree sculpture at the entrance of the Pacific Rim restaurant (one of six dining venues).
After feasting our eyes on the onboard art via the Regent mobile app, which offers an immersive digital art tour, we set off for the library furnished with cozy seating and an extensive collection of hardcover books that includes novels as well as coffee table books touching on topics from art to travel. This is a great space, and it can be privatized.
The ship also sports the Serene Spa & Wellness center as well as a separate fitness center offering a myriad of classes at no upcharge. Of special note is the hydrothermal suite, which features a collection of thermal chambers, including an infrared sauna, a cold room, an experiential shower and an aromatic steam room. The ship also has a sports deck with a bocce court, shuffleboard, a putting green and a paddle tennis court as well as a jogging court. Sun worshippers have a couple of options when it comes to hanging poolside—one area features a DJ who starts spinning at noon and there’s another space with an infinity-edge plunge pool that’s more tranquil.
Groups have a variety of entertainment to choose from, including shows in the 2-level Constellation Theater as well as happenings in the Observation Lounge, which offers majestic ocean views during the day and piano tunes on the baby grand during cocktail hour and post-dinner. The theater is an ideal spot for presentations with a seating capacity of 485 and if used for a reception, 585. For a private reception in the Observation Lounge, the capacity is 230.
The Grandeur and Meridian lounges, with specialty cocktails, also provide musical entertainment as well as a late-night dance party. These venues can hold 80 for a reception. Additionally, there’s the state-of-the-art and welcoming Culinary Arts Kitchen where groups can participate in cooking classes that take inspiration from the destinations visited during the sailing. Says Brodie, “Our team works hand-in-hand with our clients to create a unique immersive experience both on and off the ship and in addition to the cooking classes we can plan a pickleball tournament. Off ship, we can privatize a beach resort or head ashore on exotic islands for an adventurous day on high-speed boats.”
Speaking of culinary options, beyond Compass Rose, where passengers can customize their entrees, the specialty dining venues can be privatized. There’s Asian fusion at Pacific Rim (seating capacity 94), French cuisine at Chartreuse (seating capacity 104)—featuring Coco Chanel-inspired chandeliers—and steakhouse fare at Prime 7 (seating capacity 108). Sette Mari at La Veranda, which serves Italian cuisine each evening, can accommodate 132.
When not transformed into Sette Mari, La Veranda serves breakfast and lunch and features a delightful alfresco area for casual dining. Other options include the buffet at the Pool Grill (this outside venue is popular for groups and can seat 166) and Coffee Connection for breakfast and snacks throughout the day. And finally, passengers can opt for room service, available 24/7.
While this ship is a great choice for a full charter, it is also a great option for smaller groups. “We don’t have an established percentage of cabins when it comes to groups,” explains Brodie. “We work with each group to understand their needs and with the ship to make sure regular guests are taken care of and our groups don’t interfere with their scheduled programing.”
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