From the moment we stepped onboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, it was clear that Regent Seven Seas Cruises had set a new standard for luxury. Our experience began with a request to switch our pre-assigned dinner reservation on the second night to the Italian specialty restaurant, Sette Mari. Initially, we were informed that the restaurant was fully booked. However, the maitre d’ went above and beyond to accommodate us, even speaking to her manager and suggesting we call in the morning if we were still interested. This level of dedication and attention to detail is what sets luxury cruise lines apart.
When we finally dined at Sette Mari, we were truly impressed. The intimate atmosphere, carved out of the larger La Veranda restaurant, created a special ambience for dinner-only service. The maitre d’ continued to express how sorry she was for not being able to accommodate us right away, further emphasizing the commitment to exceptional service. Our waiter at Sette Mari exhibited a winning style, offering a perfect balance of banter, information, and suggestions. It was this level of personalized service that made our meal everything we had hoped for.
As the third ship in the Regent fleet, the Seven Seas Grandeur offers a refined and sophisticated experience. The ship’s layout and restaurants remained familiar to experienced Regent guests, providing a sense of continuity and comfort. The artwork onboard is modern and captivating, with one standout piece being the pearl-encrusted Faberge egg, “Journey in Jewels.” This classic touch of Russian nobility is a testament to the ship’s tastefulness and attention to detail.
While the onboard art collection is extensive, we were disappointed that the Regent mobile app’s digital art tour had a few bugs. Despite this setback, we were still able to appreciate some of the remarkable pieces, such as the three Picassos on display in the Prime 7 steak restaurant and the 40-foot tall tapestry in the ship’s atrium. The Bonsai Cherry Tree, a custom-made bronze tree adorned with over 2,000 glass cherry blossoms, added a touch of elegance to the entrance of the Pacific Rim restaurant.
An Enchanted Culinary Journey
One notable change on the Seven Seas Grandeur is the redesigned Compass Rose restaurant, inspired by an “enchanted forest” theme. The room’s white, arching, treelike forms create a serene and refreshing atmosphere. The Grandeur also features the 18-station Culinary Arts Kitchen, a distinguishing feature of Regent’s Explorer-class ships. During our culinary experience, Chef John Stephano guided us through the preparation of pasta al limone and French crepes. His rapid-fire, friendly, and energetic approach made the cooking class both informative and entertaining.
The evening shows in the two-story Constellation Theater were a highlight of our cruise. “Ignite the Night,” choreographed by “Dancing With the Stars” dancer Britt Stewart, offered reinterpretations of ’70s and ’80s rock classics. The featured singers were exceptional, the dancing was exciting, and the staging was inspired. The second show, “Icons,” showcased songs from the Pointer Sisters, Hall & Oates, and Adele, delivering an equally impressive performance. The talent and energy displayed by the dancers left us in awe.
For those with a passion for cooking, the Culinary Arts Kitchen on the Seven Seas Grandeur is not to be missed. Chef John Stephano’s guidance throughout our cooking class was invaluable. He shared his chef’s tips and tricks, making the recipes for pasta al limone and French crepes accessible yet elegant. The experience was not only educational but also satisfying, as we were able to create dishes that exceeded our expectations.
The Seven Seas Grandeur offers a truly luxurious experience. Its commitment to exceptional service, refined atmosphere, and top-notch entertainment make it a standout among luxury cruise lines. From the moment we stepped onboard until the moment we disembarked, our expectations were not only met but exceeded. The Seven Seas Grandeur is a testament to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ dedication to providing an unforgettable journey for its guests.
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