Travel-writer Anthony Nicolas takes a look at what Regent Seven Seas Cruises has to offer luxury cruise enthusiasts…
All-inclusive luxury
With the luxury lines all working to the concept that ‘less is more’, who really does offerthe best value in the industry right now? Silversea, Seabourn, SeaDream and the rest will all tell you that that they are the most inclusive of the deluxe lines. Hmmm…
Truth be told, Regent Seven Seas has upped the ante – and by several degrees – by including all shore excursions in the price at main ports of call. There’s a separate tailor made series of options at a price, but this folding in of the bulk of your exploration is a quantum leap in terms of luxury offerings.
I checked out this new approach on a ten day Navigator cruise in spring. We fetched up at the historic port of Charleston, as well as Cape Canaveral, before enjoying thee full days in an unfeasibly warm Bermuda. At each of these ports, our appetite for exploration was curbed only by individual stamina.
Port Sumpter, Charleston
A city tour in Charleston took me to the brooding, silent expanse of Fort Sumter; almost 150 years to the day after Confederate guns fired the first shots of the American Civil War here. At Kennedy Space Centre, we spent a full day exploring the full history of space travel. The highlight was seeing the shuttle Discovery, poised for take off on the second last manned mission in the program.
The choice, range and scale of these tours – especially in a cultural glut of sights like Europe – puts Regent way out in front of anyone else right now, especially when you see what else a cruise with them includes.
All drinks, after dinner coffees and restaurant meals are included. There’s no nonsense of extra tariffs for alternative dining here. The accommodation is as welcoming and expansive as ever; if anything, I found the Navigator to be in even better trim than when I sailed her ten years ago.
Regent's stunning dining room
The ship is filled with warm, comfortable furnishings everywhere that make it easy to take the weight off at any time. If ever a ship proved a perfect venue for both exploring and relaxing in casual, spectacular style, then this is it.
Navigator is a small universe all by herself; a charmed space where indulgence and adventure share centre stage amid a smorgasbord of options. But, perhaps best of all, those options are always yours to explore whatever your mood.
A highly-respected writer on all things ‘cruise’, Anthony Nicolas can often be found offering his musings in many travel publications including World of Cruising magazine where he is a regularly contributor. If you have any questions for Anthony or would like to share your own views on the Regent Seven Seas experience, leave a comment below.
