Regent Seven Seas Cruises Newest Beauty: The Seven Seas Grandeur
Last week in Miami Regent Seven Seas Cruises held the christening of its newest luxury ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur, joining its sister ships, the Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor. Blessings for smooth sailings were given by Pastor Pete Pera of Rise Community Church and Rabbi Marc Labowitz of Temple Adath Or. Godmother Sarah Fabergé officially named the ship and tapped the lever releasing the bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull. Emmy and Tony Award-winning powerhouse Kristin Chenoweth was the featured entertainer performing with her magical voice to a completely enthralled audience that included Shania Twain. It was a magical evening.
The Grandeur was built by shipbuilders Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, decorated by Studio Dado, has 10 decks, and carries a maximum capacity of 746 passengers in 373 balconied suites, ranging from 307 square feet to a whopping 4,443 square feet. The crew of 548 speak 24 languages and hail from all four corners of the globe providing a truly international flavor coupled with stellar service.
Elegance abounds on the Grandeur with nearly 500 chandeliers and over 1,600 pieces of curated art, costing over $6 million, including multiple Picassos. There’s also a nearly 40-foot-tall tapestry, “The Enchanted Tree,” and the first Fabergé egg to reside permanently at sea. Guests can download the Regent App as I did, and at their own pace, enjoy an interactive, self-guided art tour.
The Suite Life
I hung my hat in a Category E Concierge Suite on Deck 8 containing 332 square feet with a veranda containing another 100 square feet. Decorated in a calming color palette, with muted tones of champagne and taupe, it had two-tone carpet, and elegant, linen wallpaper, with strategically placed aquamarine pops of color. The gleaming black granite offset the crisp white cabinetry and completed an overall contemporary look. The suite’s bar area had a critical-for-me Illy espresso machine, a tea pot, and a daily replenished stocked refrigerator. A two-person settee, 60-inch swivel flat screen television, long working desk that doubled as a vanity area with both a large mirror and make-up mirror, completed my lovely surrounds.
The room had a bit of an unusual set up, in that the fabulous king size bed dressed in high count cotton sheets – with pillows selected from a specific pillow menu –faced the oversized balcony furnished with high-end, rattan-style lounging chairs to enjoy the views. A techie’s dream, there were plenty of US, UK, and European outlets, as well as USB ports. The narrow, walk-in closet had an eye-level safe and an abundance of drawers, shoe cubbies, and hanging spaces.
The step-up dual vanity bathroom was decorated with taupe granite tiles and flooring and black granite countertops above white cabinetry. While many luxury cruise lines have done away with bathtubs, I was thrilled to see a deep, soaking tub. A separate walk-in shower with both standard and rain shower heads, L’Occitane amenities, and high-quality towels made bathing dreamy.
Food Matters
Regardless of the length of one’s cruise, guests won’t tire of the food. There are eight distinct restaurants and 24-hour in-suite dining. Wonderful pan-Asian cuisine awaits at Pacific Rim in a Zen-inspired atmosphere complete with a bronze Banzai tree sculpture by Savoy Studios in its foyer with individually hand-blown cherry blossoms. At Chartreuse fine French fare will compete for attention amid Chanel designed chandeliers. For carnivores, Prime 7 will scratch that itch with delectable filets, prime New York and porterhouse steaks. Continental and plant-based cuisine devotees at Compass Rose will dine under crystal and wood-illuminated trees emitting a truly elegant atmosphere, complete with regal, shell-inspired, Versace-designed chargers.
At Sette Mari guests can channel their inner Italian with excellent antipasti and house made pastas. For more casual fare, La Veranda serves buffet breakfasts with made-to-order options and lunch buffets with items for every palate. The Pool Grill & Bar also serves breakfasts and lunches, and of course fine cocktails. A perennial favorite on Deck 5 is the Coffee Corner serving gourmet coffees, and light bites throughout the day.
Entertainment
There are three lounges, Grandeur, Meridian, and Observation, that compete for attention, with skilled mixologists making traditional cocktails and exotic libations, while resident musicians keep the atmosphere lively and guests happy.
In addition to the magic of Kristin Chenoweth’s performance at the christening, on this cruise, award-winning actor and singer John O’Hurley serenaded guests and amused the audience with his self-deprecating humor. Though many know O’Hurley from his time on Seinfeld as the kooky J. Peterman, there’s so much more to this irreverent performer.
Nightly performances by Regent Seven Seas talented entertainment team celebrate Broadway’s legacy and showcase top-notch dancers and singers with extraordinary curated productions in the Constellation Theater. Pianists, a DJ, and performances throughout the ship by the Regent Signature Orchestra kept music humming.
Recreation & Fitness
Grandeur’s beautiful main pool has decadently comfortable loungers, a half-dozen partially submerged loungers, two Jacuzzis, and a great bar making it easy to enjoy the day away.
The Serene Spa & Wellness Center has a comprehensive spa menu with biotech facials, massages, and wraps, and the salon has manicures, waxing, and hair services for both men and women. In addition to an aromatic steam room, there’s a sauna, cold room, and shower therapy. The Serene Spa also has a lovely outdoor deck lounging area with three large Jacuzzis.
The two-room Fitness Center on Deck 6 boasts state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and free weights as well as a separate spinning studio with Technogym bikes. Since the Fitness Center is at the very aft of the ship, the slanted floor-to-ceiling windows add depth perception making workouts a pleasure. For those preferring small group workouts, there are regularly scheduled classes. The Sports Deck on 12 has ping pong, more loungers, mini golf, paddle tennis, and shuffleboard.
At the Culinary Arts Kitchen, headed by Chef Kathryn Kelly along with her talented team, guests can learn from the best in a beautiful, ultra-modern cooking school at sea with classes such as “Batter Up” and “Farmstand Fabulous.” Three arched rows of white quartzite counters with stainless accents provide 18 separate workstations to create and taste culinary magic.
The two-room library on Deck 11 is an impeccably decorated space with sofas, settees, Louis IV loungers and high-backed chairs. An excellent selection of coffee table books and atlases await to plan your next adventure along with a full selection of classic literature and best-selling novels. For those looking to try their hand at Lady Luck there’s a casino and a separate card room.
Sail Away
No matter where you cruise to on Grandeur, you’ll be met with excellent service, cuisine for all tastes, and plenty to keep you active and engaged in an atmosphere that is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Happy travels!
Julie L. Kessler is a journalist, attorney, and the author of the award-winning memoir: “Fifty-Fifty, The Clarity of Hindsight.” Her work has appeared in several major publications around the world, including The LA Times, The SF Examiner, The Asia Times, The Jerusalem Post, and The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, among many others. She can be reached at Julie@VagabondLawyer.com.