My Unrivalled Experience on board Seven Seas Voyager

I’ve always been a bit of a travel fanatic, and at the age of 27, I’m lucky to have seen some incredible destinations and stayed in some amazing hotels. Before starting my role at Bolsover Cruise Club two months ago, I’d never considered cruising as an option, and in all honesty, I’d never heard of luxury cruising. Having never even stepped foot on a cruise ship before, I didn’t have any expectations when Regent invited me to experience life on board Seven Seas Voyager®, little did I know that this would turn out to be the trip of a lifetime, and one I’d remember forever. In Regent’s words, it truly was ‘An Unrivalled Experience’, and here’s why…

First impressions of Seven Seas Voyager®

‘She’s a beauty’ was my first thought, a prestige white ship standing out from all the others on Civitavecchia port. The ship’s interior was elegantly designed both with classic and modern décor. Grand furniture, art and sculptures surrounded open spaced areas that looked untouched. Soft music played in the background creating a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

My accommodation: Seven Seas Suite

Admittedly, as soon as I stepped foot into room 781 I ran around in disbelief, like a child on Christmas Day. Where to even start? The suite itself was huge, decorated beautifully with contrasts of marble and abstract artwork and was prepared as if I was the first person to ever step foot in it. It presented every amenity one could need, with subtle touches of luxury throughout; champagne and sweet treats on arrival, L’Occitane Paris products to compliment my bubble bath (ran by my private butler), a walk-in wardrobe with complimentary robes, slippers and valet laundry service (every woman’s dream), cashmere bedding and a pillow menu to ensure a good night’s sleep at sea.

There’s something so special about being at sea and the Regent Seven Seas Suite balcony makes you feel closer to it than ever. Room 781 is situated at the back of the boat and its balcony stretches around its rear with a sun lounger and table for two. It presented the most magical views of the sea, sunrises and sunsets, enjoyed with a coffee from the illy® Espresso Maker or a cold bottle of beer from the fridge.

This suite truly felt like a home away from home.

Take a live tour of my suite here.

Onboard activities and entertainment

A ‘luxury resort at sea’, Seven Seas Voyager® had something for everyone which is perfect for days at sea. A casino, gym, library, spa, tennis court, mini-golf course and high-end retail stores are just some of the many areas onboard. It was impossible to experience it all within three days, but I personally enjoyed sipping a cocktail in one of the heated jacuzzies, a jog on the treadmill overlooking the sea and land and a trip to the spa for the most amazing massage complemented with Elemis products.

The evening entertainment took place in the grand Constellation Theatre, which was spacious with an intimate and comfortable seating. The entertainment varied each night from a magician to a solo blues singer, ending with the grand finale rock and soul musical theatre performance. The performances were executed perfectly, and the performers were keen to get the crowd involved which created a lively Broadway atmosphere. Since Covid began, I’ve found that the entertainment on land holidays is limited so it was brilliant to have so much choice.

Afterwards, I could head to the bars for more cocktails and live performances on the mic or the piano or slip off to bed satisfied by the evening’s events.

Service

My whole time on Seven Seas Voyager® was greeted with friendly smiles around every corner, the staff genuinely gave the impression that they loved their jobs, which made me feel completely relaxed as if nothing was ever too much.

I thought it might be strange having a private butler at first as I prefer privacy and my own space, but after introducing herself on the first day, Esther would be there as much or as little as I’d like. She was friendly, helpful and enthusiastic to know more about my vacation purposes which I think helped personalise her service. Every night my suite would be prepared as if it were brand new, it felt amazing coming back to a comfortable, warm and fresh suite after a night of pure bliss.  I did have to laugh as I was startled on my morning walk to breakfast, as each staff member I walked past greeted me by name, something I’ve never experienced in my life, but it did make me feel at home.

I was most impressed by the overall level of service, from the more subtle gestures including greeting me a good day and pulling my chair out to the grander gestures like remembering my name, my favourite wine and my entire breakfast order from the day before! Having filled out a dietary requirements form, each evening my private butler delivered the following day’s menu as an option for me to pre-order my food, don’t get me wrong … there was PLENTY to choose from that wasn’t meat and I preferred ordering at the table, but I thought it was a thoughtful touch for someone with a more severe dietary requirement.

Dining and drinks

It’s safe to say I well and truly took advantage of dining onboard a six-star all-inclusive ship. Imagine being able to order as much food as you want with the aspect that every dish is served to the highest quality, cooked perfectly and bursting with flavours.

Breakfast comprised a whole range of sweet and savoury delights, either served in the main restaurant or from the comfort of my own bed, a guilty pleasure of mine!
Lunch at La Veranda and The Pool Grill saw fresh salads, grilled seafood, lamb racks falling off the bone and oven-stove pizza – and not to mention, a selection of milkshakes and ice creams served with all the toppings!

On the first evening, I dined at the Italian restaurant Sette Mari, which had an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. On the other nights, I dined at the flagship restaurant Compass Rose, the most stunning restaurant onboard. It screamed luxury with its blue and silver décor, gigantic chandeliers and Versace plates, I felt like I was dining with royalty! The food at both restaurants was out of this world, some of my favourite dishes included lobster risotto, tuna steak burger, vodka sorbet and eggs royale.

Although I didn’t dine in the infamous American steakhouse Prime 7 or the French restaurant Chartreuse. I overheard many people raving over the food, especially the succulent filet mignon.

From the moment I stepped on board, my glass was never empty. Every drink was at my disposal. A wide variety of coffees and fresh smoothies went down a treat during breakfast. Monopole Champagne was poured effortlessly during lunchtime. There was a cocktail for every occasion, from a frozen strawberry daquiri next to the pool to a classic margarita complemented with live music at the Horizon Lounge, all of which were made with the highest-quality spirits including Grey Goose and Silver Patron. An endless selection of fine wines paired perfectly with evening meals.

Shore Excursions

With unlimited included shore excursions included on every voyage, it’s an amazing opportunity for guests to take advantage of experiencing the most of each port. I visited Rome and Ajaccio whilst sailing on Voyager. During this time, there were opportunities to experience both destinations history, stunning scenery, culture and cuisine through excursions. From wine-tasting in a local cellar to visiting the Trevi Fountain or taking a scenic drive up into the mountains and its lakes, there was something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

My first impressions of luxury cruising were ‘wow that’s expensive’ and ‘I don’t think I’d fit in’ but both were misperceptions. Although standards were held high, there was nothing pretentious about my time onboard, the luxury aspects of the experience are subtle yet memorable. Everything was totally laid back and I was made to feel special the entire time. The initial cost associated with each trip may put some people off but from that point onwards EVERYTHING is included, and your card does not leave your purse again, making the entire experience liberating. Plus, everything that is included has been carefully curated to go above and beyond your expectations. If you are to add up your entire holiday from the initial cost to all the additional add ons: the flights, transfers, food and beverage supplements, shore excursions, room service and so on you are more than likely to be close to that price point than you think.

My time onboard Seven Seas Voyager® was nothing short of amazing. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion whether it’s a retirement, milestone birthday or even just a reward for your hard work I’d highly recommend booking a cruise with Regent Seven Seas.

For seasoned sailors who haven’t tried Regent Seven Seas Cruises, I can guarantee that you will keep going back again and for those of you who are looking to book a one-time trip, you will not regret it.