Five essential things to know before you board a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship

The Compass Rose restaurant is found on all Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships - STEPHEN BEAUDET

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), headquartered in Miami, Florida, sails to more than 500 ports around the world. It’s a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises, and is known for being a luxury line.

Ships are mid-sized – capacity ranges between 496 and 746 passengers – and almost every suite across the current six-ship fleet has a private balcony. Passengers can expect luxurious spas, no-expense-spared art collections, a handful of stand-out restaurants and, on newer vessels, stylish bars with individual cocktail menus.

Attention to detail is high and cuisine is on a par with the types of restaurants the line’s well-heeled and well-travelled passengers will be visiting at home, with a sit-where-you-like policy.

In-depth excursions are a big part of the Regent cruising experience, with special interest options that appeal to spa-goers, foodies and wildlife lovers. Examples include a visit to a wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica, a soak at thermal springs in Rome and yoga overlooking Taormina in Sicily.

Seven Seas Splendor launched in 2020 and has an art collection worth around $5 million - PETE BARRETT

Cruise fares include speciality restaurants, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, valet service and gratuities. Solo travellers pay a supplement, but there are offers on some voyages. Similarly, there are savings for those aged 17 and under on some cruises.

On board, expect entertainment in the form of theatre productions and talks, and facilities such as boutiques, a beauty salon, a small casino, and maybe a paddle court and putting green. Executive chef Kathryn Kelly oversees the popular Culinary Arts Kitchen on Seven Seas Grandeur, Explorer and Splendor.

Prestige, due to launch later in 2026, will sail from Barcelona to Miami on its maiden voyage. A sister ship is slated for 2029.

1. Where does Regent Seven Seas Cruises sail?

From the Amazon and Australia to Cannes and Kyoto, there’s a huge range of destinations to sail to with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, including multiple departures from Southampton on Grandeur, Mariner and Voyager in 2026.

RSSC sails to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, North America, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Central and South America. It also offers transoceanic sailings, “Grand Journeys” (longer voyages) and world cruises, and sailings range from seven to 174 nights.

In 2026, multiple itineraries on the Seven Seas Mariner will depart from Southampton - Stephen Beaudet

Transoceanic cruises include a sailing from Barcelona to Miami and New York to Le Havre. The 140-night world cruise from Miami in January 2027 visits 40 countries.

Fancy a trip across the Coral and Tasman seas and the Indian Ocean? Peruse the Legendary Journeys collection, which includes a 69-night sailing from Sydney to South Africa.

2. Who does Regent Seven Seas Cruises appeal to?

Longer sailings attract a time-rich older demographic who want to see the world in style. Given the exciting range of destinations on offer, shorter itineraries could work for discerning younger sailors and multi-generational families.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises appeals to those who want to travel the world in style

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ fleet

Seven Seas Grandeur (744 passengers)

The newest ship in the fleet is a dazzler. Cabin categories across the 10-deck ship range from the entry-level veranda suites to the palatial, $11,000-a-night (£8,300) Regent suite. Guests can eat at seven restaurants, or visit the spa for a treatment and relax on the deck in one of three whirlpool spas.

The jewel in Grandeur’s multi-million-dollar art collection is a Fabergé egg. Other highlights include multiple works by Picasso and a custom-made bronze and hand-cast glass bonsai cherry tree outside the Asian-fusion restaurant, Pacific Rim.

Sails to: The US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mediterranean, North Africa, The UK, North Europe

Pacific Rim on board Seven Seas Grandeur serves Asian-fusion food

Read the full review

Seven Seas Grandeur: 'It serves some of the best food you'll find on a cruise ship'

Seven Seas Splendor (750 passengers)

Splendor joined Regent’s fleet in early 2020 and is sister to the luxurious Seven Seas Explorer. The 10-deck ship features a $5 million (£3.7 million) art collection, more than 500 crystal chandeliers and a two-deck Constellation Theatre. Seven restaurants include Sette Mari at La Veranda, where guests can eat gourmet Italian cuisine at over-water alcove seating.

Sails to: The Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, The US, Canada, Central America, South America, Mediterranean, North Europe

Seven Seas Explorer (750 passengers)

Christened by HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco in 2016, the $450 million (£340 million) Explorer arrived with several head-turning cruising firsts, including the most expensive suite at sea, featuring an in-room spa retreat. The 10-deck ship has 473 handmade chandeliers, artwork by Chagall and Picasso, and 400 Versace place settings.

Sails to: Asia, Australia and New Zealand, The US

The Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Explorer has its own spa area - Stephen Beaudet

Seven Seas Voyager (706 passengers)

The nine-deck Voyager launched in 2003 and was refurbished in 2016, with another due in 2026. The ship has three lounges, balcony suites and several of the restaurants offered by the newer siblings, including the elegant, Parisian-style Chartreuse and the flagship Compass Rose. There’s also a pool grill.

Sails to: Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, North Europe

Seven Seas Mariner (700 passengers)

The eight-deck ship has fewer passengers than its larger siblings. When it first launched, Mariner was the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship – a big deal in 2001. It was refurbished in 2018 and 2025, and offers several of the restaurants offered by its newer (slightly larger) siblings, including Chartreuse and Prime 7.

Sails to: The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, North Europe

When it launched in 2001, Seven Seas Mariner was the first ship with all suites and all balconies - Stephen Beaudet

Seven Seas Navigator (490 passengers)

The eight-deck Seven Seas Navigator launched in 1999 and, with refurbishments, has stood the test of time. Some 90 per cent of the cabins have balconies – check before booking. Guests can enjoy a cocktail in one of three lounges and dine at Prime 7 steakhouse, Compass Rose and La Veranda.

Sails to: The Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, Mediterranean, North Europe

4. Access for guests with disabilities

Seven Seas Mariner has the highest number of accessible suites, with features including ramps and roll-in showers. Accessible suites are found across the whole fleet, but features vary from ship to ship.

5. Loyalty scheme

After their first cruise, passengers are enrolled into the Seven Seas Society, which has a tiered membership scheme offering a sliding scale of benefits.

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This article was first published in September 2024 and has been revised and updated.

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