Cruising’s not for everyone goes the well-worn phrase. Even I had to be cajoled onto my first cruise just over 11 years ago, because, well, it wasn’t for me. But cruising is for everyone. You can get involved in as much or as little as you want to.
You visit multiple beautiful destinations with only one unpacking session. And you live in luxury aboard a beautiful floating hotel where all your needs are catered for. Nothing too unbearable there, then.
But there’s cruises and there’s cruises. And I challenge anyone to sail on a Regent Seven Seas cruise and say it’s not for them. It’s quite simply magical. As we discovered on our recent Med voyage from Athens to Istanbul aboard Regent Seven Seas Grandeur.
Grandeur carries a maximum of 746 guests and was launched in 2023. She’s shiny and contemporary, decorated in neutral shades with a real sense of sparkle and glamour. There’s an original Faberge Egg in reception (the only one at sea), the interior design is spectacular and there are fascinating art pieces scattered throughout the ship, including three original Picassos in one of the restaurants. There’s a lot to take in.
We’re welcomed onboard by Champagne and smiling faces and directed to La Veranda to enjoy a buffet lunch while our staterooms are being prepared. We grab a table in premium position on the terrace overlooking Athens and the mountains beyond and head in for a buffet exploration.
Regent takes buffets to another level – the spread in front of us induces gasps of delight as we pile our plates high with the freshest of sashimi, oysters, mussels and prawns. All delicately prepared and served like the most enticing canapes you’ll ever see. There’s also a wide range of hot and cold dishes, a grill where you can have your choice cooked for you, dainty desserts and cheeses from around the world.
We can’t contain our excitement when it’s announced that staterooms are ready and walk as sedately as we can to find our deluxe veranda suite. It’s super-spacious for a cruise suite with a large private balcony.
There’s a vast walk-in wardrobe and impressive marble and stone bathroom complete with double vanities, a large shower and a bathtub (unheard of on a ship). Who wouldn’t love cruising in this suite?
The best part of a cruise (apart from the actual boarding when I always have tears of excitement in my eyes) is that first day (or two) finding your way around. And finding the rhythm of your ship. There’s so much to discover and it’s all beautiful.
There are three lounges with bars, seven places to eat, including three speciality restaurants, a magnificent theatre, an elegant library packed with reading material, a coffee shop, a sports deck, a spa and the pool deck with its own bar.
The three speciality restaurants have to be pre-booked. You’ve got to be organised if you don’t want to miss out. And they’re all fabulous, so well worth the effort.
Chartreuse serves French cuisine, Prime 7 Steakhouse premium beef and seafood, and the dishes at Pacific Rim bring a taste of Asia to the voyage.
The main dining room Compass Rose is designed like a glittering enchanted forest and serves spectacular, classic gourmet dishes. And La Veranda transforms into Sette Mari at night, with its delectable Italian menu. There’s even Champagne and caviar for breakfast one day. Who can resist that?
This is the food of dreams, you have to take my word for it, until you go and sample it yourself.
While staying on the ship for the entire voyage is getting more attractive by the minute (what about all those cocktails to sample), we are stopping at some of the. most beautiful and historic places in the world. And all Regent cruises are completely all-inclusive, encompassing all food and drink, entertainment and even shore excursions. There’s no excuse not to explore, so off we go.
We start in Athens and our journey takes us through Greece (including breathtaking Mykonos, captivating Corfu and dazzling Santorini), to Dubrovnik, Montenegro and Turkey, and finishes in Istanbul.
We walk the winding maze of streets in Mykonos, shopping for souvenirs, head for the beach to soak up the sun and swim in the balmy, azure sea, discover historic sites, visit an olive farm and eat lots of local food. It’s an indulgent voyage of discovery on land as well as on sea.
But we can’t wait to get back on board and Grandeur awaits. By now it feels like home. One night we even have a Block Party where we all step into the corridor and meet our neighbours over a glass of wine.
The Captain and Cruise Director come along to have a toast with everyone. A little bit of that Grandeur bonding before we all head our different ways to enjoy our delightful dinners and myriad entertainment.
There’s live music in all the different lounges, shows in the theatre including West End-style shows, comedians and tribute acts. And you can dance or sing the night away. Or go back to your state room and sit on your balcony as the ship powers through the Med, pondering how you ever thought cruising wasn’t for you. It’s a mystery.
GRANDEUR FACT BOX
The 12-day Ancient Lands & Historic Sites cruise on Seven Seas Grandeur embarks in Athens and disembarks in Istanbul. The cruise calls at Mykonos, Gythion, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Santorini, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Kavala/Philippi and Istanbul.
Regent offers what they call The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience. This includes:
Unlimited beverages, fine wines, craft cocktails and speciality coffees
Unlimited shore excursions
All dining, including speciality restaurants
Customised in-suite mini bar replenished daily with guest preferences
Unlimited WiFi
Pre-paid gratuities
Unlimited valet laundry service
24-hour in-suite dining
www.rssc.com
By Sandy Cadiz-Smith