Regent Seven Seas Voyager
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) was formed in 1994 when Seven Seas Cruise Line merged with Radisson Diamond. The brand was relaunched as RSSC in 2006, and today, they offer some of the most highly rated cruises in the world. RSSC consistently ranks as the best cruise line in a number of categories and the staterooms are often singled out as the best at sea.
Seven Seas Voyager was named the Best Medium-Sized Cruise Ship by Conde Nast Traveler in 2007 and Ship of the Year by Ocean and Cruise News in 2005 and 2007. Launched in 2003, and extensively refurbished last year, Seven Seas Voyager is a delightful, roomy ship that passengers really enjoy.
With 447 crew for 700 passengers, service is top notch. And cruises aboard Seven Seas Voyager really are all inclusive. Everything from cocktails in the bars to tips is included in the cruise fare.
She sails virtually everywhere, and a variety of world cruises — ranging from 45 to 162 days — is available. One of the best things about Seven Seas Voyager is the interesting ports she visits.
Dining aboard Regent Seven Seas.
The cuisine aboard this ship is as good as any you’ll find at sea, and with four venues, there’s plenty of variety. All of the restaurants on board are open seating, but you’ll need reservations for Signatures and Prime 7.
Overseen by Le Cordon Bleu, Signatures serves classic French cuisine with a twist. Expect to find foie gras, escargots, crab bisque, rack of lamb, Magret duck breast, and delicious French desserts and cheeses. At Prime 7, an American-style steakhouse, you can indulge in USDA Prime, dry-aged beef, plus unexpected treats like foie gras sliders and roasted beets.
La Veranda has breakfast and lunch buffets, which you can enjoy out on deck. In the evenings, an antipasto buffet is available and a menu with Mediterranean-influenced dishes like sea bass, bouillabaisse, osso buco, and sautéed shrimp is offered.
The main dining room is the 570-seat Compass Rose which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has more tables for two and four than most ships. Starters here might include seared ahi or crab-stuffed shrimp, with pheasant, veal rack, or turbot for entrees. Vegetarian, healthy, and no-salt options are available.
Several voyages offer Le Cordon Bleu workshops where passengers can learn techniques from the chefs. And shores excursions in Italy, Thailand, and France include cooking classes and winery visits.
Sydney Harbor
Accommodations aboard Seven Seas Voyager.
All 354 staterooms on Seven Sea Voyager are balcony suites. The smallest of these is 356 square feet and has amenities like walk-in closets, and marble baths with tub/shower combinations not found in entry-level cabins on other cruise lines. The refrigerator is stocked with your favorite beverages, and the linens, bathrobes, and towels are all first-rate.
The 522-square-foot Horizon Suites have separate bedrooms and teak balconies. Penthouse Suites are smaller but are better located and include butler service. Voyager Suites add a dining area, separate bathroom and shower. Grand Suites have two bathrooms and a powder room for guests. Two 1,162-square-foot Master Suites have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two private teak decks — one facing forward and one facing port or starboard — with teak furniture.
Facilities aboard Seven Seas Voyager.
A new Canyon Ranch SpaClub offer an astonishing array of treatments and the fitness center is more than adequate for the number of passengers who use it. There’s also a jogging track, paddle tennis, and golf cages.
The two-level Constellation Theater has a full proscenium stage, an orchestra, and good sight lines for the revues, cabaret shows, and productions that are staged here. The Voyager Lounge, Observation Lounge, and Horizon Lounge are additional entertainment venues for dancing or listening to a cocktail pianist.
Cigar smokers can enjoy a hand-rolled stogie from the humidor in the Conoisseur Club.
Although cruises aboard Seven Seas Voyager may seem expensive, there are good deals available. Remember that your fare includes drinks, wine, tips, and more. And even the least expensive cabin has a balcony, a bathroom with a tub, and a separate sitting area.
Read our list of the Top 10 Cruise Ship for Foodies here.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager Image Flickr: MD111
Sydney Harbor Image Flickr: Linh_rOm