Regent Seven Seas Explorer Ship Tour
Having watched the recent UK TV series based on the luxury cruise ship, Regent Seven Sea Explorer, we were very excited to be invited on board for a ship tour and lunch. We arrived at City Cruise terminal in Southampton on a rather gloomy September Monday morning ready to board this luxurious little ship. It wasn’t long before we were on board, entering on deck 5 in the main atrium. Thankfully things were much less gloomy once we were on board, with the first thing greeting us upon entering was a view of the rather magnificent crystal chandelier looming over the curved staircase down to deck four. As soon as you board this enclave of sumptousness you instantly see, feel and smell the opulence of this ship, it just oozes class from its every pore!
Following a tour of the luxurious suites (which you can see in an upcoming separate suite blog) we made our way out to the pool area taking in the open decks from the sports deck above the pool area. We loved the look of the pool deck with its comfortable padded sun loungers each dressed with a fitted towel so you can be sure you towel won’t blow off or crumple underneath you. The upper deck has a row of canopied loungers for guest who like to be outside but want to stay out of the sun and the two large hot tubs also have large canopies for shading guests. There were plenty of sun beds and lots of double sun loungers for couples to share, so no need to save a spot on this ship! At the back of deck twelve there is a large sports area with shuffle board, a golf net, a putting green and a paddle tennis court.
Moving down to deck 11 we stopped off at the Culinary Arts Kitchen. Being one of the most ‘all inclusive’ cruise lines around, there really is very little to spend your money on once you are onboard, but for real foodie lovers this offers a chance to spend a bit of onboard credit and learn or hone your culinary skills. Whilst most shore excursions are included in your fare, for an additional cost guest have the option to partake in a special excursion where they visit a local market with one of the ships chefs and buy the ingredients to bring back on board and cook their own meal in the Culinary Arts Kitchen.
Next door to the kitchen is the library, beautifully adorned with a variety of seating to meet everyone’s wishes, from upright wing back chairs, to tub seats and sofas. Attention to detail is abounding in this ship and none more so than in here with its seating options, gorgeous lighting and even down to the leather flooring specifically chosen for its sound deadening properties. There are a large number of books for guests to borrow during their voyage and we could easily imagine whiling away a chilly afternoon in here reading a good book.
From the library we made our way through the adjoining futuristic gold and black corridor which leads guests into the Observation lounge. As the name suggests this lounge offers guests a view over the bow of the ship and is the perfect spot for inclement sailaways. Again there are a number of different seating options to suit guests needs, as well as a grand piano for live entertainment, a large dance floor and a funky bar, making this venue suitable for daytime and evening entertainment. Alongside the observation lounge is the small Card room and the Connoisseur brandy and cigar room.
Moving towards the back of the ship through the pool area is the pool grill, an al fresco dining option serving pizzas, sandwiches, a variety of burgers and hot dogs. This is open all day and stays open until 10pm for guests that would like to eat informally but don’t want to have room service. There is a large covered area with plenty of patio heaters so that even on the coldest of voyages guests will still be able to make the most of this venue.
Beyond the pool area and pool grill is the buffet restaurant, La Veranda which is open for breakfast and lunch. In the evening this turns into Sette Mari, an Italian sit down restaurant where guests can choose their starters from a buffet selection but will be served the rest of their meal from the main menu. This has to be one of the most luxuriously decorated buffet restaurants we have seen with elegant table ware and spacious seating options. At the back of the buffet is an al fresco terrace with lovely padded wicker chairs and parasols for shade.
From deck 11 we made our way down one deck to the two speciality restaurants located at the rear of deck ten. Chartreuse is the French fine dining restaurant elegantly decorated in creams, light yellows and gold finishings. The tables are thoughtfully placed with plenty of tables for two located to maximise those sea views. On the other side of the ship is Prime 7, a traditional steak and seafood restaurant tastefully decorated in darker tones using velvety greys and dark blues. In between these restaurants is the private dining area, the Study, exclusively for the use of Regent suite passengers and their invited guests.
Moving down to deck six we made our way to the aft of the ship where the gym and spa are located. Given the number of passengers the gym is large with two separate areas spanning the width of the ship, with panoramic views over the bow of the shop. The gym offers a variety of cardio machines as well as weight machines, free weights and a studio room for yoga or Pilates classes.
At the entrance to the gym is a rather beautiful spiral staircase down to deck five which houses the spa area and infinity pool. The spa, which is free for all passengers to use, has gender specific changing rooms housing saunas, steam rooms, experience showers and a cold room. Through the changing room is an outside sun deck with a number of loungers and an infinity pool. The spa area also offers indoor hot stone beds and a relaxation room, as well as the usual extra cost salon and treatment services.
Near the entrance to the spa is the last of the speciality restaurants, Pacific Rim, an impressive pan-Asian restaurant offering an interesting and delicious looking menu. The entrance to the restaurant is adorned with an impressive, large and imposing prayer wheel specially made for the Explorer. From here guests make their way down a wide corridor to the main restaurant, decorated in a traditional Asian style with lovely green accents.
Heading back to the centre of the ship on deck five takes you through the self service coffee and snack bar where guests can help themselves to a light breakfast, lunch or mid meal snack. There is also a manned drinks bar for something a bit more substantial. Opposite this is the meridian lounge, perfect for relaxing during the day in one of the tempting looking cream tub style seats. This lounge has a serene and classy feel with a marble bar and piano for live entertainment making it the perfect place for an early evening or pre-dinner cocktail or two.
Passing through the main atrium which houses the large guest services desk and shore excursions desk, you arrive at the front of the ship where you find the large and impressive Constellation theatre. The upper level of the theatre gives great views over the stage but the best seating is down the internal staircase to the lower level. The comfortable blue velvet seating gives guests the option of long lounge bench seats, little two seater sofas or lovely individual swivel tub chairs, all with undisturbed views of the large stage area.
Deck four is the lowest passenger deck with the boutique shops located between the theatre and the main atrium. The atrium itself is beautifully adorned with cream leather seating areas and flanked on one side by the large casino and the other with the late night lounge, the gorgeous Explorer Lounge.
At the other end of the atrium is the main dining room, the Compass Rose, a large dining room decorated in elegant creams and blues with magnificent light sculptures. In fact, it would be remiss of me not to mention at this point that there is amazing lighting, artwork and artefacts throughout the ship. The ship features many famous works of art, glassware and sculptures such as Picasso, Murano and Versace. Even the passenger corridors are adorned with intricate crystal chandeliers, with over 200 of them lighting the guests ways back to their suites at the end of a fabulous day.
We ended our tour in Compass Rose with a delicious four course menu featuring sample dishes from some of the restaurants on board and if these were anything to go by the dining would be one (of many) highlights of a voyage on the magnificent Seven Sea Explorer.
We would like to thank Regent Seven Seas Cruises for inviting us on their magnificent ship, the Seven Seas Explorer, for a wonderful day of exploring followed by a delicious lunch.
For something similar why not take a look at our Seabourn Ovation ship tour.
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