Regent Seven Seas Cruises
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
—St. Augustine
Getting to Know Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Their motto: Luxury Goes Exploring
Cruise fare includes: beverages, including select wines and spirits; complimentary 24-hour room service menu; in-suite dining including selections from the main dining room during dinner hours; in-suite refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer, and bottled water; butler service in Category B suites and above; in-suite bar setup in butler suites; all meals and snacks; self-service launderettes, excluding Paul Gauguin (paid laundry and press services are available); all onboard gratuities
Gratuities: included in your cruise fare.
History
Regent’s history has taken several twists and turns, but many of the key executives have been with the cruise line for years. The company was born as Radisson Seven Seas on New Year’s Day 1995 as a joint venture between Carlson Hospitality Worldwide (of Regent and Radisson hotel chain fame) and Seven Seas, a company marketing the beloved Song of Flower. In 1999, Radisson Seven Seas put together a joint venture with V-Ships in order to launch three new ships: the Navigator in 1999, the Mariner in 2001, and, in 2003, the Voyager. (Song of Flower was also retired in October 2003.)
Regent also previously leased the Paul Gauguin, which has sailed the South Pacific since 1998. Be aware that Regent relinquished management of the Paul Gauguin in January 2010. To book a cruise aboard the PG in 2010 or after, contact Paul Gauguin Cruises.
By 2006, Radisson’s trio of new ships had gained a very loyal following and perhaps that’s why company executives weren’t worried when they decided to institute a name change to Regent Seven Seas. Just a year later though, in December 2007, it was announced that Carlson had sold Regent to Apollo Management L.P. for their Prestige Cruise Holdings division. (PCH also owns Oceania Cruises. And while NCL Corporation is owned by Apollo, it is not part of the Prestige group.)
So, with new owners calling the shots, will Regent Seven Seas receive yet a new name? It doesn’t look that way. As of 2009, the ships are happily sailing under the Regent flag.
Onboard Vibe
Regent attracts fun-loving, well-traveled individuals who live life to the fullest. While guests may be older, they certainly don’t let age slow them down and you’ll find the lounges packed after dinner almost every evening.
Fellow Travelers
Regent attracts vibrant individuals who are well traveled and wish to see even more of the world. Passengers tend to be older (50 to 80+) but you’ll probably experience an older demographic on longer voyages while Caribbean and Alaskan itineraries skew younger. It’s rare to see children cruising with Regent, except during holiday and spring break or on a sailing that’s designated with a Club Mariner Youth Program.
Dress Code
Regent passengers are snappy dressers and enjoy the broad range of the dress code, which includes casual, informal country club casual, and formal. That may sound like a lot of categories, but here’s how it breaks down. Casual wear includes shorts and jeans for daytime. Casual clothing is not appropriate after 6:00 p.m. Each evening of the cruise will be designated as either informal, country club casual, or formal. Informal means dresses or pantsuits for women and jackets and collared shirts (ties strongly recommended) for men. Country club casual consists of skirts or slacks with a blouse or sweater for women, and slacks and collared shirts for men (no golf shirts). On formal night, women wear gowns and cocktail dresses and men opt for tuxedos, dinner jackets, or dark suits. Your itinerary and the ship’s in-room newsletter will list the daily dress code.
Food & Wine
I happen to prefer open seat dining and Regent allows you to eat whenever you want, wherever you want, and with whomever you choose. This works out well since you’re bound to meet other travelers that you’d like to share a meal with. We generally never have trouble getting a table for two (especially if you dine either early or late). There are also tables for four, six, and eight. Reservations are recommended in some of the alternative restaurants.
Entertainment
Regent caters to clientele that enjoy evening entertainment, such as cabaret-style shows, dancing, and casino games. Each ship features a theater and presentations may be as varied as a comedian or magician or entertainment with a specific theme, such as James Bond Martini Night or Beatles Night. Regent’s Mariner has even been hosting a ballroom dancing tournament called Dancing with the Mariner Stars and it’s really sparked excitement among passengers. Visit Brown and Keene Travel’s website to read Donna Hull’s article about the competition.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all staterooms and verandahs, dining rooms, and other public areas of all Regent vessels. You may only smoke at designated areas of the Pool Bar and Connoisseur Club on each ship. On the Voyager, you may also smoke in a designated area of the Voyager Lounge and the outside area of the Horizon Lounge. On the Mariner, head to the outdoor area of the Horizons Lounge or the designated area of Stars Nightclub. Smoking is permitted on the Paul Gauguin at La Palette (outside area only) and the designated area of Le Grill.
Children’s Program
Club Mariner is Regent’s complimentary kids program for ages 5 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17. Experienced youth counselors supervise interactive activities, think whale watching in Alaska. Club Mariner is offered on select sailings during the summer and during certain holiday breaks.
The Ships
For detailed information about each Regent ship, click on the links below:
- Seven Seas Mariner (700 passengers)
- Seven Seas Navigator (490 passengers)
- Seven Seas Voyager (700 passengers)
Note: Regent relinquished management of the Paul Gauguin in January 2010. To book this ship for a 2010 itinerary, see Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Book This Cruise Line If…
…you prefer spacious verandah suites, dressing for dinner, and visiting far-flung locations around the world.
For More Information…
…talk with your travel agent, call Regent at (877) 505-5370, or visit their website