The sublime spaces on Seven Seas Grandeur

The last twelve months has seen an abundance of epic cruise ships take to the ocean, but Regent’s sixth ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, is next level lavish.

Sister ship to Seven Seas Splendor and Explorer, it is said to be “inspired by the past and stunningly reimagined for the future, providing luxury travellers with all-suite, all-balcony accommodation and design marvels at every turn.”

Does Grandeur live up to the buzz? I boarded the 746-guest, 548-crew ship in Athens to find out, and within minutes had bumped into the charming captain Aris, who generously extended an invitation to dine with him one evening.

“What happened there – did we just get invited to the captain’s table?!” I asked my companion as we arrived at our suite on deck 7. As we were only on board for a segment of the 12-night itinerary, this unfortunately did not happen, although we did get to clink glasses at the Block Party…

THE ACCOMMODATION

The first thing you need to know is that Regent certainly delivers when it comes to elevated accommodation – from entry level to the top pads, it’s arguably the best on the ocean. How many cruise ship suites come with a private spa retreat and car with driver in every port? I challenge you to name them, but book the Regent suite, aka ‘the most exclusive address at sea’ and that’s what you’ll get – and that’s just the start.

Our 464 square foot superior suite (there are 88 on board) was furnished with the obligatory Laurent Perrier on ice, a walk in closet, a sumptuous bed facing the balcony, mini bar, and generous balcony and storage space.

Regent does bathrooms really, really well: the decadent restroom featured top end fittings, plentiful L’Occitane amenities, oodles of storage, a marble-appointed bath and a marvellous shower – super soft Italian bathrobes enhanced the indulgence.

THE INTERIOR

After spending a few days on an ultra luxury ship, you start to become accustomed to the beautiful surroundings, the amazing food, and the spaciousness. With Grandeur being a new ship, everything is pristine, and the designers which include Studio Dado, have done a superb job in terms of attention to detail and flow, making life a breeze for discerning travellers.

Grandeur is home to a multimillion dollar art collection including Picassos, with the centrepiece being a custom designed, ocean inspired Faberge Egg, the first to permanently reside at sea. It is spectacular and can be found in the Atrium on deck 5.

The specialty dining venues succeed in making you feel like you have a reservation at a top restaurant on land – you’ll often forget you’re at sea. Design highlights include Compass Rose, possibly the most stylish main dining restaurant ever, the spa entrance, and the custom-made Bonsai tree sculpture at the entrance to Asian-fusion restaurant Pacific Rim.

THE OUTSIDE

For me, the definition of luxury is having the time and space to do whatever your heart desires, and space is something that Regent also delivers so well: it’s a joy not to have to think about finding a free sun lounger or queuing for anything. Stay on board when guests are off the ship in port, and you’ll probably have the pool all to yourself.

There are places to dine al fresco and take in the views, and a relatively quiet spa relaxation area at the aft features heated jacuzzis and sink-into loungers. Active types can take to the jogging track, or play paddle tennis, shuffleboard and mini golf.

With Fincantieri securing a landmark agreement earlier this year to build two further Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ships in 2026 and 2029, it will be interesting to witness the ultra luxury line’s next chapter.

Departing April 16, 2025 for 12 nights, the all-inclusive Travel Through Time voyage from Istanbul to Venice (Fusina) on board Seven Seas Grandeur costs from £8,409 per person.