Celebrating in Style on Seven Seas Grandeur

Compass Rose

By Georgina Cruz
Special to North Palm Beach Life
Photos by Georgina Cruz

            “A couple who sails together, stays together” is my husband Humberto’s and my motto. Many years (except during the pandemic) we have celebrated our anniversary on a cruise including nine world and grand voyages on Holland America and two Caribbean cruises on Crystal. This year we also wanted something special as we are celebrating 52 years together and a new ship, Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, caught our attention. From a line that calls itself “the most luxurious cruise line in the world” and which has been voted one of the best mid-size cruise lines by readers of Travel & Leisure in 2023, she merited a look. Also really catching our eye was a special offer of a free two-category suite upgrade and $500 per suite shipboard credit. New ship, luxury and perks? We could not resist and booked a 10-day Caribbean cruise out of Miami in early March.

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Faberge Egg

            Launched in November as the line’s sixth vessel, the 55,500-ton, 744 passenger Regent Seven Seas Grandeur lived up to that “most luxurious” label from the moment we boarded. Public rooms dazzle with designs by Miami’s Studio Dado and punctuated by a shimmering chandelier inspired perhaps in diamond tennis bracelets in the atrium. Dazzling as well is a 1,600-piece, multi-million-dollar art collection including some Picassos and a Faberge egg mirroring the colors of the ocean and encrusted with pearls.

            The “luxury” box was also checked in the lovely and romantic restaurants of the ship. One of the gems is the Compass Rose, the main restaurant, which looks like a sparkling crystal forest –it brought to mind the style of the legendary Catalan genius, Antoni Gaudi. Service was attentive and unobtrusive and we found the menus to be outstanding –something we loved and had never found on any ship before is a customizable dinner capability whereby, in addition to the nightly specials such as veal Oscar medallions, Cornish hen and seared mahi mahi, and a chef’s degustation featured, guests can choose what they wish from long lists of entrees such as filet mignon, New York strip steak, lobster, scallops, salmon and more. Guests can choose how they like their entrees cooked and pick from a list of sauces such as chimichurri, creamy herb and Madeira truffle and select from a list of sides such as Lyonnaise potatoes, green asparagus and sweet potato fries. To us choice, as they say, is the greatest luxury of all!

             After our embarkation dinner at Compass Rose –lobster bisque, seafood risotto, filet mignon and Grand Marnier souffle served on gorgeous Versace china—we left the restaurant with a smile on our faces, delighting in the thought that we still had nine more days of these gourmet meals ahead of us! Other restaurants we loved on the Grandeur, among the eight eateries onboard, include Prime 7 (where clam chowder, surf and turf and Key lime pie made for a delectable meal), Pacific Rim with Asian specialties and a breathtaking sculpture of a blooming cherry tree at the entrance; Chartreuse, featuring French cuisine and La Veranda, the buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and lunch that in the evenings becomes Sette Mari, serving Italian specialties like our favorite Osso Bucco.

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Pacific Rim

​         The ship has the usual amenities of ultra-deluxe ships as well, including a swimming pool (large enough for laps and the nearby pool grill had refreshing smoothies to enjoy afterwards!), whirlpools, spa, fitness center, library, card room, a small casino and a two-level theater that presents musical revues and variety. Also available are a golf putting green, pickleball, golf driving range, varied activities including Mensa puzzles and enrichment lectures. Among our favorite haunts was the Observation Lounge with great views forward for scenic port arrivals. And we never missed the trivia competitions and musical afternoon teas with delectable themes such as cupcakes, cheesecakes and brownies, as well as music in a variety of lounges.

            Another aspect we liked is the inclusivity of Regent’s cruises. In addition to included gratuities, Wi-Fi, wines and spirits –something you expect in a luxury line – valet laundry (aah!) is also included (and if you sent your laundry in by 9 a.m. you got it back in the evening) and shore excursions. Before we left our home we had reserved complimentary tours in chic St. Barts as well as other popular Caribbean ports including Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s (parent company of Regent) private island, Dominica, Antigua, Tortola and Puerto Rico. It is important to reserve tours as early as possible as popular ones tend to be wait-listed often.

            Something that surprised us when we did not find it was butler service in our Concierge category suite (all accommodations are suites with verandas on the Grandeur). We would have expected that service to be particularly in that category, but it is only available in the highest categories of suites. Our suite attendants, however, did take up the slack, keeping our mini bar replenished and bringing us the bottle of Limoncello and the bottle of Pinot Grigio we requested.

            Our suite, #867, was the perfect perch at sea, with a bedroom with a king-size bed, facing the sliding glass door for views of sunrises at sea and separated from the living area by a curtain. We also had a walk-in closet (it was a bit narrow but had sufficient space for all our things), a couch, swivel television and bath with a walk-in shower, tub, and double basins as well as French toiletries from L’Occitane of Provence. Our balcony was spacious and furnished with two chairs and a table –a great place for a morning cup of coffee with views of beautiful Gustavia in St. Barts and other Caribbean idylls. It was the ideal spot to relax and dream of a return to celebrate our 53rd anniversary! 

            IF YOU GO – For information, visit www.rssc.com.

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Tea Time