Cruising may not be for everyone, but travellers looking to take their time while enjoying the finer things in life shouldn’t pass up a chance to travel with Regent Cruises.
It’s that witching hour in Bali where the blazing tropical light of day mellows at the edges and then seems to implode upon itself in a peach and violet explosion, to the wonder of visitors assembled along its world-famous beaches.
Down at the cruise terminal in Benoa, the regal white ocean liner Seven Seas Explorer slips her lines and, flanked by a pair of sprightly tugs, begins the first leg of our journey, one that will take us from the exoticism of Southeast Asia all the way down through crocodile-infested waters and vibrant coral seas to the most dynamic city of Australia.
The communities that flank the volcanic peaks of Bali’s east coast fade into darkness and then return as low-slung constellations as we steam calm seas north. We bid them farewell from the balcony of our suite with a glass of Monopole Blue Label champagne, which our always-smiling, super-efficient, Energiser Bunny steward Shannen prepared on ice before our arrival.
It’s my wife Angela’s first cruise – and my first with Regent – and I’ll admit I was a little concerned that this particular style of travel wouldn’t be in her wheelhouse, if you’ll excuse the deliberate nautical pun. While cruising has its die-hard fans, who book voyages years in advance, it’s certainly not for everyone.
What is Luxury Cruising Today?
After all, what is cruising? At no time in the cruise industry’s history has this been harder to answer. Whereas once ‘cruising’, as we then knew it, consisted of ocean liners crossing the great seas with classes to suit all of humanity, today there’s more choice than ever.
There are the hardy expedition ships, each contributing to making the world a little smaller with each voyage and each new destination. There are specialist river vessels plying ancient waterways that interlace some of the world’s most important capitals, and there are mega ships, carrying thousands of travellers and offering them a barrage of attractions on and off the water. There’s even a fleet – most still in construction – of floating five-star hotels brought to you by very familiar names in the hospitality trade.
And then there’s Regent Seven Seas, which lies somewhere at the centre of the cruising universe. Its ships aren’t exactly small, although they lack the crowds, shopping malls, ice skating rinks, and climbing walls of the big boys. Its destinations are varied and fascinating, but are by no means expeditionary. It holds a familiar hotel brand name but has since moved on, forging its own identity, one punctuated by an indulgent, all-inclusive experience complemented by crisp, intelligent service, and insightful excursions at its ports of call.
The line has also played its own part in introducing cruising to a younger (although not ‘young’ per se) demographic, enabling many more travellers to embark on their first voyage, as Angela has.
A Floating Mansion
I’ll freely admit, I love cruising; the ability to settle in, unpack once, and wake to a new destination every day – well, almost every day. Cruising is a great way to meet people, see new places, and claim the kind of holiday you need. Want to relax? You could spend the entire cruise on your balcony with a good book or in the jacuzzi with a cocktail. Keen to dance the night away? You’ll quickly find kindred spirits.
Regent knows this and knows the elements that its guests enjoy, time and time again – good food, great service, sublime staterooms and penthouses, and a little destination variety thrown in for good measure. In short, this is luxury sea travel at its very best.
When she was launched, Regent Cruises’ 374-suite Seven Seas Explorer was dubbed the most luxurious ship ever built, and only a handful of years later, she continues to live up to that heady moniker.
Built at a cost of US$450 million, the 748-passenger ship is a floating mansion, a surprisingly intimate environment (despite having one of the highest space-to-passenger ratios on the market) of custom-made sculptures and chandeliers, a soaring atrium, sumptuous dining venues, lavish public spaces, and spacious staterooms, all complimented by a 2,500-piece art collection that includes works by Chagall and Picasso and by a 548-strong crew that genuinely loves what they do.
Inside the Superior Suite
Our 31 sqm Serenity Suite on deck eight, one of 228 on the ship, is nothing short of remarkable. Capacious yet intelligently designed and beautifully appointed, the residential-styled space is dominated by a large king-size bed facing a broad balcony with comfortable wicker armchairs. A flatscreen television faces a sofa and coffee table that later doubles as a dining space for leisurely in-suite breakfasts, while a beauty table with plenty of storage helps us manage our belongings.
The walk-in wardrobe is bigger than some apartments I’ve had, while the bathroom, with its separate shower and deep soak tub (itself with a second shower head, perfect for tardy couples like us who are always in a rush), twin vanities, and marble accents, is probably the largest I’ve seen at sea. These elements really give you a sense of Regent Seven Seas’ position in the realm of luxury cruising. There is simply nothing like it.
Refreshed, unpacked, and already in cruise mode, we descend to the ship’s beautiful atrium, with its elegantly curving staircases, to start rubbing shoulders with the guests we will be cruising with for the next 17 days.
At the Explorer Lounge on deck four, adjacent to the ship’s casino and the elegant Compass Rose restaurant, we quickly befriend Balinese bartender Gusti, who makes a mean dirty martini and is never short of a smile.
A Cruise Line for Foodies
Bars are something that Regent Seven Seas, in general and Seven Seas Explorer in particular, does well – very well. In addition to the Explorer Lounge, there’s the Meridian Lounge (above) on deck five, home to brilliant riffs on the classic gin and tonic using craft spirits and intriguing ingredients, and the Pool Bar on deck 11, the heart of daytime action, especially on sea days.
Then there’s the expansive Observation Lounge, a great spot for pre-dinner tipples and views of the bow; the intimate Connoisseurs Club, a special space for premium whiskies, cognacs and cigars; and the mesmerising Constellation Lounge, home to cocktails and cabaret.
Talking of dining, while Regent’s sister line, Oceania, has positioned itself as the foodie cruise line, Regent Seven Seas stands in no one’s shadow. Seven Seas Explorer boasts six restaurants, with the glamorous Compass Rose as close to the conventional cruise ship dining room as you’ll find. Yet, even as the main dining venue on the ship, the restaurant maintains service and elegance levels you’d expect from most lines’ signature restaurants, and it quickly becomes one of our favourite evening spots.
The ship also boasts speciality restaurants that are included in the fare but require reservations. Prime 7 (my favourite), with its dark, sophisticated, utterly New York décor, is a classic steakhouse where the surf ‘n’ turf is a ticket straight to heaven, while Pacific Rim (above) introduces a showcase of dynamic flavours and dishes from across Southeast Asia – think pink tiger prawns in sriracha, garlic and kaffir lime sauce; and Canadian lobster tempura with ponzu dipping sauce.
Then there’s Chartreuse, the ship’s intimate French restaurant, where dishes like Dover sole with lemon and capers, and seared Barbary duck breast with candied morello cherries are served with military-like precision.
My daytime favourite is the leisurely breakfasts and lunches served in the light-filled La Veranda, with its expansive terrace at the stern of the ship. It’s the perfect spot to watch the world drift by, and by night turns into Sette Mari at La Veranda, a casual Italian hotspot. And if you’re looking for the action during sea days, head to the vibrant alfresco Pool Grill, where thematic menus enable guests to sample the flavours of the destination, including on our cruise kangaroo burgers and crocodile tempura.
Finally, Coffee Connection, on deck five, is a lively coffee shop that serves snacks and great brewed beverages throughout the day, making it our regular pit stop before heading out on excursions.
From Komodo to Darwin
Our itinerary to Sydney is a mix of shore days and more than a few sea days, which I think is a nice balance as it lets you dedicate days to complete relaxation without the FOMO. After two days on north Bali’s sun-kissed but sleepy coast, and another visiting neighbouring Lombok, we’re welcomed to Komodo National Park by a pod of common dolphins and spend a morning with the dragons on one of the line’s included and unlimited excursions, with the world’s largest lizards living up to their fearsome, tongue-flicking reputation.
In Darwin, after crossing the Timor Sea, there’s also time to cruise the Adelaide River to see its ‘jumping’ crocodiles and magnificent birds of prey.
Unfortunately, Cyclone Jasper hits Cairns the day before we arrive, meaning plans to explore the Great Barrier Reef are dashed as flooding inundates the town and foul weather plagues us down the coast. However, by the time we arrive in Brisbane, the sun returns in time for a city tour, and in Newcastle we venture into the famed Hunter Valley wine belt for small-group wine tastings – another included foray – at some of the leading boutique wineries.
Despite the diverse range of destinations and activities, I found the sea days to be equally enjoyable. While the selection of activities offered by the entertainment staff is a little too retirement home for me (needle point anyone?), there’s plenty to do independently, from paddle tennis and mini golf, to the ship classic, shuffleboard, where competitive personas are encouraged.
Sea Days and Formal Nights
If the cocktail bars, with their chilled martinis and non-judgemental bartenders, are my indulgence, then the ship’s state-of-the-art fitness centre is my confession box and early morning yoga sessions my contrition. Lying down our mats and concentrating on our breathing, I’m soon groaning and bowing like a sapling in a tempest, while Angela has already contorted herself into something resembling the Microsoft Word paperclip, smile and all.
The intimate infinity pool at the spa, which is as comprehensive as anything you’ll find on land, also becomes a favourite spot as we depart each port, while the main pool, with its twin jacuzzis, attentive staff and live music, is the place to be on sea days.
We also enjoy the two formal nights on the ship. While Regent has made a concerted effort to tone down the required formality of some lines (most days are categorised as ‘elegant casual’, making the rare formal nights all the more fun), most guests get into the swing of things with dinner jackets and more sequins than a cabaret line. Suitably adorned, I in a tuxedo and Angela in a curvaceous evening dress, we sip Manhattans crafted by Gusti before joining newly met friends in Compass Rose for dinner, stopping by the ship’s casino for a flutter on our way to the evening show.
Is a Regent Cruise Worth It?
Cruising isn’t for everyone; it’s a slow travel lifestyle that comes in many guises. However, it’s easy to see how Regent Seven Seas has consolidated its position at the luxurious pinnacle of the industry and has garnered an extremely loyal following, including an increasing number of customers from across Asia.
Taking an early moment on our balcony as we slip into Sydney at sunrise, I see from Angela’s hesitancy to leave the ship at the end of our voyage that the line has earned its newest cruising convert.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises FAQ
If you’re contemplating a Regent Seven Seas cruise, here are a few things you should note.
What is included in a Regent Seven Seas cruise fare?
Regent Seven Seas’ standard fare covers an ocean-view suite (99% with a private balcony), unlimited shore excursions in every port, all speciality restaurants, premium wines, champagne and spirits, a daily-replenished in-suite minibar, unlimited WiFi, valet laundry, gratuities and entertainment. Concierge-level suites and above also get a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.
Are flights included on a Regent cruise?
It depends on the fare you choose. Since July 2024, Regent has sold a lower cruise-only fare that keeps the core inclusions but lets guests book their own flights. The Ultimate All-Inclusive fare adds round-trip flights, airport-to-ship coach transfers and a Blacklane chauffeur credit.
How much does a Regent Seven Seas cruise cost?
Fares currently start from around US$4,225 per person, with summer and autumn sailings priced well above winter and spring. A seven-night Caribbean voyage typically starts near US$5,000 per person. At the top end, the Regent Suite on the Explorer-class ships regularly sells for more than US$10,000 a night.
Is a Regent cruise worth the money?
For many travellers, yes, once the extras are counted. On a 10-night Mediterranean comparison, premium lines ended up costing more than Regent Seven Seas after excursions, drinks, specialty dining, WiFi and tips were added. The value grows on longer voyages, where the daily inclusions compound.
What is the dress code on Regent Seven Seas?
Daytime is resort casual. In 2025, the cruise line moved to Elegant Casual fleet-wide after 6 pm, allowing refined denim and dress sneakers in all public areas, including restaurants. Guests can still dress up if they like, from cocktail dresses and gowns to dinner jackets and three-piece suits; jackets are optional and bare feet are only allowed on the pool deck. To be honest, one of the reasons we chose (and would again) Regent Seven Seas was because of the formal nights.
Do you need to tip on a Regent cruise?
No. Standard gratuities are included in the fare. The exception is treatments at the Serene Spa & Wellness spa, which carry separate gratuities.
Can children sail with Regent Seven Seas?
Yes, but Regent Seven Seas is not set up for families. There were a few kids on our cruise, but they looked pretty bored onboard (although they loved the crocodile show!). Infants must be at least six months old on day one, and anyone under 18 must share a suite with an adult. The line provides no childcare, kids’ clubs or supervision. On voyages with three or more consecutive sea days, the minimum age rises to one year. Children pay the same fare as adults.
How many ships does Regent Seven Seas have?
Regent Seven Seas currently sails six ships, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager. A seventh, Seven Seas Prestige, enters service on this December as the largest ship in the fleet at 76,550 GT. It’s the first of two Prestige-class ships, with the second due in 2029.
If you’re contemplating a luxury cruise, be sure to check out our guides to the best ultra-luxury cruise lines, the best sustainable polar cruises, the best expedition cruise destinations, the best hotel cruise lines, and the best river cruise lines, and read about whether a river cruise is right for you.
