When I invited my young adult daughter to join me on a short cruise, she was onboard once I told her we’d be sailing on the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur – one of the world’s most expensive luxury ships.
The Grandeur, which cost the cruise line over $517 million, features a multi-million dollar 1,600-piece art collection that includes a custom-designed Faberge Egg. From the moment we stepped onboard, Megan and I were dazzled by the ship’s elegance and attention to detail from bow to stern.
We didn’t even mind that rough seas prevented us from doing shore excursions on our short cruise from Los Angeles to Baja. It gave us more time to enjoy the ship’s restaurants and premium amenities. And since the Grandeur is designed for just 746 passengers, it was never crowded or noisy.
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Art Throughout the Ship
The Grandeur’s elevated luxury experience extends to its multi-million dollar, mostly contemporary, art collection. Artwork and installations are nearly everywhere you look, beginning in the atrium with the first and only Faberge Egg to reside permanently at sea. Regent also introduced the first-at-sea digital art tour – Art Experience – available through the new immersive Regent Mobile App. This enables you to learn more about the works and artists at your own pace.
Elegant Atrium
A shimmering crystal chandelier hangs above a spiral staircase that leads to the Compass Rose, the grandeur’s signature restaurant on Deck 4. Also on the same deck: are designer boutiques and a casino.
Grand Staterooms
The Grandeur’s 372 suites range from the 307-square-foot Veranda Suites to the 4, 443 square foot Regent Suite ($11,000 per night). All include a private, furnished balcony – some bigger than others. The Regent Suite has its own wraparound balcony and mini pool-spa.
Megan and I shared a 332-foot Concierge Suite featuring an Elite Slumber king bed facing the ocean. We appreciated the space in the marble- and stone-detailed bathroom with two sinks, a bathtub and a separate shower. The walk-in closet was so large we used it as a dressing room.
The spacious living room has a sitting area that easily accommodates room service. Megan was thrilled to find a pair of binoculars in the cabinet that held glassware and other items. Maybe we’ll see some wildlife,” said Megan.
We stepped out onto the furnished balcony for fresh ocean air and to scan the waters for any sightings of dolphins or whales as we sailed to Mexico. Even though we didn’t catch sight of wildlife, we enjoyed the views and stretching out on our roomy balcony.
Themed Restaurants
Shortly after boarding, we had lunch and champagne at La Veranda, the ship’s main buffet restaurant for breakfast and lunch. We sat at a table for two with expansive ocean views. The extensive buffet includes salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood and a variety of entrees. In the evening, the restaurant transforms to Sette Mari, a table service restaurant with Italian cuisine.
The restaurant is among the Grandeur’s diverse dining venues that include specialty restaurants (included in cruise fare). We especially enjoyed Compass Rose, where our meal was served on Versace plates designed for Regent Seven Seas. Overhead, a canopy of interwoven crystal and wood-edged illuminated trees feature thousands of crystal-faceted leaves.
Other specialty restaurants feature Prime 7, a New York City-style steakhouse adorned with three Picasso works; Chartreuse, a chic French restaurant; and Pacific Rim. The latter serves a tasty Pan-Asian cuisine including Chinese barbecue pork ribs, Thai red chicken curry, and Indonesian vegetable fried noodles. At the restaurant’s entrance is the eye-catching Bonsai Cherry Tree Sculpture.
The Pool Grill’s diverse menu and al fresco dining make it a good choice for a casual meal or snack outdoors. Menu items include grilled-to-order cheeseburgers, seafood, sandwiches, salads, fries, and milkshakes.
For a good selection of coffee, head to the Coffee Connection cafe where baristas can whip up your favorite blend.
Enticing Entertainment
The ship’s Constellation Theater, the main entertainment venue, straddles Decks 4 and 5. The theater features plush seating and a variety of Broadway-style shows. We saw ICONS, which features a variety of classic hit songs.
Relaxing Observation Lounge
There are several cozy lounge areas on the Grandeur. Our favorite was the Observation Lounge on Deck 11. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a full bar and live music make this a conducive spot to relax and enjoy a quiet conversation. During our short cruise, it was never crowded and we were able to find seats by a window as we sipped drinks. Signature drinks include the Grandeur made with Remy Martin VSOP, Drambuie, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, honey, egg white and Old Fashion bitters. A bit strong for me and I couldn’t finish it, but it was worth the taste.
There’s also a Card Room, Connoisseur Club, and Library on this deck.
Inviting Pool Deck
The hub for daytime activities is the pool deck on Deck 11. We liked there was comfortable seating around the pool as well as in the shade. There’s also a bar tucked in the corner.
Culinary Arts Kitchen
One afternoon, while my daughter lounged by the pool (bar), I took a cooking class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen near the pool but indoors. Our group of about 20 each had our own station where we learned to make pasta al limone and crepes. The chef was engaging and encouraging, so it was a fun experience. He poured us each a glass of champagne and we toasted to success. It’s a fun class and I would do it again.
Active Sports Deck
On the upper deck there’s a running track, bocce court, pickleball court, shuffleboard, a golf net, and a putting green. During our cruise, it was windy so we chose indoor activities at the spa and fitness center.
Serene Spa & Wellness
One of our favorite spots on Grandeur was the Serene Spa and Wellness at the ship’s stern. While we didn’t book a spa treatment on time, we were still able to enjoy the facility’s relaxing amenities: an infrared sauna, aromatherapy steam room and experiential showers.
Despite the rough seas, we ventured outdoors to the relaxation area’s three hot tubs with ocean views.
Fitness with a View
The Grandeur’s fitness center offers ocean views while working out. In addition to treadmills, spinning bikes and weights, the center offers Pilates, yoga and fitness classes.
2024 Sailings
For information about Grandeur’s 2024 and 2025 sailings, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
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