Just back from first Regent cruise - SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER

[eroller]

Just home after an incredible two week vacation in Europe including a week onboard SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER.  This was my first Regent cruise (I've sailed other luxury lines like Silversea & Seabourn) and I was impressed.  A full review and photolog to follow, but here is a sneak peak at some of the pics.  The ship is gorgeous.  One of the most beautiful I've sailed.  Some may say she is a over the top (even I was skeptical when she was built), but onboard it somehow all just works.  I loved the ship and experience overall. 

 

 

[FengShui@Sea]

This brings back such fond memories of our first Regent cruise (also on the Explorer).  My advice is to avoid the Splendor.  Although a newer sister ship, sadly it pales in comparison.  

[eroller]

1 hour ago, FengShui@Sea said:

This brings back such fond memories of our first Regent cruise (also on the Explorer).  My advice is to avoid the Splendor.  Although a newer sister ship, sadly it pales in comparison.  

Oh wow interesting.  I actually thought SPLENDOR was the preferred ship as she is newer and toned down a bit.  
 

Personally I loved the glitz & glamour on EXPLORER, and the art work was first rate.  

[Pathfinder88]

IMO, if you loved Explorer, you will LOVE Splendor!  We were on Explorer in 2017 and Splendor on the TA cruise this past April.  We really liked the tweaks that were made, especially the bigger library.  The only things we missed were the spectacular ceiling in Compass Rose, and the gallery by the staircase on level 4 (Splendor’s decor is more subtle).  Both are elegant, comfortable vessels.  Glad you enjoyed your trip! 

[jmalux]

5 hours ago, FengShui@Sea said:

This brings back such fond memories of our first Regent cruise (also on the Explorer).  My advice is to avoid the Splendor.  Although a newer sister ship, sadly it pales in comparison.  

I really see no reason for avoiding the Splendor. It is very similar to the Explorer, but with a less dark colour scheme. 

 

We love the Splendor.

[flossie009]

Splendor has the added advantage that they improved the theatre auditorium design so that the sight lines are much improved.

Apart from that, the layout & facilities on both ships are virtually identical.

 

Looking forward to your review of Explorer. If you choose to cruise on Splendor in the future I am sure you will be equally impressed. 
 

 

Edited June 29, 2022 by flossie009

[Eno-Bob]

We’re on our third Splendor cruise now and we’ve done six cruises on Explorer.  We love both ships and we would give the Splendor a plus over Explorer.  We do not think Splendor “pales in comparison” in any respect.  Hopefully you will have an opportunity to sail on Splendor and make your own judgement.

[Portolan]

We've sailed on both Splendor and Explorer.  The differences (except maybe the theater improvements) are very subtle and don't sway our decision.  We'll sail on whichever ship is going where we want to go.

[FengShui@Sea]

10 hours ago, eroller said:

Oh wow interesting.  I actually thought SPLENDOR was the preferred ship as she is newer and toned down a bit.  
 

Personally I loved the glitz & glamour on EXPLORER, and the art work was first rate.  

 

I realize that it is a matter of personal taste, but I found the Splendor’s decor very dull.  The wow factor of the entrance to Pacific Rim wears off quickly.  The staircase going from deck 5 to deck 4 with its wooden steps had to be the ugliest central staircase I have ever seen on any ship.  Add to that the difference in level of service between the two ships in Compass Rose was mind boggling.  However, with a few exceptions the artwork was really outstanding.   I would revise my advice to say I wouldn’t avoid the ship, but I would lower my expectations.

 

Edited June 29, 2022 by FengShui@Sea

[forevertravel]

It's all matter of taste. While we love Explorer we thought Splendor was over the top. So elegant! We loved it. The service was incredible (as is always with Regent). All in all Splendor is our favorite.

 

 

[RachelG]

love both ships, but prefer Splendor only because of the better design of the theater.  

[DeepFreeze63]

Love the Explorer; we've just reserved 73 nights on her in 2024. BUT, we adore the Splendor. Not only better theatre but also lighter color scheme, happier art, "tea houses" on La Verandah aft deck, expanded Coffee Connection", roomier Observation Lounge, roomier Library and ....

[docmark]

we were on Explorer in January 2022(our first Regent cruise) and on Splendor in May 2022. The big plus for Explorer was the "coffee connection" staying open, with service, till LATE at night, while being closed at 5 pm on Splendor.  

[eroller]

On 6/29/2022 at 8:18 AM, FengShui@Sea said:

 

I realize that it is a matter of personal taste, but I found the Splendor’s decor very dull.  The wow factor of the entrance to Pacific Rim wears off quickly.  The staircase going from deck 5 to deck 4 with its wooden steps had to be the ugliest central staircase I have ever seen on any ship.  Add to that the difference in level of service between the two ships in Compass Rose was mind boggling.  However, with a few exceptions the artwork was really outstanding.   I would revise my advice to say I wouldn’t avoid the ship, but I would lower my expectations.

 

 

 

Fair enough.  I appreciate your insight.  Of course we all have different design tastes and they are all subjective.  There is no right or wrong.  I do thank you for sharing your thoughts. 

[eroller]

Thank you to everyone that replied.  I don't think I would have any problem booking SPLENDOR and I appreciate your comments.  Seems like at the end of the day they are more alike than different.  They are of course the same class of ship. 

 

Based upon the renderings I've seen of GRANDEUR, she might be my favorite of the trio.  Very sophisticated decor with a smattering of whimsy.  She looks gorgeous.  At least I know I love this class of ship.  I'm not sure how I would feel about the older Regent ships. 

Edited June 30, 2022 by eroller

[eroller]

We dined very well on the cruise, and I'm pleased we were able to dine in every establishment.  Compass Rose.  Pacific Rim.  Chartreuse.  Prime 7.  La Veranda.  Coffee Connection.  Pool Grill.  Sette Mari.  And room service.  There were no bad meals and we enjoyed excellent service in every venue.  Some meals stood out more for their excellence, and nothing had to be sent back.  Surprisingly Sette Mari was one of my favorites.  Since this was part of the buffet restaurant I think my expectations were perhaps lower.  I was very impressed. 

 

Overall I felt cuisine & service on Regent (this cruise at least) was to a higher standard than what I experienced on Seabourn & Silversea.  There was also a lot more variety which I appreciated.  The menu in Compass Rose was especially impressive for a main dining room.  On the whole It was inline with Oceania, maybe a tad bit better, and this of course is no surprise since both brands are part of the same parent company. 

 

Attached is a little food porn for anyone into that. 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 30, 2022 by eroller

[1982CruzStart]

thank you for the great pictures. 

[eroller]

Just now, 1982CruzStart said:

thank you for the great pictures. 

 
You’re welcome.  I’ll eventually post a link to the full album once I sort them and upload.  

[mj_holiday]

the salted, caramel, popcorn sundae is one of the best desserts I can recommend.

[asnaleah]

56 minutes ago, mj_holiday said:

the salted, caramel, popcorn sundae is one of the best desserts I can recommend.

Very tasty!

[fdnycruiser]

I’ll take every single one of those meals and desserts. I wish we were back on the Explorer. Thanks for sharing 

[Ladys Mom]

Your pictures are great!  They bring back wonderful memories of being on Explorer and Splendor, as well as Navigator, Mariner, and Voyager.  We found the food on Regent to far exceed the food on Oceania.  But that is just our opinion.

[MarcyLondon]

2 hours ago, mj_holiday said:

the salted, caramel, popcorn sundae is one of the best desserts I can recommend.

In which restaurant? Sounds delicious 

Marcia

[pingpong1]

8 minutes ago, MarcyLondon said:

In which restaurant? Sounds delicious 

Marcia

P7

[mcloaked]

The ship and the food look fabulous. Can you tell me how much, if any ballroom dancing, is possible on the Regent voyages, and if so how much time each evening couples have the opportunity to dance ballroom and Latin, and whether the dance floors are small or allow room to dance.  Thanks for any replies.