A Magical Trip Aboard Regent Seven Seas Splendor

As most of you probably already know, I’m recently back from a fabulous cruise with Regent Cruises aboard Seven Seven Seas Splendor and I’m so excited to share this post with you! I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to some very exclusive places but I’ve honestly never experienced such luxury and attention to detail as I did on this cruise. To top it off, this was my very first cruise and now, the bar is set very high!

I’m going in chronological order with this as much as possible so I don’t forget to show you any of the fabulousness…

The trip started off with a night at a hotel in Miami. We arrived the evening before so we could get up bright and early to board a luxury motor coach and board the Seven Seas Splendor. The picture on the left is at the hotel with my partners in crime…Annette Duke of ReInventing 50’s and Cacinda Maloney of Points and Travel. We are all from different states, Cacinda from Phoenix Arizona and Annette from California, but luckily we knew each other from previous collaborations and also knew that we were going to have so much fun together…and we did!

I must start with pictures of our suite. Every single suite aboard Seven Seas Splendor has a balcony, so obviously, there is not a bad suite. Some are bigger than others (keep scrolling for that), but all are luxurious. Regent Cruises takes great pride in its comfortable beds and the combination of the comfy mattress and the rocking of the ship on the water, made me sleep like a baby!

Even the products in the bathroom were luxurious…L’occitane products are some of my favorites and the bathroom was stocked with the Jasmin & Bergamote. I must admit that I brought a few home to remind me of the trip!

When we walked into the room for the first time, we were greeted with a bottle of champagne and fresh fruit. One of the things that I’m so impressed with is the commitment of Regent Cruises to sustainability. Regent uses Vero Water which is a sustainable water filtration system which reuses glass bottles filled with filtered water. One of the things I always feel guilty about while traveling is the plastic bottles that seem to be endless and I was able to let go of that guilt on this trip.

Our first delicious meal aboard the ship was a lunch buffet by the pool. The buffet included everything imaginable and was presented beautifully. Another thing that is unique about Regent Cruises is that everything is included when you book your trip…including airfare. This is so wonderful because when you board the ship you can truly relax without worrying about how much you’re spending or if you have cash for tipping. There are a few exceptions to this such as special excursions, but as far as food and alcohol go, you can order away without worrying about anything!

After we had lunch, we set off to explore the ship. Rest assured, there is no shortage of things to do if you choose. Baldy and I especially enjoyed the putting green. He has a way to go to catch up with me, but he’s trying!

This cruise was a very special cruise because it was the inaugural cruise of Seven Seas Splendor. I am so honored to have been included as a guest for this very special event. A celebratory gala was held on our first evening and it was beyond fabulous. The entertainment had been kept a secret until then and we were thrilled to watch a spectacular concert by the one and only…Seal! He is quite a showman and the performance was better than I could have imagined! Another special treat was seeing Christy Brinkley! She is the Godmother of Seven Seas Splendor and it is the perfect role for her. She is elegant and more beautiful than ever. Baldy and had the best evening! We were tired and happy when we finally got to bed that night!

As if everything I’ve described above about this fabulous cruise wasn’t enough, there is more! Regent Seven Seas Splendor has the first woman in cruise history to captain a new ocean cruise ship at launch…Captain Serena Melani! It was lovely to hear her speak at the gala and to hear the excitement in her voice as she talked about the honor! We even had the chance to meet her and that was such a special treat.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the sun and I love sitting by the pool reading and drinking a fruity drink! If I could choose, this would be my pool of choice!

There was music, plentiful food, a fabulous bar and even an ice sculpture demonstration!

Every morning, we had breakfast in the room and as you can see, it was a great way to start the day! The view didn’t hurt either!

I know I keep saying “my favorite'“, but the cooking class that we took in the Culinary Arts Kitchen was a highlight of the trip for me! I love to cook as you know and this was just so much fun! Each participant had a stovetop as well as utensils and an apron to take home. After we had a glass of bubbly and got to know each other, we made poached Branzino with olives, shallots and cherry tomatoes and a Brûléed French Toast. It was all delicious and I’m excited to make it for Baldy now that we’re home, only who will clean up after me?!

Among the activities planned for us, was a Hennessy tasting. We tasted four different Hennessy’s and the bottles got progressively more expensive and progressively more spicy. I’m not much of a cognac drinker, but it was very interesting to taste the different bottles paired with unexpected foods. Even though I probably won’t become a Hennessy drinker, I still thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of making the cognac and also experiencing the tasting.

If you followed me on Instagram as we were cruising, you know that one of my favorite parts about being on the ship was getting dressed for dinner each evening! It’s something I would love to do every night!

Seven Seas Splendor boasts six restaurants (as well as room service) to choose from and they all serve different cuisines. This particular evening, we went to Chartruese which serves French cuisine. I felt like a princess between the impeccable service, the delicious food, and my beautiful dress!

“Artwork featured on Seven Seas Splendor is one of the most discerningly curated collections of museum-quality 20th and 21st century art on the seas.” The art collection transforms each space creating the perfect ambience of luxury. The collection features works from more than 200 artists including: Pablo Picasso, Eduardo Arranz-Bravo, Juan Roberto Diago, Joan Miró and more! It was a treat to walk around and see such an amazing collection of art!

After dinner each evening, there was entertainment in the Constellation Theatre. These pictures are from a musical show and the following evening we heard a comedian. In addition to the theatrical performances, the entertainment lounges onboard Seven Seas Splendor include Splendor Lounge, Observation Lounge, Meridian Lounge, Connoisseur Club and the Casino. During the evening these venues will host resident musicians and entertainers, dancing, karaoke singing, games and more. There is something for everyone!

No cruise would be complete without a Casino. If you’re in the mood, you can head to the Casino to play blackjack, roulette, poker, or play the slot machines. The Casino is open every day at sea.

The luxurious spa aboard the ship is called Serene Spa and Wellness. It is a globally inspired, tranquil haven of health, beauty and wellness where you can relax and restore with a variety of luxurious wholistic treatments. There is also a fitness center that offers classes every day as well as state of the art equipment. It’s one of the most beautiful spas I’ve seen and I loved having a rose facial to moisturize my skin after being in the sun.

It was still a little chilly in the infinity pool for me, but I so enjoyed relaxing in the sun after my spa treatment!

I know that i’ve gone on endlessly about the food on Seven Seas Splendor, but it was so impressive…as beautiful as it was delicious and so plentiful! Don’t tell anyone, but Baldy gained 7 pounds and enjoyed every bite!

Our itinerary changed slightly during the cruise, because of weather, so our only on shore excursion was in Nassau. We took a small ferry from the ship over to the island and had a wonderful day! We swam with dolphins, ate some local food including conch fritters (my favorite) and enjoyed a margarita (or two)! The water was so blue and crystal clear. It was a great day, but I’ll admit that I was happy to be back on the ship to rest when it was over.

Compass Rose, which is the largest restaurant on the ship, features exquisite entrees and desserts. The decor is so elegant and it includes exclusively designed Versace dinnerware.

Pacific Rim, offers Asian and Pan Asian Cuisine. The decor has an Asian motif and the ocean views are stunning. I loved every meal, but this was my favorite!

Our cruise experience ended with our meal at Pacific Rim. We went to bed happy and full, knowing that we had experienced a magical trip and already planning our next!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post…I know it’s a long one. If you’re interested in planning a Regent Cruise aboard any of their ships, be sure to visit the website or call your favorite travel agent.

This post is sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.