Once again, this was the second part of ‘The Ultimate Ship Visit’ in association with Inspiring Travel and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This was the visit to see their ‘queen’ and flagship – the Regent Seven Seas Splendor, although for not too much longer as its latest ship, Grandeur will be launched before the end of the year. For anyone who has seen ‘The World’s Most Expensive Cruise Ship’ on Channel 5, this is the ship which is featured, and it’s just as grand as you see on the television.
As you can see it was raining heavily in Venice, so we didn’t venture too far outside, just enough to see the really large pool for the size of the ship – and there were even some people taking advantage of using the hot tub (which come with their own canopy) on the rainy October afternoon. You can still see that it’s a great space for warmer voyages!
Pool Deck
As the flagship of the fleet, it’s also the biggest, although that still doesn’t mean there are thousands of people onboard. Cruising doesn’t have to be like that, and the Splendor isn’t that kind of ship. Although bigger than the Navigator, it still only carries 746 passengers, and you really do feel that extra space onboard. Everything is bigger – the height of the ceilings, the grand entrance lobby, the restaurants, the deck – you really do get a sense of space.
We stepped onboard at the end of its cruise (where it was staying in Venice for the night before everyone disembarked the next day), and it didn’t feel crowded, but on the other hand, didn’t feel like nobody was there!
There are some nice additional extras onboard the Splendor – you notice that as soon as you get onboard with the beautifully elegant staircase (see further down the page), and adjacent bar complete with a small band. All the way through to the coffee stations, and other small areas where you can be quiet and read a book, or pass the time away with a puzzle or board game.
Observation Lounge
Like the Navigator, the Splendor has an Observation Lounge. When we arrived they were just starting a quiz (which was really well attended – and the first question was ‘Which Vowel doesn’t appear on the top line of a qwerty keyboard?’), and by night doubled up into a lovely bar with a pianist. There’s plenty of room, with comfy chairs and seating around a ‘stage’ area, with the bar to the side.
Compass Rose
The main restaurant, like on the other ships is Compass Rose (where we had dinner). The menu is a little confusing to start with, as you can have starters for mains and mains for starters, create your own starters – but the food is really good, and not too big portion sizes. There is also a ‘healthy’ option for those who don’t want to indulge too much either.
There is also a Prime 7, La Veranda and Sette Mare – along with the French restaurant Chartreuse and Asian-inspired Pacific Rim. All of these are included in the cruise cost – and if you’re booked in the top suite, you can pick and choose from each menu from the confines of your own private dining room.
The spa is taken to a whole new level, with what is essentially a whole wing of the ship because it’s so large. It has a private infinity pool looking over the back of the ship, treatment rooms and a large gym with all the equipment you would need.
Our Group on the Splendor
A new series of ‘The World’s Most Expensive Cruise’ starts on Channel 5, this Friday at 10pm – featuring the Regent Seven Seas Splendor.
