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My favorite part of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ultra-luxury ship, Grandeur, isn’t the large cabins with walk-in closets, the secluded pool deck, or even the chandelier-lined lounges.
Instead, it was a feature offered across the brand’s fleet: inclusivity.
After spending three nights aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, it’s easy to see why this ship is worth the high price tag of $4,800 per person from 2024.
Most people probably won’t pay nearly $5,000 for an average week-long cruise.
Seven Seas Grandeur’s pool was surrounded by two tiers of lounge chairs. Brittany Chan/Business Insider (via BI)
At nearly $5,000, a cruise is expensive, but when you compare this to a typical cruise, consider that most operators use a different pricing model than Regent Seven Seas Cruises, part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. need to do it.
Some other cruise lines often imitate low-cost airlines. That means we charge a low base cruise fare and stack up on upsell opportunities through food, drink, and entertainment.
But luxury liners like Regent Seven Seas are taking the opposite approach: all-inclusive.
All cabins have a private balcony. Brittany Chan/Business Insider (via BI)
And unlike competitors like Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas is truly all-inclusive.
Fares include round-trip airfare to and from the ship (business class for intercontinental travel), an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel, transfers between the airport and the ship, and excursions.
After taking a three-night “baptism” sailing on the Seven Seas Grandeur, it’s easy to see why wealthy travelers pay top dollar for this luxurious and convenient option.
The evening program includes a DJ in the Grandeur Lounge. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Regent Seven Seas covered my stay on this non-revenue voyage, which was attended by other journalists, travel agents, and employees of the cruise line and its parent company.
I made my own arrangements for the outbound and return flights, but making reservations to coincide with embarkation and disembarkation times was a headache. With this all-inclusive model, it’s a problem that traditional guests didn’t have.
Regent virtually plans guests’ vacations door-to-door, with no transportation between the traveler’s home and the departure airport.
There is a putting green on the sports deck. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Like other all-inclusive resorts, food, beverages, and onboard amenities are included.
There’s no need to take out your wallet at sea (unless you want more expensive wine, a special paid tour, or a spa treatment).
We will give you a welcome bottle of champagne. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Unlike sailings by mass-market airlines like Royal Caribbean, the menus I looked at didn’t have confusing extra dollar signs next to the more upscale dishes.
Instead, I knew I wouldn’t have to pay extra for anything I ate or drank anywhere, even if I ordered filet mignon or lobster.
The beef tenderloin at Chartreuse, a French restaurant, was served with luxurious toppings such as seared foie gras. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
As someone who eats to live and lives to eat, the all-inclusive meals were the best part of the luxury cruise.
No more roast beef that stays dry for hours. He had five restaurants on board the Grandeur, offering options such as escargot, duck, fish, and steak tartare.
Pan-Asian Pacific Rim offers options like vegetarian pad thai and lobster fries. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
“Girl Math” would declare that these all-inclusive meals are essentially free.
Almost every menu had black truffles, sturgeon caviar, and foie gras, all without the dreaded extra charge.
Chartreuse offered dishes such as beef tartare and sturgeon with caviar. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
It turns out that there is such a thing as “too much caviar.” As a glutton, I got bored by the second day.
A one-day themed Italian lunch buffet featured cured meats, cheeses, raw oysters and freshly cooked tuna on an outdoor counter.
The poolside buffet had an afternoon “Italian buffet” with several seafood options. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Unsurprisingly, this was the best cruise ship buffet I’ve ever had (even better since it was financially guilt-free with no extra charge).
Drink-loving travelers will be pleased to hear that wine, beer and cocktails are just as freely available as buffet fare.
Waitstaff shuttled drinks from the bar to guests lounging by the pool. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
All bars were open bars, and we rarely saw empty wine glasses on the dinner tables throughout our three nights at sea.
Cafe snacks, coffee, and espresso-based drinks were also included.
Coffee Connection offers a variety of espresso-based drinks and snacks. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
So were the drinks inside the guest cabin.
‘All-inclusive’ also includes access to the Grandeur’s spa facilities.
Use of the spa facilities, including the sauna and cold room, is included in the price. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
This includes a sauna, cold room, aromatherapy room and a small room with various water jet settings.
However, the latter was confusingly ineffective and the cold room wasn’t actually that cold at all.
When I cruise for work, I try not to pay for additional supplements or packages.
The new ship has 503 chandeliers, including the one in the atrium. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
In the past, this has limited food options. I also skipped shore excursions to save money.
But for the first time aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, I didn’t have to think twice about my budget. There was nothing to spend cash on.
Afternoon tea included a sizeable dessert spread. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Small charges such as gratuities, Wi-Fi, and laundry are also included in the price.
Our three nights at sea were stress-free and relaxing as we didn’t have to worry about money.
The pool was surrounded by several hot tubs. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
For the first time, I didn’t feel limited by what I was willing to pay.
However, this means travelers have to manage higher upfront costs.
Seven Seas Grandeur has an extensive library of destination guidebooks. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
The cheapest cruise for 2024 is currently a seven-night Miami round trip cruise through Mexico, Belize, and Honduras starting at $4,800 per person.
This price goes up to $84,000 per person for the most expensive Regent Suite on a 14-night Barcelona round trip cruise to France, Monaco, Italy, Malta and other Spanish cities.
Regent Seven Seas also offers cheaper “inclusive cruise fares” that provide credits to guests who book their own round-trip flights and pre-cruise hotels.
Prime 7 is the ship’s steakhouse. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
Depending on the itinerary and cabin category, this could save travelers hundreds to thousands of dollars. With this option, his aforementioned cheapest cruise in 2024 would cost him $4,000 instead of $4,800.
Admittedly, around $5,000 per person for a week-long vacation may seem expensive compared to options like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.
Seven Seas Grandeur joined Regent’s six-ship fleet on November 14, 2024. Brittany Chan/Business Insider
But if you have money to spare, want luxury, prefer the convenience of having someone plan your vacation, and don’t want to spend money, meanwhile If you’re planning a vacation, Regent Seven Seas could be a great option.
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