Where are we: Ship inspection on board the Regent Seven Seas Explorer (Port Melbourne)
Suitable for: Well-travelled (generally 50+) small ship cruise aficionados that enjoy fine food, fine wine and attentive service.
Having these smaller ships (carrying 496 to a max 746 guests) means that Regent are able to offer some particularly nice destination centric itineraries with extended time in port and a huge array of included shore excursions. Some highlights for us being their Japan and Korea combinations as well as the extremely popular and beautiful Vancouver to Anchorage voyage. Not to mention Europe and the Med, which has always been a key market for them.
Highlight(s): We were absolutely spoilt with a stunning lunch at the French restaurant Chartreuse, where we were able to sample dishes from not only Chartreuse but cuisines from a few of the other restaurants (including Pacific Rim and Prime 7), paired with delicious French champagne and wine.
As you step on board you are greeted by an incredible chandelier, something right out of Phantom of the Opera(!), and a grand double staircase. As we walked around you noticed the high-end finishes – oodles of rich dark mahogany browns and leather. Lending the ship a heady dose of old world glamour and opulence. When she was launched in 2015 the Explorer was touted as the “’most luxurious cruise ship ever built.”
There is a beautiful selection of original artwork on board including an original Marc Chagall, a Picasso and some outstanding Murano glass features (including the jaw dropping hand-blown glass ceiling in the Compass Rose dining space.)
The ship has just 373 suites (all with balconies), which accommodate 746 guests and 548 crew to look after you – offering an outstanding guest to staff ratio. There are 8 restaurants to choose from, French, Asian, Italian and a few casual dining options too.
We were fortunate enough to see a couple of cabins whilst on board. Whilst the Deluxe Veranda Suite (684) was well appointed and spacious enough – with a small walk in wardrobe and separate living / sleeping zone (and a nice deep Veranda) the stand out for us was certainly the Serenity Suite (734.) Much more spacious for a longer duration cruise, and benefiting from a full bathroom, with a bath, separate rainfall shower and double basin. Next down the hallway was a walk-in wardrobe that I was very jealous of and would be happy with at home!!! The highlight for me and what made this room so unique is the positioning of the European king-sized bed that faces floor to ceiling windows, enjoying beautiful ocean views every morning. What a great way to wake up!!
