Further details about Seven Seas Explorer released

A rendering of Seven Seas Explorer

Further details have been released about Seven Seas Explorer, the latest vessel from Regent Seven Seas Cruises due to come into service in summer 2016.

The ship will offer a meticulous level of craftsmanship together with lavish detailing. The main atrium lobby will feature a circular inlaid marble floor and will act as the heart of the ship. Twin etched glass staircases will draw the eye upwards towards a crystal chandelier.

The vessel will see a new category of suite introduced named the Regent Suite. This two-bedroom suite comes complete with an in-room spa retreat - a first at sea with a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area. The suite also features an outdoor, glass-enclosed sitting area known as the Vista Garden. Here guests can enjoy unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship’s bow and toward the horizon.

Several dining venues are planned for the vessel. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ signature steakhouse Prime 7 will be added and will host a new décor of dark purple hues silver accents and plush leather seating, reminiscent of a London private member club.

Compass Rose, the main dining room, will receive a new contemporary and sophisticated look complimented with a cascading aqua-blue chandelier.

Chic Italian Riviera-inspired La Veranda on deck 11 will offer casual indoor and al-fresco dining whilst  La Veranda, the buffet restaurant on-board, will offer 270-degree ocean views. This venue will transform in the evening into Sette Mari at La Veranda, an elegant fine dining restaurant for dinner.

The two-tiered Constellation Theatre with a 694-seat capacity will offer a variety of cabaret-style seating together with cocktail tables.

The Observation Lounge will be inspired by the opulence and indulgences of the Roaring Twenties and will feature a colour palette of rich silver, gold, black and white hues. The lounge will benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows and will feature a crystal chandelier above the dance floor.

Explorer Lounge will offer more of a country club vibe with rich mahogany wood columns, comfortable leather chairs, deep blue fabrics and sumptuous flooring. 

Graham Sadler, managing director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises UK, said “We’ve set a high benchmark for Seven Seas Explorer, not only to build a ship that far outshines the current standard in luxury cruising, but to design a ship that will be recognized industry-wide as the most luxurious ship ever.”

The 56,000 gross ton Seven Seas Explorer will have a capacity of just 750 guests and will set sail on its inaugural voyage on 20 July 2016 from Monte Carlo. Reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden voyage and inaugural season open 19 January 2015 exclusively for Seven Seas Society members and will become widely available starting 4 February.

Back in December 2014 renderings of the new ship together with a teaser video were released.

Renderings of what the ship is expected to look like both inside and out can be found over at World of Cruising.



(Photo credit to Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises to offer Smithsonian Institution enrichment programme

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' vessels

Regent Seven Seas Cruises have teamed up with the Smithsonian Institution to offer new enrichment programme on-board branded as The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys.

The Smithsonian, founded in 1846, is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities.

This branded enrichment programme will commence in July 2015 and will consist of a wide range of experts, from noted art historians to prominent authors and geopolitical experts, leading spirited discussions both aboard the ships and ashore.

The programme will be rolled out fleet-wide and cover the majority of voyages. The cruise line has more than 80 voyages scheduled across the fleet for the 2015/2016 season sailing throughout the world, including South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. 

Graham Sadler, managing director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said  “For nearly 170 years, the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, has been recognized as an icon within academic communities. This partnership provides guests with the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the history, art, culture and politics of the destinations we visit with some of the most authoritative thought-leaders in the world.”  

The programme will be organised by Smithsonian Journeys, the Smithsonian Institution’s worldwide travel program, and will be designed to be interactive, encouraging guests to not only attend the talks, but also to participate in informative Q&A sessions. Furthermore, several intimate opportunities with the lecturer will also be scheduled in addition.

Enrichment-themed shore excursions will be offered as part of this programme. These will be escorted by the lecturer and will be designed to offer a gain deeper insight into the ports of call.

A full list of all Smithsonian Collection lecturers can be found here.

(Photo credit to Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils Explorer renderings

Luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed the first renderings of its new ship, Seven Seas Explorer to accompany a new microsite they have just launched to showcase the vessel.

A rendering of Regent Seven Seas Cruises Explorer

Seven Seas Explorer will be launched in the summer of 2016 and will be the most luxurious ship Regent Seven Seas Cruises has ever built. Explorer will accommodate up to 750 guests and will be an all-suite all-balcony vessel.

The microsite will be updated with details of the ship, imagery and progress on the shipbuilding development. There will also be updates on the public space and suite designs, the on-board amenities, the new itineraries and other new elements as they are revealed.

The microsite launch also coincides with the release of a new video that sets the elegant tone for Seven Seas Explorer.

Reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden voyage and inaugural season open on 19 January 2015 exclusively for Seven Seas Society members, and become widely available from 11 February.

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Istanbul and Skagway - two of CLIA captain's favourite ports

Day two of CLIA's  Cruise Captains and their favourite ports. 

Istanbul, Turkey – Captain John Westgarth-Pratt, Thomson Cruises

“My current favourite has to be a sunrise arrival in Istanbul, Turkey.  As this huge city split between two continents awakes, the morning layers of mist lift from the surface of the Bosphorous.  The sunrise over the Asiatic side also illuminates the minarets and grand domes of the Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

“The ship’s course then alters slightly to place the towering Bosphorous suspension bridge straight ahead, leaving the Maiden’s Tower close to starboard – then the ship swings 180° to port through the strong strait currents and morning ferry traffic. A slow approach is then made to enter the Golden Horn estuary and berth starboard side alongside the Salipazari terminal in the very heart of the city. There really is no better way to enjoy and appreciate the dramatic skyline and architecture of Istanbul than arriving by sea at dawn.”

 Skagway, Alaska – Captain Daniel Green, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

“What I really enjoy is nature and one time, so my favourite port has got to be Skagway, Alaska.  The last time I visited, we were accompanied by some killer whales on the approach. I slowed the ship and we cruised alongside each other for a long time.  The sight was breath-taking and forms some of my best memories at sea". 

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It's Party Time With Regent

As we start to hit the pre-Christmas party season, it's interesting to note what many cruise lines do by way of extra events for the festive season, with Yuletide activities and lots of other seasonal 'extras' that are all part of the general cruise experience at this time of year.

But here at World of Cruising central, we recently had a note from luxury all-inclusive line Regent Seven Seas that we thought was worth passing on. Parties at sea are not necessaily new, but it's extremely illuminating to see a line that makes a real feature of them, with no less than FIVE separate opportunities for guests to meet and mingle.

In particular, we like the sound of the Bloc Party, as it is a highly original idea that no-one else is currently doing. Here's what Regent say about their 'party time' ensemble (as a quick aside, all Regent suites include a fully stocked bar, hence it's easy to 'take a glass' as they say!):

Bloc Party - A fantastic way to meet for our guests as the Captain, General Manager and Cruise Director will assemble on the bridge, ring the cocktail bell and invite passengers to take a glass from their suite and make their way to the corridor. Here they will find our butlers and stewardesses ready to serve drinks and canapés. Also other Officers and Staff

are on each deck to socialise while they make acquaintances with fellow passengers and neighbours. During this unique event, the Captain, General Manager and Cruise Director will make their way down to meet everybody personally and welcome them to the RSSC family.

First Timers Welcome - When guests join Regent for the first time, there will be a gathering at the pre-dinner cocktail hour where they can meet our Cruise Director and Cruise Consultant, who will answer any questions they might have. They can help to start their cruise the best possible way and meet fellow passengers for first-time Regent guests.

Seven Seas (Repeaters) Party - This event is for all guests who have sailed with Regent before. The event is also to recognise our long-time cruisers as well as a night together enjoying Caviar and delicious Canapes.

Farewell Party and Crew Capers - The Crew shows their cultural heritage and talent as

they perform a show and all crew are there to give a fond farewell to our guests. This is a real highlight not to be missed as this Party is always paired with a standing ovation.

TPG Event - This is an event for all our Titanium, Platinum and Gold tiered guests, and can be in the form of a local private show on an exclusive excursion to recognise and show appreciation to these guests.

So, if you're looking for a real 'party' cruise, with a sophisticated difference, Regent really do tick all the boxes!

More info: Call 02380 682280 or visit www.rssc.co.uk.

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Seven Seas Voyager's Dramatic Refurbishment

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced that Seven Seas Voyager has emerged from her scheduled dry-dock with a dramatic, breathtaking new interior decor and refreshed exterior decks. The all-balcony, all-suite 700-guest capacity vessel unveiled her new look on October 23 when she set sail on a 10-night cruise from Rome to Venice. 

As part of the ship’s refurbishment, all Penthouse Suites (above) received stunning new décor with custom-crafted elegant furnishings, plush carpeting, curtains, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, original artwork and outdoor furniture. 

Horizons, the ship’s nightclub and bar, and the Observation Lounge each underwent a complete, radical transformation. The venues now sport distinctive new bars, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting throughout. 

The Constellation Theatre, the ship’s two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was rejuvenated with new carpeting, all new upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chair. 

Guests can still choose from up to four, open-seating gourmet restaurants, including Compass Rose, serving an exceptional variety of European-inspired Continental cuisine; Prime 7, a contemporary American steakhouse; Signatures, a classic French dining experience that rivals the finest Parisian restaurants; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, which offers an extensive menu of authentic Italian specialties. 

With some of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the cruise industry, accommodations include such requisite amenities as down comforters, Egyptian cotton linens, flat-screen television, DVD players and Wi-Fi access. Penthouse and higher-category suites aboard all three ships are equipped with iPads.

More info: call 02380 682280 or visit www.rssc.com.

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Regent's New Winter Collection

Regent Seven Seas has introduced its 2014-2015 Winter Collection featuring voyages to Asia, Africa, South America, South Pacific, Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. In total, the line’s award-winning, all-suite vessels will sail 48 itineraries and 19 Grand Voyages to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries. The collection, which features cruises from November 2014 to May 2015, includes 23 new destinations from Busan, South Korea to Zadar, Croatia.

All Regent's sailings include round-trip air and transfers, unlimited shore excursions, premium spirits and fine wines and gratuities as well as a pre-cruise luxury hotel package, complimentary Wi-Fi and free land programmes on select sailings in Africa and Asia for those who book concierge-level and higher suites.

Out of Africa and into the Med on Seven Seas Voyager

The 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager begins its season in Dubai, travelling to Cape Town and then to Singapore. Maiden ports of call explored from November through December 2014 include Maputo, Mozambique; Langkawi, Malaysia; Nosy Be/Nosy Komba, Madagascar; and Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

From mid-January to April 2015, Voyager visits Asia and the Pacific on six itineraries ranging from 14 to 21 nights, calling on Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. For the first time, the line is calling on Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Busan, South Korea; and Ishigaki and Kagoshima, Japan.

May 2015 is spent in the Mediterranean with three itineraries, beginning with a 20-night journey from Dubai to Barcelona, followed by two seven-night sailings from Barcelona to Lisbon and then Lisbon to Southampton. Highlighted ports include Petra, Jordan; Rhodes, Greece; Málaga, Spain; Oporto, Portugal; and Bordeaux, France.

Tahiti & South Pacific to New Zealand & Australia on Seven Seas Mariner

The South Pacific is the featured region for Seven Seas Mariner’s winter offerings. The 700-guest, all suite, all-balcony ship opens the season with the choice of a 16-night itinerary from Miami to Los Angeles or a 34-night voyage from Miami to Papeete, French Polynesia. New ports of call include Corinto, Nicaragua; Nawiliwili (Kauai) and Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; and Fakarava, French Polynesia.

Mariner then makes her way to New Zealand and Australia, discovering new ports along the way such as Raiatea, French Polynesia; Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Champagne Bay (Espiritu Santo), Vanuatu; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Huahine, French Polynesia.

From March to mid-April 2015, she explores South America, with three itineraries from Lima, to Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro; and Rio to Barcelona. For the first time, the line calls on Natal, Brazil known for its blend of stunning beaches and historical monuments.

From the Caribbean to the Fjords of Alaska on Seven Seas Navigator

Accommodating 490 guests, the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator starts the season with 16 Miami round-trip sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. From eco-tourism adventures in Belize City to the ultra-chic vibe of St Barts, guests will be charmed and captivated by island life. Of note is the 24-night Eastern Caribbean/Amazon River itinerary that begins on November 23 and includes calls on Santarém, Boca da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão, Brazil along the Amazon River.

In April 2015, Navigator makes a 10-night Miami round-trip to Bermuda with stops in Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Charleston. Later that month, she sails west to San Francisco calling on Key West; Cartagena, Colombia; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and San Diego, transiting the Panama Canal along the way.

The ship returns to Alaska in May 2015 with two seven and one nine- and one 14-night itinerary. Ports include Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Victoria in British Columbia; Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Anchorage, Skagway in Alaska; and Astoria, Oregon.
 

More info: for a brochure, contact Reservations on 02380 682280 or go to www.rssc.com

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Regent's Wi-Fi Bonus

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced an expansion to its fabulous all-inclusive product by offering free Wi-Fi across its fleet. Beginning with the line’s Winter 2014-2015 sailings, concierge-level and higher guests will receive up to 500 minutes of free Wi-Fi.

Regent will also make a multi-million dollar investment to upgrade its fleet’s onboard Internet offering. This will include:
 

• Doubling the satellite bandwidth to provide considerable improvements in both the quality and speed of the guest’s online experience.
• Expanding the Wi-Fi signal’s range, making Wi-Fi available throughout the entirety of the ships including all suites, public rooms and outdoor decks.
• Replacing all onboard hardware such as the modems, routers and bandwidth compression equipment with advanced technology.

These upgrades will be completed by the end of this year, significantly enhancing the Internet experience for all guests.

According to Regent president Kunal S. Kamlani,  the addition of free Wi-Fi is a natural evolution of the brand’s all-inclusive product offering, which is unmatched in the travel industry. He said: “It’s all included on Regent, from flights, ground transfers and unlimited shore excursions to gourmet cuisine, premium spirits and fine wines, and gratuities. 

"Coupled with our hallmark personalised service and spacious all-suite accommodations, we provide a luxury cruise experience like no other for those who want to explore the world without compromise. And we know staying in touch with family and friends is of paramount importance. Our fleet-wide Internet upgrade will ensure our guests have an exceptional experience whenever or wherever they connect on board.”

Details on the free Wi-Fi programme can be found here. Details of the 2014-2015 Winter Collection will be announced on October 9.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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