Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Saturday, June 22nd
2024 Cruise Line Reviews
Regent Seven Seas
- Best for all-inclusive luxury cruising for adults
- Six ships in the fleet
- Staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5
- Maximum of 490-750 guests per sailing
- Private balconies in most suites
- Over 500 destination ports around the world
- Free unlimited shore excursions
- Domestic airfare included
- Most "extras" included, from gratuities to beverages and WiFi
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers all-inclusive sailings to some of the most desirable destinations in the world. The line is known for its exceptional service, spacious accommodations, and gourmet dining options.
Small-ship, luxury sailing
Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates six ships, each with its own unique style and personality. The fleet includes the Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Voyager. All of the ships are designed with a focus on luxury and comfort, and offer a range of amenities and activities to suit every type of traveler. And, with a maximum passenger capacity from 490-750 guests, depending on the ship, you'll never feel crowded or have to wait in a line on a Regent Seven Seas sailing.
Limited spring break sailings in the Caribbean
As our apples-to-apples comparison, we looked at taking a week-long cruise in the Caribbean in March, booking about a year in advance. Regent Seven Seas only had one option, the Seven Seas Splendor, sailing from San Juan, PR to Miami, FL. We were given a starting fare of $5,099 per person on an itinerary including St. Barts, Antigua, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Many extras included in your fare
While that fare may initially seem extraordinarily high compared with rival cruise lines' options, be aware that Regent Seven Seas includes many things in its fares that will be an extra (and sometimes surprise) charge elsewhere:
- 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares
- Free roundtrip air on domestic flights
- Free unlimited shore excursions
- Free unlimited beverages, including fine wine and spirits
- Free open bars and lounges, plus in-suite mini-bar replenished every day
- Free prepaid gratuities
- Free specialty restaurants
- Free transfers between airport and ship
- Free unlimited WiFi
- Free valet laundry service
- Free one-night pre-cruise hotel package on concierge suites and above
- Free personal butler on penthouse suites and higher
Not a high-end online booking experience
At first, it feels like you can't book your Regent cruise outright through the cruise line's website: when you create an account or look at a sailing that interests you, it says that your information will be passed along to an agent. But, if you keep clicking through, filling out a form indicating the number of guests, your airport of choice, desired cabin, and so on, you will eventually reach the point where you can place a 7-day hold, pay the required booking deposit, or pay in full. You'll probably still be contacted by a Regent Seven Seas agent, to see if you have any questions or need to make any changes. The online booking process doesn't feel as luxurious as we'd expected - but then again, at this level of cruising, most travelers likely let the agent do the work from the get-go.
All dining options are part of your fare
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for its exceptional dining options. The line offers a range of gourmet restaurants, from classic steakhouse fare to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. While some dining is open seating and others are reservation-required, all options are included as part of your fare.
Good selection of onboard activities
In addition to its fantastic dining options, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a variety of onboard activities and entertainment. Guests can enjoy everything from live music performances and Broadway-style shows to cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. The line also offers a range of wellness activities, including fitness classes and spa treatments.
Shore exclusions are included
Regent Seven Seas Cruises also offers a wide range of shore excursions, which are included in the cost of your cruise. These excursions are designed to provide guests with a unique and immersive experience in each destination. Excursions might include guided tours of historic landmarks, wildlife safaris, or cultural experiences such as cooking classes or traditional dance performances.
Attention to service
This cruise line prides itself on its exceptional service. The line employs a staff-to-guest ratio of 1-to-1.5, which means that there is always someone available to assist you with anything you need. The line also offers a range of personalization options, such as customized shore excursions and in-room dining experiences.
Eco-friendly cruise line
Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism. The line has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste. The line also works with local communities in its ports of call to support conservation and preservation efforts.
Top pick for all-inclusive luxury cruising
In summary, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers all-inclusive sailings to some of the most desirable destinations in the world. The line is known for its exceptional service, gourmet dining options, and commitment to sustainability. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an excellent choice for luxury travel.
More Cruise Line Reviews
The 15 Best Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Viking Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Holland America
Cunard
Seabourn
Azamara
MSC Cruises
Costa
Carnival Cruises
Which Cruise Line is the Best?
Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.
There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.
Continue reading below
Cruise Line FAQ
While there's no one cruise line that can be called "the best" , there's definitely a right one for you. Are you looking for a wholesome family vacation with something fun for everyone, or are you planning a wild-and-crazy bachelor party / girls' trip? Most cruise lines are known for catering to a particular demographic, so all you have to do is find the one that matches your vacay goals.
The cost of a cruise typically includes accommodation, meals, onboard entertainment and activities, and access to amenities such as pools and fitness centers. However, some cruise lines charge additional fees for certain activities, dining options, and beverages, among other things. You should also expect to pay gratuities to your cabin attendant, your dining room servers, and the head waiter; the recommended amount varies by cruise line and may be charged to your onboard account automatically.
The minimum age to cruise varies by cruise line and itinerary. Some cruise lines require passengers to be at least 18 years old, while others allow passengers as young as 6 months old. However, most cruise lines have age restrictions for certain activities, such as access to the casino or bars.
Most cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including formal restaurants, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants. Some cruise lines also offer 24-hour room service. You'll typically choose a seating time when you reserve your sailing - early, main, or late, depending on what the cruise line offers. This usually gives people flexibility for staying longer in port, for getting the kids to bed at a reasonable time, and so on. But, in recent years, some cruise lines have introduced truly flexible seating that allows you to eat when you please in the formal dining rooms.
Many people feel nervous about taking a cruise because they picture being packed in with up to 6,000 passengers. Fortunately, even on the biggest-capacity ships, it's rare to feel crowded on a day-to-day basis: dining times are spaced out in the formal dining rooms, shows are staggered at different times, and cruisers are usually occupied with lots of activities. The only times that you might feel a little pressed for space are during embarkation and debarkation (getting on and off) and deck parties.
For the most part, that's up to you. If you love wearing a tux or evening gown, most cruise lines offer at least one formal night (with professional photographers to capture the moment). Not your style? No problem. While some cruise lines require formalwear on designated evenings, or have dress codes that ask for collared shirts and dresses/skirts on other nights, those requirements usually apply to the main dining rooms only and not to the other areas of the ship. Just check out the information provided by the cruise line and read previous travelers' comments to get a feel for what to expect.
Typically, no. Those are usually referred to as "shore excursions" , and most cruise lines don't offer any as part of your fare. You always have the option to disembark and take a stroll around the port's surroundings, and that won't cost anything. You can also arrange with private companies to take a tour, do something adventurous like ziplining or driving ATVs, or take a cooking class. However, the safest bet is to book your shore excursions through the cruise line itself: they're guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time, and the ship won't leave until all of its shore excursion guests have checked back in. The most popular excursions fill up quickly, so don't wait until you get on board to decide what you want to do.
Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own alcohol. However, some allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard for special occasions. Be sure to check with your cruise line's policy on alcohol before you pack.
Continued from above...
Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.
Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.
When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward (who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.
While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.
Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:
- Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
- Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free co*cktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
- Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.
Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!
Compare Cruise Lines
Select any 2 Cruise Lines to compare them head to head
best-cruise-lines
Trending Cruise Line News
Related Cruise Line Reviews
Since you're interested in Cruise Lines, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
Top Products. Top Reviews. Top Consumer Reviews.
