Seven Seas Explorer
Seven Seas Explorer / Kristen Boatright
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Reception
Reception / Kristen Boatright
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Compass Rose
Compass Rose / Regent
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The Café
The Café / Kristen Boatright
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La Veranda
La Veranda / Kristen Boatright
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Concierge Suite
Concierge Suite / Kristen Boatright
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Pool Deck
Pool Deck / Kristen Boatright
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Library
Library / Kristen Boatright
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Seven Seas Explorer

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

When it launched in July 2016, 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer stood out as an exciting new build even in a year that was full of exciting new cruise ships. It was the first new ship by Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 13 years, and certainly the first since parent company Prestige was acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 2014. But, perhaps most auspicious, it was the ship that Regent declared to be “the most luxurious ship in the world.” Since then, Seven Seas Explorer, which underwent a dry-dock refresh in May 2023, has been joined by equally luxurious sister vessels Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur.

What We Love

The Elegant Interiors: The décor throughout is as opulent as you would expect from a new luxury ship launched in 2016 by a top-tier line. The designers from the three different architecture firms hired by Regent declared that their mission was to design the ship around the artwork, a decision that makes many spaces feel seamless and elegant. Carefully chosen materials also add to the high-end feel of the ship. An acre of Carrara marble graces the ship, and there’s a myriad of other natural stonework throughout, some of which is breathtaking (especially the brown-and-cream mocha-inspired marble in the café). We could write a whole essay about the custom chandeliers alone, which were created with handmade crystal commissioned from three different European companies.

Well-Designed Suites: This all-suite, all-balcony ship has thoughtfully designed cabins with impressive details, even in the lower-level categories. Our concierge-level suite had thick silk curtains separating the bed area from the living room to ensure no sunlight disturbed our sleep. The walk-in closet was spectacularly large — as was the marble bathtub — and the bed was framed with a striking tufted leather headboard. Still, the little touches — gorgeous sconces, L’Occitane bath products (including bubble bath), more drawers than you could ever fill, and reading lights on both sides of the bed and both sides of the couch — are what stood out.

Best Known For

Truly All-Inclusive Pricing:  Regent Seven Seas sets the industry standard for all-inclusive fares, and everything from airfare to pre-cruise hotel stays, alcohol, shore excursions, and gratuities are included. This sets the line apart definitively from its luxury-line competitors, none of which offer all of these things to all passengers on every sailing.

The Most Expensive Suite at Sea: This $11,000-per-night suite — with its private in-room spa and unlimited spa treatments, as well as a private car and driver in every port — is an easy winner. There’s as much gold leaf as you would expect in such a space, plus a Hamptons home-inspired aesthetic and impressive artwork, including two Picasso paintings flanking the entrance. The bed costs $150,000, and the piano is a $250,000 Dakota Jackson original Steinway. But it was the bathroom, with its sauna, steam shower, heated lounge chairs, and on-deck Jacuzzi tub, that struck us immediately with cabin envy.

Who It's Best For

Sophisticated Couples:  This ship has a very special-occasion feel, from the gorgeous Versace china in the main dining room to the Murano glass chandelier in the foyer and the French restaurant, Chartreuse, with a design inspired by a romantic stroll through the mist in Paris. Couples looking to celebrate, say, a birthday or an anniversary will feel that Explorer offers the right celebratory tone. After all, unlimited Champagne is included, so you can order a bottle at night to sip on your balcony after dinner or at breakfast to start the morning together with a toast in bed. It really is a ship designed for duos.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Activities and Entertainment Tend to Be Low-Key: Luxury lines don't typically compete with the exciting activity options found on mainstream ships, so you won't find a sports bar or giant screen and DJ by the pool. You will, however, find a Culinary Arts Kitchen if hands-on instruction in Mediterranean, Asian, or other popular cuisines is your thing. Nights are a similar story. In the past, the stage shows onboard Regent Seven Seas ships have paled in comparison to those, say, on Norwegian’s megaships, where Broadway shows, engaging cover bands, and stand-up comedians keep things lively. However, since Norwegian’s acquisition of Regent, the line has upped its entertainment game. Guests can now expect to enjoy cabaret-style shows and performances by talented guest artists in the Constellation Theater as well as nightly gigs by a resident duo or jazz quartet in the ship’s lounges. 

You’ll Probably Gain a Few Pounds: The dining options aboard Seven Seas Explorer are exemplary, especially if you enjoy trying a variety of cuisines. There are eight venues in total, with standouts being Chartreuse for authentic French fine dining, Pacific Rim for an extensive menu of Pan-Asian specialties, and Prime 7 for aged steak and excellent seafood.

Sherri Eisenberg
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger