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19 March 2020
Regent Seven Seas Cruises have launched their latest luxury cruise ship, the Seven Seas Splendor. A sister ship to the 2018 Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor is virtually identical with just a few modifications and additions, for example the Coffee Connection cafe has been moved to the opposite side of the ship and now features an expanded area along with outdoor seating, and the main staircase has been turned around, so that the stairs now face the Compass Rose dining room. Other upgrades include enhancements to the suite decor and other areas of the ship, most based on guest feedback from Seven Seas Explorer.
Seven Seas Splendor in numbers
- 55,254 gross tons
- 735 feet in length
- 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble used in the suites and around the ship
- 375 guest suites - all with a balcony
- 52,000 total square-feet of balcony space
- 138 avg square feet of balcony space per suite
- 32 Distinctive Suites
Penthouse Suite on Seven Seas Splendor
Penthouse Suite on Seven Seas Splendor
My suite s was a B Grade Penthouse Suite on Deck 8, measuring some 561 sq feet with a 194 sq ft balcony too. As you enter the room you’re welcomed by a sitting area with a comfy electric blue sofa and a small bar, along with a flat screen tv, and the first of the doors leading to the balcony. Most importantly there was a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket along with some welcome on board sweet treats!
Moving next door sees the bedroom with a huge double bed and another access to the large balcony. The marble-clad bathroom featured a massive walk in shower with jets and nozzles everywhere and a selection of L’Occitane and Guerlain bath products. The suite also had a massive walk through closet complete with mini-safe and ample storage too. I was really pleased to see that they have the Vero refillable glass bottled water, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises also provide their guests with complimentary aluminium water bottles that are yours to keep, and there are plenty of filling stations around the ship. A Lilly coffee maker and stocked mini bar completed the refreshment area, and it wasn’t long before my butler popped long to introduce himself. The balcony was large enough to accommodate two loungers, a small table and also a larger table and two chairs!
After a quick unpack it was time to explore Seven Seas Splendor.
Seven Seas Splendor Deck 4
Compass Rose Seven Seas Splendor
Mid-ship on this deck is the main dining room called Compass Rose. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the restaurant is open-sitting so you can just go when you want. The evening menu is very extensive with a variety of dishes that change every day and there’s another ‘always available’ menu that again offered plenty of variety. Regent Seven Seas Cruises have also introduced over 200 plant based dishes too for vegans or for those wanting to try them.
Seven Seas Splendor Casino
Leaving the Compass Rose dining room sees you to the Casino on the right and the Splendor Lounge on the left. Regent Seven Seas Cruises have launched a new collection of 19 new signature cocktails and eight new gins that will be offered exclusively on Seven Seas Splendor crafted by mixologists in the Splendor Lounge. They are prepared with Fever-Tree premium tonic drink mixers and are Gin, Vodka, Whisky, Rum, Cognac, Tequila and Mezcal based – so something for everyone. My favourite was the Ginger Blitz, served in a proper gin glass too!
Seven Seas Splendor Atrium
Arriving at the base of the atrium, the stunning marble flooring provides a real wow factor, with the sweeping grand staircase and elegant lighting really making this space something special. The colour pallet is light and neutral and a lot more feminine than Seven Seas Explorer, and I think it makes Seven Seas Splendor look larger and more spacious, if that’s possible!
Seven Seas Splendor Atrium
This atrium area is simply stunning and very pretty, very photogenic indeed. Looking up from the stairs, a huge glass chandelier is suspended that anchors the entire space.
Moving towards the front of the ship are the boutique and gift shops.
Seven Seas Splendor Constellation Theatre
At the front of Deck 4 is the lower level of the Constellation Theatre, where the evenings entertainment takes place, along with shore excursion disembarkation and other featured lectures and enrichment talks.
Seven Seas Splendor Deck 5
Moving up to Deck 5 is the upper level of the Constellation Theatre and then as you exit there is a business centre and future cruise sales desk. Then you come to the top of the atrium with stunning views of the chandelier and the top of that sweeping staircase. Here you’ll find destination services and the reception desk, along with places to sit. The decor is very classy and contemporary and very relaxing.
Seven Seas Splendor Coffee Connection
The enhanced Coffee Connection cafe is next on this deck with plenty of seating and a long counter filled with cakes, cookies, snacks, fruits and even late-riser breakfast, along with a coffee bar for delicious cappuccinos, lattes etc and a great selection of boozy coffee drinks too! A very popular spot! My cappuccino was totally delicious...
Opposite is the Meridian Lounge, offering afternoon tea and evening entertainment.
Seven Seas Splendor Pacific Rim
Moving away from the Coffee Connections you come to the Pacific Rim restaurant, guarded by a huge bronze dragon that dominates the entrance! On the Seven Seas Explorer there is a Tibetan prayer wheel and this dragon is a nice nod to the Asian inspired food served inside.
Seven Seas Splendor Serena Spa and Wellness
On the opposite side of the ship on this deck is the Serene Spa and Wellness area. This connects to the gym on above deck via a stunning spiral staircase, and features a cold room, saunas and an infinity pool overlooking the stern
Seven Seas Splendor Deck 10
Making my way up to deck 10 there is the Chartreuse French restaurant decorated in greens and chocolate browns, and on the opposite side is the Prime 7 Steakhouse. Dishes include frogs legs in a garlic cream sauce in Chartreuse or prime New York strip, porterhouse steak and succulent filet mignon and other American classics in Prime 7.
Seven Seas Splendor The Study
Hidden away between the two restaurants is The Study, a gorgeous room that guests can reserve for a private dining experience
Seven Seas Splendor Deck 11
On deck 11 there’s the La Veranda casual dining area with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast lunch and dinner, where in the evening it transforms to Sette Mari, offering authentic Italian specialties inspired by family recipes.
Seven Seas Splendor La Veranda
I liked the way the buffet food stations were separated as it made the flow of guests better and also all the table were covered in full white linens along with vases, cutlery and crisp white napkins. A very classy take on the traditional cruise ship buffet area.
Seven Seas Splendor Pool Deck
Deck 11 is the pool deck and midship sees the Pool Grill and bar along with the swimming pool and lots of comfy lounges. I liked the screens separating the sun beds, the use of greenery and classy atmosphere of this area.
Seven Seas Splendor Culinary Kitchen
Also on this deck is the Culinary Kitchen, a functioning kitchen with multiple cooking stations offering classes throughout the cruise. Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment, Kathryn Kelly, has travelled the world, tasting and exploring many different cuisines and the cultures that create them. Her experience and expertise make her a natural fit to develop the curriculum for the Culinary Arts Kitchen with 16 new classes developed for Seven Seas Splendor.
Seven Seas Splendor Library
Moving forward there is the Library
The Connoisseur Club features oversized leather armchairs and works of art, and here you can enjoy a fine cigar or fine cognac, both available for purchase. As you would guess, smoking is permitted here, and is the only inside place guests can smoke.
Seven Seas Splendor Observation Lounge
All the way forward is the Observation Lounge, with a stunning entrance way comprising of hand blown glass flowers that create a very dramatic entrance. On Seven Seas Splendor they have built additional seating over the wings of the bridge offering views down the side of the ship and out to sea
Seven Seas Splendor Deck 12
Here you’ll find the jogging track and towards the back lots of sports to keep you occupied such as the paddle tennis court, shuffleboard, golf nets, putting green and bocce court
Suites on Seven Seas Splendor
The most impressive suite at sea is the Regent Suite, featuring a custom-built Hästens Vividus mattress. Hailed as the most luxurious bed in the world, the king-sized continental bed is built by four master artisans at the Hästens workshop in Köping, Sweden. This masterpiece of comfort is handcrafted over 18 months with all-natural materials to ensure an unparalleled night of rest and is worth some $200,000. The Regent Suite is 3,151 ft2 (292.7 m2) with a Balcony: 1,292 ft2 (120 m2) There is also a full-sized personal sauna and steam room and unlimited spa treatments!
Juan Roberto Diago art on Seven Seas Splendor
Art on board Seven Seas Splendor
There is a $5 million art collection aboard Seven Seas Splendor, apparently taking nearly two years to curate and commission. The 300-piece collection is sourced from artists and galleries from around the world and features works from more than 200 artists including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Eduardo Arranz-Bravo and Juan Roberto Diago. Its fun walking around the ship spotting them! Regent is producing a guide to all the pieces on board.
Food on Seven Seas Splendour
The food on board Seven Seas Splendour was delicious. I dined in Compass Rose, Prime 7 and Chartreuse and every meal was expertly created and presented, along with complimentary wines. I’ll let the food speak for itself on the photos I took of my various meals. The service from the wait staff was faultless and many of them had moved over from the sister ship, Seven Seas Explorer. One lunchtime the ships put on a Gala Brunch in the Compass Rose.
Entertainment on Seven Seas Splendor
I saw one production show whilst on board called Diamond Run, an original production with a story based on a James Bond style secret agent. The songs were very modern and recent chart hits and the cast did a great job singing and dancing. Three huge LED screens provided an ever-changing backdrop and set the scene and atmosphere brilliantly. I really enjoyed this original production and made a nice change from the usual Broadway medleys. However on the performance I saw I think the sound balance was a bit off so I hope they can tweak that. It was the first time the ships cast had performed this new show and it needed a little bit of polish that I’m confident will come in time. Overall very enjoyable and foot tappingly fun!
Other entertainment options were a piano and singer duo in the lounges, the house band and a pianist in observation lounge.
Diamond Run on Seven Seas Splendor
Seven Seas Splendor Cruise Summary
Seven Seas Splendor is a delightful refinement on Seven Seas Explorer, with its lighter palette and minor enhancements. I loved the expanded Coffee Connection area and was pleased to experience the excellent service standards had transferred well to this new ship. All the hallmarks of what makes a Regent cruise so good were all here and the atmosphere on board was one of casual elegance. I would recommend Seven Seas Splendor to couples and friends who enjoy fine dining with an international flair, where everything is included, and who like to indulge in luxurious accommodation paired with excellent service.
