Review: Seven Seas Grandeur

What is the line? Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Name of ship? Seven Seas Grandeur

Passenger occupancy? 744

Itinerary? The Mediterranean in summer. Canada, New England, and the Caribbean in the fall.

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

RSSC caters to a worldly older crowd that wants an opulent experience. The line is all-inclusive, with the cost covering everything from airfare to transfers to staff tips, and cocktails. If you enjoy scrumptious food, wellness, and lazing about in beautiful surroundings with the ability to conjure an old-fashioned whenever you want, this is the ship for you.

Tell us about the ship in general:

Grandeur has 372 suites, each with its own spacious, furnished balcony, to accommodate 744 passengers. Completed in 2023, the ship is home to a 1,600 piece art collection that includes paintings from Picasso and Miró, as well as the only Fabergé egg permanently on display at sea, Journey in Jewels, which was custom-made for the vessel.

Who is on board?

Older couples and friends, retirees, and a few solo travelers appreciate such amenities as the spa, casino, cooking classes, and elegant restaurants. Children are allowed on RSSC, but the ship’s vibe is decidedly geared towards adults who want an indulgent vacation with loved ones.

Describe the cabins.

Decked out in muted blues, browns, and beiges, the 415 to 464 square-foot Superior Suites are spacious and well laid-out, replete with a seating area, and outdoor veranda. There's plenty of natural light, a wood-lined dressing room with ample storage space, and a large bathroom with a deep-soaking marble tub and separate rainfall shower, as well as a double vanity and plenty of drawers. The bed area has a thoughtful configuration of lighting options and plugs that are easily reached.

For a larger group on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the extravagant Regent Suite has its own spa, a mini pool, and 3,151 square feet in which to stretch out on Deck 14.

Tell us about the crew.

Staff provides friendly, white glove service. Your room’s attendant will meet with you to answer any questions and learn your preferences. While walking around the ship, you’re warmly greeted by any crew you come across. The front desk was very accommodating and helped us arrange a last-minute excursion when inclement weather derailed our first day, in addition to providing helpful information and updates throughout the voyage.

What food and drink options are available on board?

Guests need to make reservations for steakhouse Prime 7, Chartreuse, which serves French cuisine, Italian Sette Mari at La Veranda, and Pan-Asian Pacific Rim. Vegetarians who miss meat will be delighted by the Impossible Salisbury steak made with truffle butter, as well as the wide variety of food options served at the Pool Grill buffet. Coffee and tea drinks are available during the day at the ship’s espresso bar, which was serving pumpkin spice lattes during the ship’s inaugural sailing.

The beautifully designed Compass Rose, with its canopies of crystal-and-wood-edged trees from Studio Dado, also requires reservations and allows guests to fashion their own meal from a selection of proteins, sauces, and pastas.

Those desiring a glass of wine or a cocktail sans a meal can head to one of the ship’s bars, such as the one located in the Art Nouveau-inspired observation lounge.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Serene Spa and Wellness features a sauna, a cold room, an “experience shower” with colored lights, and an outdoor area with three hot tubs and plenty of chairs on which to lounge. These amenities are available even without a spa appointment. Guests can choose to get their massage on a heated quartz-and-amber bed that recreates the experience of lying on sand and purports to have healing benefits. I chose to have a regular deep-tissue massage that worked all the airplane knots from my back, and was recommended a few products to help with any further soreness.

What about activities and entertainment?

Joggers will appreciate the ship’s outdoor track, which resides on deck 12 along with a net-enclosed pickleball court and a mini-golf course. The ship’s pool is one deck down on 13, surrounded by loungers, a pair of hot tubs, and a DJ in the afternoons.

A casino can be found on deck 4, along with a boutique to get sundries and a jewelry store. The ship’s Constellation Theater features comedians like Seinfeld alumn John O’Hurley, and musical shows such as Marauder's Ball, from a Broadway director and a Grammy-winning composer. Guests can also enjoy small music ensembles in the ship’s lounges.

How was the experience for families?

The Club Mariner Youth Program for kids 5 to 17 is supervised by youth counselors and available on select itineraries. Activities can include group events such as dance parties and movie nights.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

Our three-day itinerary sailed from Miami to Miami with a stop in Freeport. Due to inclement weather, we ended up spending the first day at sea. The next day, a 30-minute bus ride took us through Freeport to a small beach area where we were able to lie in the sun with beverages while we awaited our turn to feed apples to a group of pigs that live on the local beach. We took turns holding pigs for photo opps, which was pretty fun for animal-lovers.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Rather than dole out pre-filled plastic bottles, the ship gifts travelers an aluminum water bottle that can be refilled with still or sparkling water at many stations around the boat.

Anything we missed?

The ship’s restaurants in particular are beautifully designed. Prime 7 has a subtle bull theme that shows up in the space’s sculptures and paintings, along with a wall of antique leather travel cases. The front area was designed to evoke a streetcar. The Pan Asian restaurant Pacific Rim features a spectacular cherry blossom tree made out of glass by its front doors.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

Sophisticated foodies in particular, as well as anyone who enjoys the sensual pleasures of eating, drinking, and relaxing in a serene environment while being catered to will appreciate a sailing on the Grandeur.