Having never experienced a luxury cruise holiday before, I was thrilled to be able to enjoy one of Regent Seven Seas Cruises' UK journeys aboard the impressive and brand-new Seven Seas Splendor. It was a great and easy way to see more of the UK and some of its coastal locations, all while enjoying world-class dining, exceptional service, and serious style at sea.
1. Superb service and safety measures
As my first experience on a luxury cruise ship, I was blown away by the fantastic quality of service and the way the friendly and welcoming staff made me feel at home. To say it exceeded all expectations would be an understatement. From start to finish, there was someone available to help, with a dedicated attendant for every suite and attentive service from every single staff member. I felt completely safe and comfortable throughout my luxury cruise, with (easy) PCR tests on arrival at Southampton, temperature testing as you boarded and disembarked the ship, a 'masks on' policy as you explored the ship, and it never once felt crowded. The staff were more than happy to help with any queries or questions, and it was obvious that they were passionate about going above and beyond for you during your journey.
![Seven Seas Splendor - Regent Suite]()
Seven Seas Splendor - Regent Suite
2. Sleek and sophisticated style
Travelling in style aboard the Seven Seas Splendor is easier than you might think, with each luxury suite boasting exceptional standards of design and comfort. I was lucky enough to stay in the Grand Suite, which was huge and offered everything you could need - from our own personalised (complimentary) mini-bar and full dining room table to a walk-in wardrobe and the most amazing marble and stone detailed bathrooms. We also had a beautiful living room full of comfy furniture and a large private balcony at the back of the ship with outdoor seating to enjoy the views. Not only was my suite beautiful, but it included the services of a personal butler (who could arrange any reservations, requests, or services I needed), delicious daily canapés, and we were guaranteed reservations at the signature restaurants!
![Seven Seas Splendor - Grand Suite]()
Seven Seas Splendor - Grand Suite
3. Wonderful wellness opportunities
It was easy to forget that you weren't in a luxury hotel with the amount of space, exceptional standards of design, and the brilliant facilities - especially the on-board spa! They had many beautiful treatment rooms (where I couldn't resist a treatment!), a trendy hair and nail salon, and a stunning infinity-edge plunge pool at the back of the ship that would be amazing in warmer weather. There was also a gym which had a choice of classes throughout the day and all the latest fitness equipment spread across two large areas (including a studio space) all with views off the back of the ship, so you could look at the ocean as you worked out.
![Swimming Pool]()
Swimming Pool
4. Delicious cuisine
As I mentioned earlier, with the Grand Suite, I had guaranteed reservations at the signature restaurants on board, which meant I had the opportunity to try some incredible food during my luxury cruise. With so many different cuisines and delicious dining venues, it was almost too good to be true. From classic American fine dining and delicious pan-Asian delicacies to a metropolitan café and poolside grill, the ship had it all! My favourite was Chartreuse, which is a chic and sophisticated, French fine-dining experience that is unlike anything else, but Pacific Rim was a close second, with its intricate wood carvings on the wall and the incredible Asian-inspired food.
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Chartreuse Restaurant
5. Eye-opening excursions
Despite the ship boasting an incredible range of exciting entertainment and engaging on-board activities, one of the perks of a luxury cruise holiday is being able to explore different destinations along your journey. The weather was on our side as we stopped in Portland (the gateway to Dorset) and we had the opportunity to visit the vibrant and colourful subtropical gardens in Abbotsbury before visiting the swannery, home to the world's only managed colony of nesting mute swans. From this port, you could also grab a shuttle and see some of Weymouth, but we decided to stay in Abbotsbury for the day. We also had the opportunity to explore Falmouth, a quaint and beautiful seaside harbour town littered with cute shops, enticing cafés, interesting museums, and scenic hikes around the peninsula. After a walk around the town, we spent our time in the little boutique shops before heading back to the stunning Seven Seas Splendor.
![Falmouth Harbour]()
Falmouth Harbour