When Regent Seven Seas Explorer was launched at a glittering European royal ceremony three years ago, she was given the description: “Most luxurious ship ever built”. Indeed, Regent Seven Seas were so enamoured with the epithet, they trademarked it.

Many at the time asked the line’s boss, Mr Frank Del Rio, just how he was ever going to top that claim?

We’ll get his answer in February, when Regent Seven Seas Splendor is launched at another glittering ceremony – this time in Barcelona.

According to the company, Seven Seas Splendor will “set a new standard for luxury by striving for the ultimate achievement – perfection”.

Ah perfection! That certainly comes close to beating luxury.

She will carry 750 guests in all-suite, all-balcony comfort, boasting some of the highest space ratios in the cruise industry.

There is no doubt her build will be exceptional. Her sister ship used so much marble the factory ran out. Picassos and Chigalls adorned the walls,.

Splendor is promising more of the same with soaring ceilings, elegant design and authentic craftsmanship. The first voyage beginning on February 7th, 2020 will take guests on a 14-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Miami.

So what’s on board?

The Regent Suite

You won’t be cramped with space in this 4,000 square foot abode on top of the ship. it has two bedrooms, three walk-in closets, a living room, a dining room, a sauna, a steam room, and a jetted tub. The suite also comes with a personalised liquor cabinet a welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, guaranteed restaurant reservations, and an in-suite caviar service.

Here are a few of its attributes (take a deep breath now):

• Private Balcony – Among the Largest at Sea with custom-made Tresse Minipool
• 2 Spacious Bedrooms
• Spacious Living Room With Sitting Area
• Private In-suite Spa with Sauna, Steam Room and Jetted Tub
• 3 Walk-in Closets, 2 Safes
• Personal Car and Guide to Explore Ashore
• Unlimited In-Suite Spa Services
• Personal Butler
• Daily Canapés
• Direct Dial Satellite Phone
• Personalised Stationery

Cuisine

Regent Seven Seas prides itself on its food, so Seven Seas Splendor has plenty of specialty restaurants – although its main restaurant , if it is anything like its peers on other fleet ships, will be exceptional.

COMPASS ROSE

The largest specialty restaurant on board, is something of a Regent tradition. Think exquisite chandeliers and bold Versace dinnerware serving up Chateaubriand Beef Tenderloin with a delicious red wine grain mustard sauce. And that’s just one meal! But hold on, there’s more.

If you’re on a diet, stop reading now!

PACIFIC RIM

Pan-Asian dishes, from the enhanced smoking presentation of dry ice sashimi and the sweet and spicy medley of sauces with a re-imagined duck spring roll to the new Thai red chicken curry with a delicious coconut cream and crispy shallots. All this in a room filled with wood carvings and an immense art installation of a mythical dragon.

CHARTREUSE

Another scenic institutions, this classic French restaurant serves up frog legs in a garlic cream sauce with rutabaga (yes, it actually does!) and tender veal rack of loin with caramelised endive, grape chutney and the earthy tones of a walnut veal jus sauce. According to the brochure, you could be just off the Champs-Élysées.

PRIME SEVEN

On an American ship, you have to try the steak. Prime New York strip, porterhouse and succulent filet mignon are aged and cooked to your preference while some new dishes re-imagine the ocean’s offerings with sophistication and panache. Try orange-pomegranate sauce and seared scallops or tamarind-whiskey sauce.

LA VERANDA

Dining  al fresco on the open-air deck – it’s what you’ve come for, right? La Veranda’s lunches feature a variety of delectable selections to choose from, including hot carving stations.

SETTE MARI AT LA VERANDA

And there has to be an Italian. Family recipes,, fine Tuscan wines, spice-crusted tuna steak with braised endive, polenta and salmoriglio.

POOL GRILL

Dining al fresco at the Pool Grill, you can indulge in delicious regional barbecues or grilled fish of the day followed by old-fashioned hand-dipped ice cream desserts.

CULINARY ARTS KITCHEN

Yes, you can even learn to cook like the chef at one of eighteen individual cooking stations.

Entertainment

CONSTELLATION THEATRE

Regent’s show lounge means every night you get the best seats in the house for lavishly staged musical productions, created and produced by Regent’s team of Broadway choreographers and directors.

CASINO

The ship’s Casino is inspired by gaming halls in Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. Whether you’re a player or a spectator, the drinks are delightful and the staff is welcoming. Blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as frequent giveaways, promotions and rewards.

SPLENDOR LOUNGE

Cocktails and resident musicians entertain with familiar tunes and special requests from an intimate stage arched with a grand proscenium.

CONNOISSEUR CLUB

It’s another Regent tradition – where you can hide away and enjoy a fine cigar without causing a riot.

Spa

Regent is introducing a new spa brand that will debut across its fleet, including The Splendor – . Serene Spa & Wellness offers exclusive treatments integrating techniques and ingredients from destinations around the world.

creating a tranquil haven of health, beauty and wellness that offers restorative treatments and services to soothe both the body and mind.

Globally renowned ELEMIS facial therapies, body treatments, massages, manicures, pedicures, luxury Kérastase salon services, fitness classes, and personal training, plus a series of wellness tours and nutritionally mindful cuisine selections served in restaurants on board.

“We originally developed this innovative experience for Seven Seas Splendor in our pursuit to perfect luxury for our newest ship, and then decided to expand Serene Spa & Wellness for guests to embark on a global journey of relaxation on all Regent ships,” says Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

• The Regent Massage. (Destination Inspiration: Sea Buckthorn from the Mediterranean coast)
  This bespoke full-body therapy features a synergy of rosemary, sea fennel and sea buckthorn from the Mediterranean coastlines worked into areas of tension to ease and soothe muscles while helping to detoxify. Warm eucalyptus-infused paraffin mitts and boots enhance this signature experience, deeply nourishing and hydrating hands and feet.
• Around The World Massage. (Destination Inspirations: Basalt from China, Coconut Poultice from Caribbean, Bamboo from Asia)
  Fusing techniques from the corners of the world, this choreographed therapy is one of optimal wellness: the earthly scents of Indian cardamom, Egyptian coriander and eucalyptus soothe the mind; Swedish massage movements work freely throughout the body to relax; volcanic rocks release muscle tension and stagnant energy in the legs; bamboo stalks glide over muscles to deeply alleviate discomfort; warmed coconut poultices are delicately worked over the face, neck and shoulders; and argan oil from Morocco conditions the scalp.
• Sea Lavender & Samphire Body Polish. (Destination Inspiration: Samphire from Northern Europe)
  Hydrate skin with a nourishing, exfoliation duo. Nutrient-rich extracts from sea lavender and samphire smooth parched, dry skin cells while a moisturizing milk of macadamia nut and sea salt moisturize to allow a thirsty skin to replenish. This lavish body experience includes half or full-body massage.
• Deep Sea Heat Mask & Massage. (Destination Inspiration: Bladderwrack Seaweed from Baltic Coast)
  Recharge your body with a detoxifying treatment designed to alleviate deep-seated tension and muscular distress. Rich in minerals and trace elements, an aromatic, warm mask with potent algae from the Baltic Sea is applied on to the back to release tension and ease aches and pains while a back or full-body massage relaxes the body.
• Calming Rose Facial. (Destination Inspiration: Hand-picked Organic English Roses from the United Kingdom)
  Comfort sensitive skin with a natural blend of delicate rose absolute to intensely hydrate the dermis. Luxuriously indulgent, precious rose extracts smooth fine lines, strengthening and protecting the skin’s barrier. A warm rose balm is massaged onto the hands and arms to induce relaxation. Skin is left feeling soothed and replenished with a petal softness.
• Kérastase^® Elixir Ultime 24-Carat Indulgent Ritual. (Destination Inspiration: Rose from Morocco)
  This indulgent hair ritual nourishes, protects and instantly restores hair. Relax with the aromatic scent of rose during a luxurious treatment in which camellia and marula oils and white tea extracts are massaged deep into the scalp. This highly concentrated experience provides a sublime transformation, leaving hair silky, weightless and beautiful.
• Regent Manicure and Pedicure. (Destination Inspiration: Frangipani from the South Pacific) Hands and feet are soaked in a hydrating milk protein while a vitamin-rich oil strengthens nails and cuticles. Warmed frangipani oil is massaged to further replenish moisture. Includes filing, cuticles and polish.

So where will Splendor take you?

Here’s what will be offered during the 2021 – 2022 season:

• 27 maiden ports for Regent across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, South Americaand the Caribbean
• A record 116 overnight stays
• First sailings to the Black Sea since 2014 with calls on Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine
• A return to Seychelles, Mauritius and Réunion in the Indian Ocean
• A journey to Antarctica sailing near Deception Island, Paradise Bay, and Half Moon Island
• Access to more than 350 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• An Asia-Pacific route for Regent’s 2022 World Cruise Elements of the Pacific.
• Three Grand Voyages, including a European Tour with destinations in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean 

For more information, visit https://www.rssc.com/