Splendor launch sets new benchmark for luxury

Regent Seven Seas has delivered its fifth ship, claiming to set a new benchmark for luxury cruising.

Three years ago, RSS Explorer was described as “the world’s most luxurious ship ever built”. Now, the line maintains sister ship RSS Splendor is “luxury perfected”.

Built by Fincantieri in Ancona, Italy, Splendor is 55,254 gross tonnes and 224 metres long, with 551 crew and 750 guests.

There are 375 suites, ranging from 28 to a whopping 412 square metres, five unique restaurants and three bars and lounges.

Regent is famous for its “all included” luxury, and it certainly hasn’t “nickel and dimed” the fit out of the Splendor. There is a $7.5 million curated art collection, more than 500 crystal chandeliers, and over an acre of Italian marble.

“Wherever you turn on Seven Seas Splendor, you will be surrounded by elegance, comfort and hospitality,” says Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Luxury travellers have anticipated this stunning new ship for more than two years. The day she opened for reservations was the busiest booking day in our company’s history.”

The ship also features the first female captain to take charge of a brand-new ocean cruise ship: Captain Serena Melani will sail Splendor to her home town of Florence this week.

Cruise Passenger was on board her second sailing before her first official voyage on 6 February, from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida.

The ship will be christened on 21 February by her Godmother, supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, at a glamorous ceremony in Port Miami.

She will then cruise the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, which includes two crossings of the Panama Canal and one unique Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami to New York City.

In spring, Splendor will cross the Atlantic for its inaugural European season in the Mediterranean.

Fun facts

Seven Seas Splendor features more than 4,275 square-metres of Italian marble.

Her 375 suites include nearly 4,820 square-metres of balcony space – among the largest balconies at sea.

Her owner’s suite offers a US$200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat featuring a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area.

The Regent Suite has unobstructed 270-degree views over Splendor’s bow from the 120 square-metre wraparound veranda, and a glass-enclosed solarium, a dedicated butler and a personal car with driver and guide in every port.

There is a Culinary Arts Kitchen with 18 stations for hands-on gourmet cooking

The ship’s restaurants include the largest specialty restaurant at sea,  a Pan-Asian restaurant with a mythical dragon greeting guests; Prime 7, the line’s well-known steakhouse; Chartreuse, classic French fare; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, serving Italian specialties.

See RSSC.com for more