Review: Regent Seven Seas Explorer

What is the line? Regent Seven Seas

Name of ship? Seven Seas Explorer

Passenger occupancy? 746 passengers

Itinerary? Central America, through Mexico, Honduras, and Belize

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for? Regent Seven Seas is known for its luxe ships and amenities. The line has some of the largest suites at sea, with spacious verandas and bathrooms with marble-trimmed tubs. It’s also known for its swanky onboard art collections.

Tell us about the ship in general: It may have been built in 2015, but Seven Seas Explorer still feels as modern and fresh as many lines’ newest launches. Spaces on board are gracious and formal, with striking chandeliers made of crystal and hand-blown glass, as well as a world-class art collection featuring paintings by Picasso and Miró. There’s plenty of space and activities to keep passengers entertained across its 10 decks, but with less than 800 passengers, it’s a good middle ground for travelers who don’t love being in a crowd.

Who is onboard? Passengers on Seven Seas Explorer are mainly older couples and retirees, with a few honeymooners and several solo travelers sprinkled throughout as well.

Describe the cabins: Every stateroom on Seven Seas Explorer is a suite with a private balcony. Even the smallest are some of the most spacious at sea, with king-size beds, a lounge area, a double-bathroom vanity, and separate shower and tub—a rarity on cruise ships. The balcony is large enough for a chaise lounge and a table and chairs to enjoy a glass of wine (or maybe the complimentary bottle of Champagne left by your cabin steward upon arrival).

Tell us about the crew: The ship’s crew were white-gloved and formal; whether you’re ordering a four-course surf-and-turf meal in Prime 7 or you’re asking your cabin steward for a cup of peppermint tea before you go to bed, expect every detail to exude the ultimate hospitality.

What food and drink options are available on board? Seven Seas Explorer has 10 restaurants and bars: two main dining restaurants and three specialty restaurants. The specialty offerings include Prime 7, a premium steakhouse; Chartreuse, which specializes in modern French fine-dining; and Pacific Rim, a sleek Asian-fusion concept. Each specialty restaurant requires a reservation but does not cost extra. The standout for me was Pacific Rim, which serves decadent dishes like miso black cod wrapped in hoba leaf, Chinese barbecue pork ribs with char siu sauce, snow crab, and crispy duck spring rolls. One of the main dining options, Compass Rose, is no slouch either, with three-course seated table service and Versace tableware. There’s also a pool buffet, coffee shop, and breakfast buffet that transforms to an Italian outdoor restaurant for dinner.

As far as bars and lounges go, Seven Seas Explorer has you covered. Dip into the Meridian Lounge for a pre-dinner aperitif, hors d’oeuvres, and live piano music, or stop into the Observation Lounge for cocktails and dancing. The Connoisseurs' Club is a perfect spot to grab a cigar and a nightcap while chatting with fellow passengers until the wee hours. But, I think my favorite place to grab a drink was the pool bar, where tropical tipples are served in the sunshine around the ship’s striking plunge pool.

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting? The spa is certainly worth a visit on a sea day, or on a day when you might not feel like going into port. The treatment rooms are serene and secluded, and I received a top-notch massage. The spa also has amenities open to everyone on board at no charge, including an aromatherapy steam room, chill room, and infrared sauna. Right behind the spa on the aft deck of the ship is a small deck with an infinity pool, the perfect place to soak and watch the sunset after a relaxing treatment.

Activities and entertainment Regent’s fleet offers Broadway-caliber shows backed by a live five-piece orchestra in its plush Constellation Theater. Smaller-scale piano performances and the like also take place nightly in bars and lounges throughout the ship. On the sports deck you’ll also find a pickleball court, ping pong table, shuffleboard, putting green, and netted driving range bay.

How was the experience for families? There seemed to be relatively few children on board, but the Club Mariner Youth program features kids’ programming like dance parties or mini-putt tournaments for children ages five to 17.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out? Our voyage sailed roundtrip from Miami, calling upon Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, Regent parent company Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in Belize. Roatan was a particular highlight, as it’s a destination that’s complicated to reach if you’re not cruising. There was enough time in the day at port to soak up the gorgeous white-sand beaches, have a tour through the tropical forests, and sample local ceviche.

Are there any stand-out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise? Every guest receives a Regent reusable water bottle, and the ship has plenty of refilling stations scattered around.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking. If you’re looking for a cruise that offers a sense of elegance and pampering, a voyage aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer is for you.