Asia-Pacific travellers can now board the magnificent Seven Seas Explorer cruise ship from their doorstep as it has sailed into the region for the first time.
Seven Seas Explorer forms part of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), a fleet of six luxury cruise ships. It is the only cruise line to offer unlimited, all-inclusive shore excursions in every port. According to Regent, bringing the signature vessel to the Asia-Pacific region is a response to the higher-than-ever demand for cruising close to home—in other words, today’s globetrotters wish to rediscover the pleasures of travel, all without straying too far away from base.
The 224-metre-long, 31-metre-wide cruise ship arrived in Singapore on 12 December before sailing across Asia-Pacific. Its maiden season voyage, from Singapore to Sydney, is expected to end in Sydney Harbour on 29 December.
Regent’s 10-deck vessel, dubbed “the most luxurious ship ever built,” is sure to give the Titanic a run for its money. Its sumptuous fittings include 473 chandeliers, over 4,262 square metres of marble, and a US$7 million (HK$54.45 million) art collection that features works by Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso.
732 guests can be accommodated across 366 suites, all of which come with oversized marble bathrooms, private balconies, and a complimentary in-suite liquor and mini bar, replenished daily. For those booking a Concierge Suite or above, the additional perks include a complimentary pre-cruise, one-night hotel package and a hotel-to-ship transfer. We’ve got our eyes on the uber-opulent Regent Suite, which is further fitted with an in-suite spa, private solarium, and a wraparound balcony.
Dining options on board are plentiful. Compass Rose, the cruise’s flagship restaurant, focuses on modern international dishes. French cuisine is served at the Art Deco-inspired Chartreuse, while Pacific Rim offers Asian delicacies. Italian restaurant Sette Mari is to place to go for an intimate dining experience, and steakhouse Prime 7 and alfresco eatery Pool Grill round out the offerings. Cooking masterclasses delivered by international chefs are also available.
Sports lovers will be delighted by the ship’s holistic wellness facilities, which include a sports deck with a golf net, putting green, paddle tennis court, bocce court, jogging track, and the Serene Spa and Wellness centre. Entertainment options are no slouches either, ranging from relaxing cocktail lounges, the Connoisseur Club for fine cigars and cognac, to the two-deck Constellation Theatre, where live music is performed every night by the five-piece Regent Signature Orchestra.
Over 20 itineraries, scheduled from October 2023 to April 2024, are now open for booking. Highlighted tours include the 17-night “Wildlife Exploration Down Under” from Bali to Sydney that features an excursion to the Komodo island to see the famed Komodo dragons; the 14-night “New Zealand New Year” from Sydney to Auckland with up to 46 included excursions; as well as the 12-night “Onsens and Overnights in Japan” round-trip journey, which is slated to set off in March 2024 during Japan’s beautiful cherry blossom season.
Luxury hospitality groups are diving into the yachting game with gusto, creating their own floating hotels. Regent’s launch of the Seven Seas Explorer in Asia-Pacific follows the maiden voyage of the Ritz-Carlton’s first superyacht, Evrima, in October. Aman and Four Seasons are both planning to launch their own superyachts in 2025.
See below for more photos of the Seven Seas Explorer:
All images courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC).
