After travelling on board the opulent Regent Seven Seas Grandeur on its maiden voyage to Iceland, I’m a convert to cruises
By: Selma Day
Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is to cruising what Claridge’s is to hotels – elegant, opulent and most definitely grand. If you’re looking for a high-end cruise experience, this one ticks all the boxes. We joined the ship in Bergen after a day and a half exploring this charming Norwegian city. The ship was sailing on its maiden voyage from Southampton to Iceland, a country that had been on our bucket list for some time. After our bags were whisked from us, we made our way to reception in the spectacular atrium, where the pièce de résistance was the jaw-dropping staircase and glittering chandelier.
Check-in was smooth and surprisingly quick. Within minutes we were in our suite, where there was a welcome bottle of champagne to enjoy on our private balcony. So far, so good. Our suite was cosy and comfortable, with L’Occitane bathroom amenities – another tick (it’s the little luxuries that count, after all). After unpacking it was time for pre-dinner drinks in the Observation Lounge. We ended up spending several relaxed evenings here, where we were lucky enough to spot a whale or two and raise a glass to the midnight sun (when the sun remains visible at midnight during the summer months). Our first dinner was at the Pacific Rim restaurant, where we were served a variety of pan-Asian dishes from sushi and sashimi to pad thai, Korean-style barbecue lamb chops and Thai red chicken curry.
Alongside the café and poolside grill, there are many other cuisines to choose from, including Italian and French, as well as an elegant steakhouse. For lunch, guests can choose from a buffet with daily specials or a more formal sit-down meal. The food was top notch and at lunch and dinner, a selection of very good wines (as well as champagne) was included – although if you’re a wine connoisseur, there’s a great choice of premium wines available if you want to upgrade (at a cost). Wine lovers may also want to try the Connoisseur wine pairing lunch, which consists of a five-course gourmet meal courtesy of the executive chef, with wines chosen by the head sommelier. Again, it’s not part of the deal but it’s a memorable experience. Every day, guests can choose to do as much or as little as they like. There’s a daily schedule of complimentary activities ranging from board games, quizzes and dance classes to pickleball, padel and tennis.
Who knew there was a period known as the herring gold rush? It was fascinating to hear the story of how thousands of “herring girls” from across the North Atlantic worked crazy hours gutting and packing fish. It was then on to Isafjordur, the largest town in the remote Westfjords peninsula of Iceland, followed by Grundarfjordur on the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, whose most famous landmark is the steeple-shaped Kirkjufell mountain – one of Iceland’s most photographed natural features. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you will recognise it as it was one of the filming locations, featuring in seasons six and seven as the Arrowhead mountain. Most of the tours are complimentary (although a few of the more adventurous options and those further afield come with an extra price tag).
From exploring the quaint harbours and fishing villages with their colourful houses against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, to whale watching, puffin spotting, visiting waterfalls, fjord kayaking and bathing in some of Iceland’s famous hot springs, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to book excursions in good time to avoid disappointment. As for the rooms, the suites vary in size, the largest being the lavish Regent Suite, which boasts an in-suite spa with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, two magnificent bedrooms, two bathrooms, two private balconies with a heated mini pool spa and a spacious living room. It comes with a host of benefits including priority access to shore excursions, dining reservations and spa and wellness services.
Grandeur also boasts an art collection (about 1,600 pieces in all) to rival many art galleries or museums, including several Picassos, a 40-foot handwoven tapestry, the Water in Dripping – Waterfall by Zheng Lu at the entrance to the spa and the first Fabergé egg (named Journey in Jewels) to reside permanently at sea (pictured right). What also gives this ship a sense of luxury is that despite accommodating 750 passengers (not big by cruise standards), you never get the impression the ship is full as there are so many places to eat, drink and relax.
Since returning from the cruise, people have asked if we’ve now become “cruise people”. Before we embarked on the trip, there was an element of cynicism if I’m honest. Surely travel is all about discovery, meeting the locals, venturing off the beaten track and experiencing the local food and wine (I did draw the line at rotten shark!). Can a cruise really deliver all that? Having experienced Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, I’d definitely say yes. And, yes, we may well have become cruise people, eagerly awaiting the company’s newest, most luxurious ship, Regent Seven Seas Prestige, which is set to launch at the end of next year. Watch this space!
