I travelled with Cathay Pacific, flying Premium Economy to Tokyo and returning home in Business Class from Hong Kong. Premium Economy offered a comfortable start to the journey, while the fully flat bed and elevated dining experience in Business Class made the flight home extremely enjoyable. Regent’s private transfers were prompt and waiting for us after customs, which made everything seamless.
Seven Seas Explorer exudes luxury yet maintains such a relaxed atmosphere on board. Over the years she has won many awards, and it is easy to see why. With 746 guests and 548 crew, the high level of service is evident everywhere you go.
The crew were amazing, friendly, helpful and always ready for a laugh. My favourite barmaid, Alvi, made me a different margarita each night before dinner in the Explorer Lounge, which became a fun ritual. My room attendant Mark was an absolute delight and looked after my suite beautifully from start to finish.
The layout of the ship is very logical and easy to navigate across the ten guest decks, and you never feel lost. Approximately 500 crystal chandeliers, multimillion-dollar artworks and stunning Italian marble throughout the ship truly elevate the experience and position Explorer as a leader in luxury cruising.
Having sailed on this ship before, it felt like coming home. You can do as little or as much as you like. There are outdoor games including pickleball and shuffleboard for those feeling active. The complimentary laundry service is outstanding, returning clothes wrapped in tissue paper and boxed, which is such a lovely touch.
The day spa, sauna and the infinity pool at the back of the ship were my favourite places to unwind. If you couldn’t find me after a shore excursion or on a sea day, that is where I was. I also visited the gym a few times, which is spacious, well appointed and well organised. There was a nice mix of nationalities on board including Spanish, American, British, Australian and European guests, generally aged between 50 and 75, with longer cruises tending to attract an older demographic.
All staterooms on Explorer are suites with private balconies. Each suite includes a fully stocked bar fridge tailored to your preferences, a welcome bottle of champagne, 24-hour room service, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, beautiful European linen and Elite Slumber beds.
If money is no object, the Regent Suite is extraordinary. Spanning more than 4,000 square feet, it features two bedrooms, a private in-suite spa, two-and-a-half bathrooms including an oversized jetted tub, a large living and dining area and multiple walk-in wardrobes. The wraparound balcony at the front of the ship includes a heated mini-pool spa and generous seating areas. There is even a custom Steinway piano and original Picasso lithographs. Guests staying in the Regent Suite also enjoy private transfers, exclusive dining access and unlimited inclusions including shore excursions, fine wines, spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi.
Entertainment on board is of an excellent standard. The two-tier Constellation Theater hosts Broadway-style shows, while the Explorer Lounge features live music each evening. The Observation Lounge is perfect for trivia sessions or listening to a solo pianist with panoramic views.
The cuisine is stunning. We dined several times at the specialty restaurants, which are all included. Chartreuse remains my number one, particularly the mushroom velouté with truffle and garlic confit. Pacific Rim was another favourite in our group, with the chicken and foie gras gyozas and mochi desserts highly recommended. Prime 7 was also exceptional. Compass Rose delivered a consistently high standard, and Sette Mari at La Veranda impressed with dishes such as ravioli with truffle cream, beautifully paired with Italian wines. Our waiter King was very attentive and always had a great vibe.
Pre-cruise in Tokyo, I stayed at ANA InterContinental with Club access, which was a special treat. Dinner at Teppanyaki Alaska was a highlight, and seeing Shibuya Crossing for the first time felt just like the movies.
In Jeju I completed a mountain climb that was heart pumping and superb. Only five of us from the ship did it and the views from the top were spectacular. In Osaka I visited Osaka Castle, shopped in Shinsaibashi-Suji and spent time at Universal Studios and Nintendo World. In Seoul, the Incheon Metropolitan City Museum was mind boggling and I could have spent all day there. In Shimizu we experienced a tea ceremony, admired Mount Fuji and tried traditional Japanese woodblock art, which was great fun.
In summary, if you are looking for an all-inclusive cruise with high quality food, very friendly service, beautiful ships, included shore excursions and no bill at the end of your cruise, Regent is hard to beat. With Seven Seas Grandeur recently joining the fleet and the new Prestige class arriving in late 2026, Regent continues to raise the bar. I cannot wait to sail with them again in the not too distant future.
