Step aboard the Seven Seas Explorer for an exclusive tour of ultra-luxury at sea, as this magnificent vessel makes its maiden visit to Fremantle. The ship, currently midway through an 18-night journey from Sydney to Singapore as part of its grand Asian voyage, offers a glimpse into a world of refined elegance and sophisticated amenities.
A Dazzling Introduction to Opulence
Upon entry through the Atrium, guests are greeted by a stunning cone chandelier and a double staircase, setting a dazzling tone for the experience. The tour officially begins in the intimate Constellation Theatre, where the ship's grandeur is immediately apparent. Seven Seas Explorer, a 10-year-old mid-size ocean cruise ship spanning 10 decks, accommodates 746 passengers and 548 crew in an all-suite configuration, primarily catering to adults, couples, and singles, with a typical demographic aged 55 and above.
Art and Ambiance on the High Seas
The deluxe interiors are embellished with plush furniture, colourful glass mantelpieces, and stunning Murano chandeliers, all tastefully arranged without garishness. A darker palette in timbers and carpets contributes to a warm, relaxed ambience. As host Scott Graham explains, the onboard artworks alone are valued at $US7 million (approximately $10 million), featuring pieces by Picasso and the 20th-century modernist artist Chagall. A standout is the Tibetan prayer wheel artistic installation at the entry to the Pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, weighing an impressive 2700 tonnes—a unique sight rarely seen on any ship.
Lavish Accommodations and Amenities
The mid-tier Penthouse Suite, at almost 42 square metres internally, stands out for its functionality and personal touches. It includes a separate bedroom, lounge, walk-in wardrobe, generous balcony (10-16 square metres depending on location), lavish bathroom amenities with a double vanity and rain shower, an illy espresso machine, and a station for a personal butler to attend to special requests.
Concierge suites and above offer additional perks, such as a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and transfer to the ship, along with ocean-facing beds and accessibility options. For the ultimate in luxury, the Regent Suite spans more than 472 square metres total area, featuring two bedrooms, a Steinway grand piano, a $200,000 Mollissima Duvet mattress, and much more, showcasing the pinnacle of onboard amenity.
Recreation and Relaxation Highlights
Other ship highlights include the pool deck on level 11, which incorporates a larger-than-expected swimming pool, pool bar, extensive pool grill for daytime snacks, and lovely roofed terraces with elegant tables and chairs by seaside windows. An infinity pool on deck five aft provides a serene spot to relax with an ocean backdrop.
The Culinary Arts Kitchen is a state-of-the-art teaching facility with 18 individual induction cooktops, offering optional cooking classes for all skill levels at $US129 (approximately $182) per person. This is part of Regent's daytime enrichment program, which also features a putting green, golf net, bocce court, and expert guest lectures.
For wellness, the Serence Spa and Wellness on deck five offers a range of treatments, while the fitness centre on deck six includes a dedicated room for health and wellness classes like yoga and a well-appointed space for gym equipment and aerobic exercise.
Fine Dining Experience
Following the tour, a delightful four-course lunch was served at Chartreuse, one of six fine-dining restaurants on board. The meal featured a main course of beef tenderloin with truffle royale in seared foie gras and perigourdine sauce, paired with a bold California cabernet sauvignon and finished with a baked Alaska dessert, exemplifying the culinary excellence available.
Looking Ahead to New Horizons
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is set to launch the inaugural season of Seven Seas Prestige in December this year, marking the company's first new ship class in a decade. This vessel will be about 40 per cent larger than its predecessors but accommodate only 10 per cent more passengers at 822, emphasizing space per guest as a key feature. The top-shelf Skyview Regent Suite, one of four new suite categories, starts at $40,000 per suite per night, promising even greater luxury for future voyages in the Caribbean and Europe.
