Four Nights on Regent Seven Seas Voyager: My Honest Review
I recently joined Seven Seas Voyager for four nights from Barcelona to La Spezia, calling at Toulon, with an overnight stay in both ports. Here’s what it’s really like onboard, and who I think Regent is perfect for.
A ship that feels brand new
Seven Seas Voyager carries just 700 guests and was revitalised earlier this year. I’d watched a few YouTube videos of the ship before her refit, and I was genuinely surprised at how much work had been done. She looks superb for her age.
With so few guests, the ship never feels busy. Even on a sunny afternoon on Deck 12, there was plenty of space and it never felt crowded.
A welcome like no other
Embarkation in Barcelona was calm and personal. Porters took my case, early arrivals were offered water, tea and coffee in the terminal, and just before check-in opened the head concierge came over to introduce himself and invite us onboard. A glass of champagne in hand, I knew I’d arrived.
The Concierge Suite
My Concierge Suite on Deck 10 delivered in every way. It felt like a home from home rather than a cabin, with a comfortable lounge area, a separate walk-in wardrobe and plenty of storage throughout. The shower room alone was larger than some inside cabins I’ve stayed in!
One highlight was room service breakfast. I hung the menu on my door the night before, and it arrived exactly on time with the table properly laid, tablecloth and all. I’ve never experienced that on any other cruise line.
Dining: no supplements, no compromises
Food is a real strength on Regent. Portions are sensibly sized, there’s table service everywhere, and the speciality restaurants come at no extra charge.
- Compass Rose, the main dining room, for relaxed dinners and an excellent breakfast menu
- Chartreuse, the French restaurant, where I enjoyed escargots, moules marinière, duck à l’orange and île flottante, each paired with wine by the sommelier
- Prime 7, the steakhouse, where my rib eye was cooked to perfection
- La Veranda, technically the buffet but it feels nothing like one, with tables laid and dishes like made-to-order pasta brought to you
- Pool Grill for a burger and sweet potato fries in the sunshine
- Afternoon tea in the Horizon Lounge, with a trolley of sandwiches and cakes wheeled round continually
- The Gala BBQ on deck, a brilliant evening with a real party atmosphere
What’s included
This is where Regent really stands out. Almost everything is included, so you never think about cost onboard:
- Drinks, including wine with lunch and dinner and a fun cocktail list named after the ships in the fleet
- All speciality restaurants
- Wi-Fi
- Many shore excursions in every port
- Unlimited laundry (mine went out before 9am and came back neatly pressed by 6pm)
Ports and excursions
Barcelona. I joined the included Highlights of Barcelona tour, taking in the Sagrada Família and the views from Montjuïc. A dramatic storm hit right at the Sagrada Família, but the ship had warned us in advance and handed out Regent umbrellas, which says a lot about the attention to detail.Toulon. The ship docked right by the marina, so the town was an easy stroll away. I’ll admit I didn’t expect much, but Toulon was a lovely surprise, with a pleasant waterfront, charming side streets and cafés overlooking the ship.
The overnights are what make this itinerary so relaxing. One couple I met, loyal Regent guests, take an excursion on the first day in each port and simply do their own thing on the second. It’s a lovely way to travel.
A tradition I loved
On the final evening came a first for me: the Regent Block Party. Guests step into the corridor with an empty glass, suite attendants pour drinks and serve canapés, and the senior officers walk every corridor to say cheers. It’s a wonderful way to meet your neighbours.
Travel tips if you’re flying from the UK
- Heathrow hotel: For an early Terminal 5 flight, I’d choose the Premier Inn Terminal 4. It’s connected by covered walkway and the free H30 bus links the terminals. The Premier Plus upgrade was just £9 more and well worth it.
- Barcelona: Immigration took around 30 minutes, and an Uber to the cruise terminal cost £26.
- La Spezia to Pisa Airport: A short taxi to the station, then a train to Pisa Centrale and the PisaMover shuttle to the airport. It took just over an hour, and first class tickets were only £18. With plenty of trains, it’s also an easy day trip to Pisa if your cruise calls at La Spezia.
Is Regent right for you?
Regent Seven Seas is ideal if you want true luxury without counting costs onboard, value space and personal service, and prefer a relaxed atmosphere to a formal one. The smaller ships and unhurried itineraries make it a superb choice for discerning travellers who want to really experience each destination.
If you’d like to know more about sailing with Regent, I’d love to help. Call me on 01489 661199 or email rich.rochester@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk.
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