Revitalised style and elegance on Seven Seas Voyager

Seven Seas Voyager is a ship that carries itself well with sleek and stylish lines inside and out, and the sort of timeless elegance that recalls the golden era of travelling by ship. Spacious surroundings and attentive service, thanks to the high ratio of crew to passengers, add the final flourishes to a sea-going experience that lives up to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ boasts of ultra-luxury. Having joined the Regent fleet in 2003, you might think this 700-passenger ship could be showing its age, especially when compared to swanky new sister Seven Seas Explorer, which launched in July 2016.

But thanks to a bow to stern makeover in November 2016 as part of a $125 million fleet upgrade, Voyager has become more of a ‘mini-me’ of Seven Seas Explorer, with sparkling new decor that matches Regent’s new flagship and a host of new production shows.

Where to eat

Chartreuse

All Regent ships have similar dining venues though, as the largest, Seven Seas Explorer has the widest choice. However, some of its restaurants are now being fitted across Regent’s other vessels and Seven Seas Voyager is no exception. It has gained the French eaterie Chartreuse, styled after a Parisian cafe and serving a modern take on French cuisine. The flagship Compass Rose restaurant has been glammed up with grand crystal chandeliers, rich wooden accents and celestial blue furnishings as part of its makeover. There is even posh Versace china that adorns the tables, while a new menu gives guests more freedom and flexibility to customise dishes to their tastes.

Freshly grilled options take centre-stage in the buffet venue, La Veranda, where a cook-to-order grill station is a new feature along with the design of the buffet, which is now open on both sides. Even the pool grill has been spruced up with a new infra-red barbecue facility, enabling chefs to rustle up a wider selection of savoury specialities. Steak fans can take a seat at the Prime 7 steakhouse while passengers hankering for Italian fare can visit Sette Mari at La Veranda, the ‘pop-up’ trattoria that transforms La Veranda each evening.

Where to sleep

Deluxe Veranda Suite – balcony

Penthouse A Suite – bedroom

Higher-grade suites have been revamped and are suitably sumptuous in tasteful pale palates of fawn, smoky grey or pale blue, and occasionally incorporating stronger tones of navy. The style is contemporary and all suites come with separate sitting areas and a balcony, along with king-size beds, a walk-in closet, a flat-screen TV, satellite phone and USB port. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of Champagne and fresh fruit on arrival, with the in-suite minibar set up to their preferences. And passengers can take their ablutions in no less swanky surroundings with the stunning dove grey marble en suite complete with pampering L’Occitane toiletries.

From Deluxe Veranda Suites, the next grade up is Concierge level (suites that are the same size but boast more amenities), and then Penthouse Suites that come with a butler and daily canapés, among other things. Expect even more lavish experiences in Seven Seas Suites, Voyager Suites, Grand Suites – and the ultimate Master Suites, the largest of which is more than 1,200 sq ft with not one, but two balconies measuring nearly 190 sq ft, and two bedrooms.

Suggested reading: Six things you didn’t know were included in Regent Seven Seas cruises

What to do

Fitness Centre

Life on Seven Seas Voyager could never be described as frenetic. Time aboard can be spent luxuriating in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, relaxing on the attractive pool deck or hiding away in the well-sized library with a good book. Exercise fans can work up a sweat in the gym or pound the ships jogging track. There is also a paddle tennis court, or you could join one of the Pilates, yoga or aerobics classes.

With excursions included, there is no excuse not to explore ashore on port days, while more in-depth options are offered for an additional price. Some sailings also have guest lecturers as part of Regent’s partnership with the US Smithsonian Institution, while evening production shows have gone up a notch following the refurbishment, with new shows in the Constellation Theatre taking their themes from the likes of Las Vegas, Broadway and Hollywood. Passengers can also place their bets in the casino or relax with a cognac in the Connoisseur Club, where smoking is also permitted.

Enjoy pre or post-dinner drinks in the Observation, Horizon or Voyager lounges – the latter of which has been redesigned to give it a French cabaret feel with focal-point champagne-coloured chandeliers.

What I loved

• The ‘block parties’ outside your suite where you meet and mingle with immediate neighbours in the corridor, while waiters hover with drinks and canapés.
• The spacious surroundings in general and particularly the pool area, which on my sailing, never felt crowded.
• Dinners in Prime 7 with its London gentleman’s club-style atmosphere and delicious steaks.

Top tip

Seek out the small deck area outside the Horizon Lounge for al fresco sundowners to enjoy the best views of the sunset from the ships aft.