March 15, 2 p.m., Caribbean Sea — Clad in a purple swimsuit, broad-rimmed hat and polarized sunglasses, Raelyn Lucklow is enjoying yet another sunny day at sea. One of 700 passengers on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Mariner, the Dana Point, California, resident appears totally at ease. But something is amiss. Instead of reaching for sunscreen or a tropical cocktail, Lucklow reaches for her laptop. “If I knew the ship didn’t have internet, I wouldn’t go,” says the design consultant for Preserved Treescapes International. “I can only take time off if I can continue to work through my computer. There’s no one who can take my place. There’s no one who does what I do. So if I’m down for a week it’s basically horrible.”
At current exchange rates, US$800 would bring only 515 Euros, but Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a 1:1 exchange rate to guests on its 28-night Autumn Sojourn in The Mediterranean voyage slated to depart from Istanbul on October 18.
Guests who opt for the full 28-night voyage on the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager receive two-for-one pricing, free Business Class air (or $3,000 cruise credit), special shipboard events, and a commemorative gift.
These guests will also have the option to purchase up to 800 Euros per suite from Regent Seven Seas at a 1:1 exchange rate. Per-person prices for the 28-night voyage range from $14,495 to $44,543.
Regent’s all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager boasts an extremely roomy space ratio: 66. Ships with high space ratios, I find, can appear empty, even when sailing full. You can walk down a hallway and not run into anyone. If you’re one who appreciates your personal space, you’ll feel comfortable on a ship with a high space ratio. Continue Reading »
[Updated and archived on October 9, 2009] Across the luxury cruise segment, suppliers are ordering new ships, marshaling additional capacity for world cruises and gearing up their ships in ways that appeal to those who previously never had the time for extended luxury cruises.Continue Reading »
Just as the airlines have frequent-flyer programs, the cruise lines have frequent-cruiser programs. In this interview, Victoria Gallegos, a cruise consultant on Regent Seven Seas Voyager, outlines the five tiers of Regent Seven Seas Cruises loyalty program, known as Seven Seas Society. Particularly impressive: Free internet and one hour free phone service after accumulating 21 nights on Regent. 1) Seven Seas Society Member, 4 - 20 nights
* Seven Seas Society cocktail reception
* Access to Seven Seas Society cruises, including exclusive events ashore
* Seven Seas Society savings on select sailings
* Personalized newsletter
* Access to Online Personal Profile
* Communications with advanced access to itineraries and special offers
* Upgrade and referral opportunities on select sailings
2) Silver, 21 - 74 nights
Everything from Seven Seas Society Member tier PLUS the following items
* Complimentary Internet access on board
* One hour complimentary phone time per suite
* Complimentary pressing on formal and/or informal nights (up to two items per 7-night cruise segment)
* Invitation to participate in Seven Seas Society Advisory Board (on select sailings)
* Invitations to exclusive Regent cruise and hotel events in select cities
3) Gold, 75 - 199 nights
Everything from Seven Seas Society member and Silver tiers PLUS the following items
* Priority disembarkation at cruise completion in select ports
* Additional two hours of complimentary phone time per suite
* Choice of newspaper service from around the world
* Complimentary pressing of up to two additional items per 7-night segment
* Complimentary upgrade to hardcover of personalized commemorative album at soft cover price on select voyages
* Exclusive Gold & Platinum activity aboard or ashore on every sailing
* Priority reservations at restaurants and spas
4) Platinum, 200 - 399 nights
Everything from Seven Seas Society Member, Silver and Gold tiers PLUS the following items
* Complimentary air deviation services (one time per sailing)
* Additional six hours of complimentary phone usage per sailing
* Complimentary pressing
* Complimentary laundry services
* Invitation to Customer Advisory Panel (on select sailings)
5) Titanium, 400 + nights
Everything from Seven Seas Society Member, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers PLUS the following items
* Complimentary transfers to and from your home to the pier (within a 50 mile radius). OR complimentary transfers from the airport to the pier on embarkation and disembarkation day
* Complimentary dry cleaning
