Three Nights of Ultra-Luxury aboard Seven Seas Grandeur
There are cruises, and then there are cruises that genuinely take luxury to another level. Sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, with stops in Portimão and Cádiz, Spain, this short but memorable voyage with Regent Seven Seas concluded with disembarkation in Málaga, Spain, where we caught our flight home. The journey offered the perfect opportunity to experience what makes Regent one of the world's leading ultra-luxury cruise lines.
From exceptional dining and beautifully designed surroundings to outstanding service and unforgettable destinations, here's a look back at our time onboard.
Day 1: From Manchester to Lisbon – Welcome Aboard Seven Seas Grandeur
Our adventure began with a flight from Manchester to Lisbon, where we headed straight from the airport to the ship. From the moment we arrived, the experience was seamless.
We were welcomed onboard without any delays, and the efficiency of the embarkation process was immediately impressive. The crew greeted us with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for what would be an incredibly enjoyable few days.
And then there was the ship itself. Stepping onboard Seven Seas Grandeur for the first time was a real wow moment. The elegant interiors, attention to detail and sheer sense of space immediately highlighted the level of luxury Regent is renowned for.
Before exploring further, we headed to the Pool Grill, where we enjoyed some delicious lobster nachos and chicken wings. It was the perfect relaxed introduction to the onboard dining experience!
With lunch enjoyed, we spent some time wandering around the ship, taking in the beautiful décor, glamorous surroundings and impressive public spaces. Everywhere we looked, there was something to admire. The overall atmosphere felt sophisticated yet welcoming, with a genuine sense of space that made the ship feel incredibly special.
Our Home at Sea: Deluxe Veranda Suite
Next, it was time to discover our accommodation: a Deluxe Veranda Suite located midship on Deck 6.
First impressions? Wow!
The suite felt wonderfully spacious, both inside and out, with a beautifully appointed living area and a private veranda offering our own little outdoor retreat. The bathroom was another highlight, particularly the generous walk-in shower.
A particularly lovely touch was the bottle of champagne waiting for us on ice. It was a fantastic welcome and a little reminder that the finer details really do matter when it comes to ultra-luxury cruising.
Sail Away and Our First Evening at Compass Rose
Before dinner, we headed up to the pool deck to enjoy the sail away party. With live music playing, the ship preparing to depart Lisbon and the crew circulating with delicious luxury canapés, it was a wonderful way to begin our voyage.
For our first evening dinner, we chose Compass Rose, Regent's main dining venue.
One of the things I particularly like about Compass Rose is its flexibility. There is no need to make an appointment or book a specific dining time – simply arrive and enjoy the experience.
The menu offers an extensive selection, with everything from meat and seafood to pasta and a variety of other tempting dishes. I opted for the seabass as my main course, which was absolutely delicious.
It was a fantastic first evening, and a great introduction to the standard of dining we would experience throughout the sailing.
Day 2: Discovering Portugal and Dining Under the Stars
Our second day began with an informative presentation from our Regent Seven Seas agent host, who took us through the Regent product in greater detail.
It was a great opportunity to learn more about what makes the cruise line so distinctive, as well as hear about some of the exciting developments coming to the fleet. One particularly interesting topic was the upcoming arrival of Seven Seas Prestige, Regent's highly anticipated new ship.
Afterwards, we enjoyed another light lunch onboard before heading ashore in Portimão, Portugal.
Exploring Portimão
Portimão offered a lovely opportunity to experience a little of the local Portuguese culture.
We spent a few hours enjoying the surroundings, taking in the beautiful ocean views and exploring the local area. There is something particularly special about stepping ashore in a new destination, enjoying a leisurely wander and then looking back towards the port to see your beautiful ship waiting for you.
After a relaxing afternoon ashore, it was time to return to Seven Seas Grandeur.
Back onboard, we joined the quiz in the Observation Lounge, which was a fun way to spend some time before getting ready for our second evening.
Sette Mari at La Veranda: Italian Dining Al Fresco
For dinner, we headed to Sette Mari at La Veranda.
During the evening, La Veranda transforms into Sette Mari, offering authentic Italian specialities, hot antipasti and delicious made-to-order pasta dishes.
What made this experience particularly enjoyable was the opportunity to dine al fresco, enjoying the beautiful surroundings while sampling some fantastic Italian cuisine.
Once again, the food, wine and service were faultless. It was one of those evenings where everything comes together perfectly, making dinner feel like an occasion in itself.
And the entertainment didn't stop there!
One of the things I loved about Seven Seas Grandeur was the variety of evening entertainment available throughout the ship. Whether you fancied live music in the Grandeur Lounge, Meridian Lounge or Observation Lounge, there was always something happening.
There was even karaoke for those feeling brave enough to take to the microphone!
It was lovely to see such a variety of entertainment options, catering to different tastes and ensuring the evenings were just as enjoyable as the days.
A Little Luxury: In-Suite Dining and a Movie Night
Of course, not every evening has to be spent dining out, and one night we decided to make the most of another lovely perk of the Regent experience: in-room dining.
We enjoyed a delicious room service meal in the comfort of our own suite, completely complimentary, of course! It was the perfect opportunity to relax, put our feet up and enjoy a quiet evening after a busy day exploring.
To make it even better, we settled down with a movie before bed. There was a fantastic selection of complimentary films available to choose from, so there was plenty to keep us entertained.
Sometimes, there's nothing quite like enjoying dinner in your own suite, followed by a film and the comfort of your own bed. Another little luxury that made the experience feel so special!
Day 3: Cádiz, Spain and an Evening at Prime 7
Our third and final full day brought us to Cádiz, Spain.
Another beautiful destination, Cádiz offered a different atmosphere to Portimão, with plenty of local character, history and culture to enjoy.
We spent some time exploring the port area and taking a leisurely stroll around the local sights. One of the highlights was visiting the busy markets, which offered a fantastic glimpse into everyday Spanish life.
The weather was also a real bonus. Considering we were travelling in mid-October, the sunshine and pleasant temperatures made exploring particularly enjoyable.
After a lovely few hours ashore, we returned to the ship to prepare for our final evening onboard.
Prime 7: The Perfect Final Night
For our last dinner, we decided to experience one of Seven Seas Grandeur's speciality dining restaurants: Prime 7.
Prime 7 is Regent's classic American steakhouse, and from the moment you walk through the doors, the atmosphere makes an impression.
The restaurant features beautiful, intricate design details, elegant leather wing-back chairs and atmospheric low lighting, creating a sophisticated and intimate setting.
The menu focuses on premium cuts of meat, including filet mignon, alongside tempting surf-and-turf combinations and speciality seafood dishes.
It was a fantastic dining experience, with the quality of the food matching the beautiful surroundings. A wonderful way to round off our final evening and certainly a highlight of the sailing.
Final Thoughts: Is Regent Seven Seas Cruises Worth Experiencing?
Although three nights went by incredibly quickly, our time aboard Seven Seas Grandeur gave us a fantastic insight into what Regent Seven Seas Cruises is all about.
What stood out most wasn't just one particular restaurant, destination or onboard facility. It was the overall experience.
From the incredibly warm welcome and seamless embarkation to the beautifully appointed suites, exceptional dining and attentive crew, every element felt carefully considered.
The ship itself is stunning, with an abundance of space, elegant interiors and an unmistakable feeling of luxury. The variety of dining options means there is something to suit every taste, while the entertainment and onboard activities ensure there is always something to enjoy.
Our visits to Portimão and Cádiz were also lovely additions to the experience, offering a taste of Portugal and Spain without ever feeling rushed.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway was just how effortlessly everything came together. There was no need to worry about reservations in the main dining room, no feeling of being rushed and no shortage of opportunities to relax and enjoy the experience.
Seven Seas Grandeur truly delivers an ultra-luxury cruise experience, where exceptional service, outstanding food and beautiful surroundings are all part of the journey.
Would I sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises again? Absolutely.
And if this three-night experience is anything to go by, I'd certainly be looking forward to discovering even more of the Regent fleet on a longer voyage next time!
I highly recommend checking out Regent Seven Seas' best cruise deals for your next luxury cruise holiday! Just give our team a call; we'd love to help you plan your dream holiday.
