EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: We were invited to a two-night, three-day media cruise just prior to the first passenger voyage of Seven Seas Grandeur. We drove from Sarasota to the Port of Miami, Cruise Terminal J. It was exciting to drive up to the port and see the new ship waiting patiently for us to board. Parking is easy, right across the street, and you can walk from your car to the ship. Check-in was swift and included taking new pictures for our ID cards. From there we boarded; and although we were told our cabins might not be ready, we took the chance and dropped off our bags. That gave us freedom to have a pre-cruise luncheon at La Veranda, offering a buffet and views off the aft of the ship — a wonderful, relaxing introduction and the opportunity to enjoy a glass of Sancerre as a reward for our drive across the state.

GUEST QUARTERS: We stayed in Suite 768, a Concierge Suite with all-inclusive amenities; private balcony; and a comfortable, king-sized Suite Slumber Bed. The amenities included a huge walk-in closet located just beyond the expansive bathroom with marble accents and Jasim & Bergamote L’Occitane bath products. The main hallway led to a large room ending at the balcony. A sofa custom-made to fit against the wall enhanced the space, along with a large table for coffee or breakfast. The opposing wall held a built-in station with a minibar and Illy coffee maker and a large, flat-screen TV above. The room emitted a fresh scent of “new.”

PHOTO: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

SERVICES/AMENITIES: With a tonnage of 55,500 tonnes; capacity for 744 guests; 372 suites; and a crew of 548, the ship offers plenty of space, restaurants and venues but without overcrowding. The crew-to-passenger ratio is one of the highest in the industry. One thing that impressed me was the multimillion-dollar art collection, which includes the only Fabergé egg permanently housed on a ship.

Seven Seas Grandeur offers many dining options, with the Compass Rose the signature venue. Chartreuse, with an Art Deco feel and French inspiration, proves a treat for passengers. Prime 7 is reminiscent of a New York-style steakhouse, and Pacific Rim offers Asian cuisine with an amazing bonsai cherry tree sculpture by Savoy Studios at its entrance. Overall, the ship boasts seven dining options and many bars to explore during your voyage. We wish we had more time to take full advantage of all the amenities, but we enjoyed every meal and venue on board.

The Meridian Lounge offers afternoon tea and live entertainment in the evenings, and the Grandeur Lounge opposite the casino makes a nice place to end your evening. I enjoyed the Observation Lounge with its great view, the library and the cigar bar, where I made new friends the first day on board. We also spent time at the pool and adjoining restaurant, the Pool Grill, where we had lunch one of the days at sea — fantastic sushi!

The ship features so many activities, such as a golf driving net, pickleball court, bocce ball court and putting green, and a fully appointed spa. Let’s not forget the entertainment in the Constellation Theater, which we made sure we got to after dinner both nights.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• I scheduled a haircut at the Serene Spa while I had some time at sea.
• We were gifted a numbered lithograph of the Fabergé egg, which we framed with our key card as a memento.
• Take note of the Versace-designed plates in Compass Rose.
• They say once you go Regent, you never go back.