The Regent Seven Seas Navigator
It was my pleasure to attend the Christening of the brand-new all-suite Seven Seas Navigator. To begin with, 90% of the ship's suites have balconies - making it the largest percentage of balconies on any ship in the cruise industry. Understand that what you get in balconies, you give up in sleek design. From the outside, the vessel looks like a cut out of a ship. You see more balconies that actual ship exterior. But remember to never judge a book by its cover. And in this particular case, the inside is guaranteed to delight all your senses.
The Seven Seas Navigator is done in bold and subdued tones of blue and beige, including a great deal of blonde wood in the suites and throughout the ship. The color scheme is extremely rich, pleasing and welcoming. You can walk from lounge to lounge to dining room to suite and get a very homogenous feel. With a passenger space ratio of 67.3, the Navigator is one of the most spacious ships at sea. Compare her 33,000 tons to a ship you are familiar with of similar size. Take the Celebrity Cruises Zenith, which at 48,000 tons, carries 1350 passengers. At 33,000 tons, the Navigator carries 490 privileged guests. Now you should begin to get the picture.
Let's begin with the suites. There are a handful of standard (non-balconied) suites on the ship, and even those are spectacular. At a whopping 301 square feet, each offer picture windows, full walk-in closet, European king or convertable twin beds, separate sitting area, television, vcr, mini bar, personal safe, and the best bathroom ever to grace a cruise ship. Not only does every bathroom have a full-sized tub, it also features a separate stall shower with a wraparound glass door. The marble floors are lovely and compliment the marble counter tops. The majority of the suites on the ship are identical to these, just add a 55 square foot balcony. The ten Navigator, four Grand and four Master Suites are simply larger with added entertainment facilities. The Navigator Suites measure 495 square feet including the balcony. The bedroom is completely separate from the salon that features a wrap around couch and dining table with four seats. The Grand Suites range from 687 to 739 square feet. The larger ones sport a 200 square foot wraparound veranda. The remaining two have side balconies only. These suites add a powder room for guests. The Master Suites are truly apartment residences at sea. They measure 1173 square feet including the balcony and are perfect for entertaining. In addition to the accoutrements of the other suite categories, the Master Suites have double sinks and a bidet in the main bathroom. I should mention that ten of the suites connect, should you need more upgrades for VIPs.
The public rooms are lovely, but I have to be honest. I did have a favorite. The Portofino Grill, Navigator's alternative dining room knocked my socks off! Both breakfast and lunch are served here on an open seating basis. A more casual dinner is available by reservation only. The room is actually cut into two private dining rooms, with additional tables out on the veranda giving it the feel of a sidewalk cafe. The windows are adorned with sheer chiffon designer curtains. The tables are set with eclectic china enhanced by bold colors and geometric shapes. The wood floor was warm and welcoming. You feel the charm of an upbeat nouveau-Italian eatery immediately upon arrival. With Radisson's reputation of having the best food and service in the business, I can only imagine what a meal in the Portofino Grill would be like. Capacity 184 for breakfast and lunch; 84 for dinner (they only use one section for dinner.)
The Compass Rose Restaurant, Navigator's main dining room, can of course seat all of the ship's passengers at once. I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch on board. I have to hand it to Radisson - for they have mastered food at sea. In all of my years in the cruise business, they have never disappointed me in the dining room. I am always surprised and delighted at their chef's new creations. Located on deck five, the lowest passenger deck, the Compass Rose is not as impressive as the main dining room on the Diamond, however it is certainly furnished in quality soft goods, china and silver. If you have been on any of the Seabourn ships, you will see a very similar main dining room here. Capacity 482
The Spa of course offers full services and is operated and managed by Judith Jackson. I hear this is stellar improvement over the usual Steiner program aboard most ships. Here you will find a steam room, sauna, massage, facial, manicure and pedicure services. The fully equipped health club offers a personal trainer service, exercise cycles, a rowing machine, treadmills, free weights and weight machines.
There is a completely separate Beauty Salon that is one of the best I have seen at sea. It is both spacious and functional.
Galileo's, is just perfect for a private function, music before or after dinner and alternative entertainment. It features a grand piano, full bar and a large outdoor deck. Galileo's offers early risers continental breakfast, afternoon tea Capacity 128
The Seven Seas Lounge is a fabulous two-tiered show lounge featuring nightly cabaret acts and Broadway-style production shows. Capacity 490
Right outside the Seven Seas Lounge is the Stars Lounge, a perfect place to have a drink before the show begins. Capacity 126
The ship's casino is elegant and understated. Here, you can try your hand at mini-craps, blackjack, roulette, stud poker, slot and poker machines. Capacity 19
The intimate Connoisseur Club has comfortable leather chairs and offers an ideal retreat for after-dinner cognacs, liqueurs, fine wines and cigars. It even boasts a working fireplace! Capacity 24
The Navigator Lounge is a comfortable and intimate spot across from the Library, with wide windows facing the ocean. It has its own bar so that guests can enjoy drinks and complimentary hors d'oeuvres in the evening. Capacity 62
The Library has a wide selection of books and a variety of feature films that are available to all passengers. The library also provides three multimedia computers for guests to use at their leisure. Comfortable leather chairs welcome guests to curl up with some reference materials or a good novel.
The Card Room is spacious and can be divided into two separate rooms. It is equipped with games, puzzles and can be used for meetings and lectures. It would be just right to use as a hospitality office during charter programs. Capacity 48
The pool area is large and fully stocked with lounge chairs, teak wood chairs and tables. An outdoor grill offers light lunches. The adjacent bar is open from mid-morning until pre-dinner cocktail hour each day.
As on every ship, the Navigator has a wide array of items available in the gift ship. From jewelry and perfume to bathing suits and formal wear, you will have a hard time leaving without making a purchase or two.
In closing, you can feel comfortable to run right out and tell your clients about this beauty of the sea. She is sure to please even the fussiest decision-maker.
For more information on the Seven Seas Navigator, or the rest of the Seven Seas fleet, visit www.rssc.com.
