RSSC Voyager Refurbishment
I love receiving feedback from clients about their holiday. For me, it is the most reliable source of information for cruise lines, hotels, tours, places to visit etc etc. More often than not, they will come up with some valuable little 'travel' gem that I did know or 'travel' contact that I did not have.
I recently had several couples cruise on the refurbished Regent Seven Seas Voyager and the overall feedback has been very positive.
“We travelled on the SS Voyager around Asia in April 2015 and again in December 2016 and January 2017 from Dubai to Sydney. This cruise was the ship's second cruise after the major refurbishment that was carried out in Europe. In our view this total refurbishment was very tastefully carried out - in particular the Compass Rose restaurant. The restaurant is beautifully furnished with warm textiles and soft lighting and it is a pleasure to dine there in these improved surroundings - the food and service are also excellent. The suites and other areas of the ship were also updated and again the results are very pleasing. “WJ / Sydney
This ship underwent an extensive, 25 day refurbishment to bring her in line with the newest ship in the fleet – Seven Seas ‘Explorer’. Below are the main areas that were updated:-
- Compass Rose: The ship’s flagship restaurant not only has a stunning new look but also offers a completely new menu making it (according to Regent) the largest specialty restaurant at sea.
- Chartreuse: Replaces ‘Signatures’ and features new furnishings, china, flooring and décor elements inspired by the Chartreuse on Seven Seas Explorer, along with a completely new menu.
- La Veranda: Features a fresh and airy design with light grey coloured flooring. The buffet is now open to both sides of the restaurant and features a new cook-to-order grill station.
- Pool Grill: The outdoor eating area offers a new infrared barbeque grill where chefs can prepare savoury barbeque specialties.
- Voyager Lounge: The marquee lounge features a beautiful new design that was inspired by a modern interpretation of a French cabaret - a perfect place to enjoy live, nightly musical entertainment.
“Food choices have improved, with more flexible menus in Compass Rose. Also they have linked La Veranda across the back, joining the serving area, instead of having to go outside to cross over. Much improved.” MC / NSW
The Reception area, Connoisseur Lounge (the only smoking area except for a designated area around the pool), Coffee Connection, the boutiques, Card Room, Casino and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club were also freshened up during the makeover.
“A friend of mine travelled on the RSS Voyager and said the refurb. is lovely. Chartreuse Restaurant also very good (replacing Signatures) and Compass Rose restaurant is much better than before.”
There were mixed reactions to the changes in the accommodation - Penthouse, Concierge and Deluxe suites now have a new contemporary design.
“Refit is nice, but their redesign in suites has reduced storage overall in living areas.”
So was there a negative? Only one and that was mainly about movement of staff.
“Most of the really good restaurant and hotel crew have gone to Explorer, so new staff are being trained up here it seems. I guess that will improve with time. It's the extra mile that the crew used to take, which is absent now. They would get to know your preferences and be ready, whereas that is not happening so much.”
But that generally happens with a new ship comes along. New staff have to be trained to the Cruise Line’s standard and this can best be done by mixing the experienced with the new (staff).
There are many “Virtuoso” Regent cruises which means added benefits for you when you book through MTA Travel (also Virtuoso). Sometimes this will be a complimentary full day tour; sometimes an on-board credit or a credit towards another Virtuoso product.
I have been on board 3 of the 4 Regent ships and know them well So feel free to call if you have any questions or if you would like to experience one of their cruises. REMEMBER – Regent offers free shore excursions, something not offered by most cruise lines.