I’m at the end of my 10-day cruise onboard Seven Seas Grandeur and I’m contemplating the amazing dining experiences I’ve had. All food and drink are included in your Regent Seven Seas Cruises fare, and the options are endless.
I’m currently sitting in Coffee Connection, which is open from sunrise to sunset and has been a favourite space for me over the cruise. I start my mornings here with a perfect cappuccino watching the sunrise.
Next stop is breakfast, and because I’m a creature of habit I find myself most mornings on Deck 11 at La Veranda, which offers an impressive view and a buffet of breakfast foods from around the world. I find myself an outdoor table in the sun, and despite the cruise being at full capacity I’m always surprised how quiet and spacious the restaurant is.
For those looking for a very healthy breakfast option there’s Fitness Breakfast on offer by the pool specialising in fresh juices and for those who love fine dining, Compass Rose offers a beautiful breakfast menu.
The days we’re on shore there’s no shortage of local cuisine to try. In Santorini we visited a picturesque taverna, where we feasted on plates of keftedes, souvlaki, tzatziki and Greek salad. In Istanbul I visit a speciality sweet shop for baklava and lokum, and in Venice, pasta and gelato of course.
For those who spend the day on board, the options are also vast. There’s the fabulous pool deck for light and casual fare, La Veranda offer an expansive buffet, and speciality restaurants Chartreuse and Prime 7 alternate opening with a lunchtime menu.
Afternoon tea in the Meridian Lounge is another highlight. An elegant high tea affair, I sat back in the beautiful lounge as trolleys of exquisite cakes and savouries were offered while I sipped on tea or champagne, listening to talented musicians.
Then there’s time for a siesta, gym or poolside reading before it’s sundowner time, possibly the most beautiful time on the ship. The observation lounge is glorious for watching the changing sky, cocktail in hand. The mixologist in Meridian Lounge is a genius, and the Grandeur Lounge certainly lives up to its name. Of course an Aperol Spritz on a deck chair on the roof watching the world sail by is hard to beat too.
Ask many people why they choose Seven Seas Grandeur and the answer is often the restaurants. There are three speciality restaurants that require a reservation – Prime 7, Chartreuse and Pacific Rim. The grandest dame of all, Compass Rose, is walk-in.
Prime 7 is a contemporary steakhouse, handsomely decorated with leather wing-back chairs and jewel-coloured fabrics. Starters include Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Classic Steak Tartare. Mains are mostly beef-based but there are also tempting seafood and vegetarian options on the menu too.
Chartreuse feels like a Parisian fine dining restaurant, with stylish décor and beautiful chandeliers that pay homage to Chanel. The food is French and fabulous, including Steak Tartare et Caviar, Velouté de Champignons à la Truffe and Sole Grenobloise.
Pacific Rim is my absolute favourite as the food is amazing and the décor stunning. This Pan-Asian specialty restaurant welcomes you with a stunning life-sized glass blossom tree at the entrance, before moving into zen-like interiors. I tried almost everything on the menu and it was all delicious, especially the Peking Duck and Watermelon Salad, the Miso Black Cod and Chinese Barbecue Pork Ribs.
Sette Mari, a casual, intimate Italian dining eatery offers outdoor seating, and a table here under the setting Mediterranean sun is one of life’s great moments. Enjoy authentic antipasti and Italian classics served à la carte, paired with fine Italian wines.
And if you are still hungry, there’s 24-hour room service. As all suites have their own balcony the fabulous Regent staff are all too happy to dress the outdoor or indoor table, so you can enjoy the picture-perfect view from the privacy of your own suite.
Signature Restaurant
The jaw-dropping entrance to Compass Rose sets the scene for a memorable meal. The menu resembles a ‘choose your own adventure’ where you can mix and match dishes to your heart’s desire. Like the sound of both the Lobster and Fllet Mignon? They are only too happy to combine both meals into one. Can’t decide between the Viennese Apple Strudel, White Chocolate Mousse or Strawberry- Almond Tartlet? Have a taster of all three. It’s delicious and decadent, and somehow there’s always a table available.
