I recently had the incredible opportunity to be hosted by Regent Seven Seas experiencing their ship and itinerary firsthand, and I'm excited to share my personal journey with you!

I always recommend arriving at least 1 day early, if not more, in order to explore the embarkation city and be sure you have time built in to catch the ship in case of an emergency. I spent some time in Rome before my cruise that went from Rome to Amalfi/Sorrento Italy, Messina/Tindari Sicily, Dingli/Mdina/Rabat Malta, Ioannina/Thesportia Greece, Corfu, Greece, Kotor, Montenegro, Rijeka, Croatia and then post-cruise, I spent some time in Venice! If it sounds exhausting, it was, but also exhilarating! I loved every minute and was sure to build in some relaxation time to balance the many wonderful activities.

Regent truly delivered an all-inclusive experience that exceeded my expectations.

The Ship
​Accommodations aboard Regent Splendor are nothing short of exceptional. My suite felt surprisingly homey, a far cry from an all too familiar cramped cruise cabin. Of particular note was the huge walk in closet, a rare and welcome luxury! The bed was very comfortable, the temperature in the room was good and easily adjusted, and the balcony provided ample space for enjoying room service or simply soaking up the ocean views.

One highlight of the ship inclusions was the LAUNDRY service. It's the kind of thing you don't know you need until you have it! You won't believe how much this enhances the journey, especially on longer voyages. I was able to pack in a carry-on suitcase for two weeks since I knew I could rely on laundry services to have fresh, clean clothes. And it really came in handy after spending time in Rome during a heatwave! I boarded the ship and immediately filled 2 bags with dirty clothes and received them back the very next day - clean, folded and hung! AMAZING! Wash and press or press only is included, or you could opt for dry cleaning at an additional cost.

If you feel a little weird about sending out your laundry, there are also self service machines on the decks with suites. Some floors have up to 3 machines, all complimentary.

The stateroom layout also exceeded expectations. The bathroom did have a small step up which took a little getting used to, but the size of the shower and excellent water pressure were a welcome trade off. Our suite was near the jetway lowering point, which I found interesting to watch, though in the mornings it made some noise that might potentially wake up a light sleeper.

​The onboard atmosphere was unique to our summer sailing, featuring an unusually young and diverse crowd with lots of multi-generational families. Unlike typical Regent sailings, this trip had a more vibrant and energetic feel, with passengers ranging from young children to seniors, creating a dynamic shipboard environment.

Dining
Dining on Regent Splendor was good, with the specialty dining venues included! Pacific Rim with Asian flair, Chartreuse with French cuisine, and Prime 7 Steakhouse. I had the opportunity to prebook one reservation per specialty dining restaurant before the sailing. Though you can only pre-book one reservation per restaurant before embarking, speak to the staff onboard and you can dine multiple times if space permits, which I did at the steakhouse!

However, you don't need to dine in the specialty restaurants to have a good meal, the main dining room offered a wide selection and was delicious!
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As someone with lots of food allergies, dining out on vacation can be stressful, but the staff onboard Regent Splendor handled my needs superbly. After speaking with the maitre d' upon boarding, my allergies were noted and from that moment on, the staff at every venue knew how to modify dishes accordingly. Each night I received menus to my stateroom to pre-order meals for the next day. Even when I forgot to hand in my menu, it was never a problem. While I noticed a significant amount of seafood and nut-based dishes, two of the things I can't eat, I felt incredibly safe and well catered to throughout the cruise. Regent is an excellent option for travelers with dietary restrictions, given their proactive approach and ease of handling special requests.

Dress Code
Before heading out on my sailing, I was a little concerned about the dress code. I love a good pair of jeans and a comfy sweatshirt! Yes, I can get dressed up, but I am not usually into skirts and dresses. When I read the dress code of 'Elegant Casual' meaning slacks and collared shirts for men and dresses, skirts or elegant pants for women - with no jeans, shorts, or athletic wear in public areas after 6pm, I definitely worried. I went shopping and got some dresses and secretly hoped the dress code wasn't too strictly enforced.

To my surprise, the dress code was very much adhered to and actually a pleasant surprise! Even the younger guests wore dresses or slacks. What was even more surprising was that I actually enjoyed and appreciated getting dressed up and wearing something a little nicer and out of the ordinary for me. There was something nice about everyone dressing up in the evenings, giving it a more sophisticated feel.

For those of you still a little worried, don't fret, I received an announcement from Regent about an update to the dress code. Beginning August 1, 2025, Elegant Casual dress code after 6PM will mean guests may "wear refined denim and dress sneakers in all public areas, including restaurants." I guess I wasn't the only one concerned but I really hope people try to keep it classy, it was a differentiator and a special touch that I grew to appreciate during the sailing.

Excursions
Regent's itineraries are thoughtfully designed to immerse you in each destination. There are many complimentary excursion options, plus additional choices for purchase at reasonable rates. I did notice that some of the complimentary tours were experiential, but most were heavily engaged in sightseeing. The experiential tours were usually offered at a price.

The excursion experience was smooth. The vouchers were left in the stateroom, I received organized bus assignments and Regent offered flexible tour changes. This all spoke to the white-glove service you would expect from a high end cruise line.

My favorite excursion was an experiential one (which was also complimentary). In Montenegro, I visited a local family's olive oil farm where I was educated on how to grow and harvest olives and the difference between Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) vs. Virgin Olive Oil. I learned that to make EVOO, the oil must be pressed within 12-24 hours of harvest to help lock in flavor and aroma and produce quality EVOO. Tasting the oil, hearing about the cold press process and seeing the actual machinery was an amazing experience. Gracious hosts made the day so special, and I learned so much about the value of a good olive oil! Plus the drive to the farm gave way to breathtaking views from the mountains.

All-Inclusive Value
What truly sets Regent Seven Seas apart is its all-inclusive approach. From complimentary laundry and room service to included gratuities, there are significantly more inclusions than your average cruise. It was nice not to have to worry about additional payments or hidden fees. While Regent Seven Seas Cruises represents a premium investment, the all-inclusive nature delivers exceptional value. It's a hassle-free, luxurious travel experience - and when you compare all the inclusions, the price point is actually quite competitive.

My Recommendation
I had a fabulous time on my first Regent Seven Seas Cruise and would definitely sail them again! Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of luxury travel, Regent Seven Seas offers a distinctive blend of elegance, immersive experiences, and unparalleled convenience. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the longer itinerary. A two week trip allowed me to fully unwind and immerse myself in the experience, something I find challenging on shorter, one week cruises. 

If you are considering a cruise where every detail is taken care of, let's chat!
I would love to help you craft your own unforgettable journey!

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Packing for an Alaskan cruise can be more challenging than packing for other destinations, because the weather is so unpredictable! Alaska is known for being cold, but most travelers experience Alaska in the summer months when temperatures are milder and condensation is more likely to be rain than snow. If traveling in the summer, you may even experience sunny days and warmer weather! These temperature fluctuations mean that you need to be prepared for any type of weather during your Alaskan Vacation. The best way to pack for a variety of temperatures is to pack layers so that you can put on or take off as necessary. 

Be prepared on your next trip to Alaska with these recommendations: 

Layers are Key
When packing for an Alaskan cruise, layers are the key to staying comfortable in all weather conditions. Start with a base layer of comfortable and breathable undershirts to keep you warm in colder temperatures. Thermal underwear is also a good option to stay warm throughout the day. On top of the base layer, wear long-sleeve shirts and sweaters. Be sure to include warm socks and pants that can be layered such as leggings or sweatpants.

Stay Dry
Alaska is known for its rain and wind, so it's important to pack waterproof outerwear. A good windbreaker jacket, raincoat or poncho, and waterproof shoes are a must! Hats, gloves, and scarfs are also suggested so that you can stay warm while outside. Consider bringing a waterproof hat or cap and since most people use the camera on their phones, a pair of gloves with touch screen compatibility is best. Don't pack new shoes, if you are purchasing shoes for the trip, wear them in ahead of time since there will be a lot of walking.
By packing the right clothes and dressing in layers, you are sure to enjoy your trip to Alaska!

In addition to clothing, it's important to have the right equipment while exploring Alaska's national parks and viewing the fascinating wildlife. Consider the following items for your trip whether it is on land or a cruise (see below for more cruise centric recommendations):

1. Binoculars - Alaska is known for its magnificent landscape, including glaciers and wildlife. Bringing a pair of binoculars will enable you to spot animals from a distance and take in the magnificent scenery.

2. Camera - An Alaskan cruise is a photographer's dream come true. Make sure to bring a camera to capture all the unforgettable memories. Most cell phones are equipped with great cameras, get to know the settings to maximize your shots!

3. External Battery - With so many opportunities for pictures and videos, you may find your phone or camera battery running low. An extra battery ensures that you will have enough power to capture every moment without missing a beat. 

4. Eye Mask - Alaska has many hours of daylight. If you are used to sleeping in the dark, you may want to consider bringing an eye mask to block out the light and help you get some sleep.

5. Sunscreen and Bug Spray - Although the weather can be cool, it's still essential to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Bring bug spray as well, the mosquito population rises from late in June through early August.

6. Sunglasses - Along with sunscreen, sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from the sun. With the extended daylight hours in Alaska, sunglasses will be beneficial throughout the day.

7. Medications - Make sure to have at least 5 days worth of medication past your return date just in case. It is advisable to bring a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill or emergency supply while on your trip.

8. First-Aid Kit - A small first-aid kit with essentials such as bandages, antibacterial cream, and pain relievers can come in handy.

9. Water bottle - These days, no one goes anywhere without a refillable water bottle, but especially on excursions in Alaska. 

You will be well prepared for your Alaskan vacation with these essential items. 

​As a travel advisor, who is constantly on the go, I learned that having the right travel items can make all the difference in having a comfortable and stress-free travel experience. Clients ask for packing lists and recommendations all the time, whether they are headed on an Alaskan Cruise or a Multi-City European adventure!

As I prepare for a weeklong River Cruise down the Danube with AMAwaterways, I am making my list! I am staying a night pre-cruise in Budapest, Hungary and post cruise in Nice, France. I am so excited to bring all my essentials with me as I stayed in 5 different countries in 10 days!
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Here are a few items that I consider must-haves for any trip:

​Packing Cubes - Staying organized is crucial when packing for trip with multiple stops, and I find packing cubes the best way to sort and access my clothes. I brought the 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes in 4 Sizes that I have had forever! Rather than packing my things in one cube and my husbands in another, I prefer to pack a day or 2 for each of us in each cube so that if luggage is lost or stolen, we both still have clothes. I always suggest having at least 1 outfit per person packed in your carryon and the various sizes in this pack make that very easy.​