Cruises with Regent Seven Seas Cruises are some of the most luxurious and all-inclusive on the high seas — picture marble lobbies and ornate chandeliers, plus large balcony suites for all passengers. Of course, the price tag reflects these luxuries — you probably won’t find a cruise for under $4,000, ever.The line has even claimed their newest ship, Seven Seas Explorer, is the most luxurious at sea, with the most expensive suite in the industry. (The price tag: A whopping $10,000 per night, but that includes an in-suite spa and a chauffeur in every port.)
If you’re dissuaded by the quadruple-digit prices, remember: you get what you pay for. The quality of these cruises is undeniable, and the bundled fare means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Think of it this way: all of those pricey extras you’d buy on board are already included: shore excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, alcohol — even roundtrip airfare and hotels. With that said, here are eight things you must keep in mind when searching for a worthwhile deal on a Regent Seven Seas cruise.
1. Ask about complimentary business class airfare.
Because prices rarely drop on this line, the best deals you’ll find are ones that upgrade your amenities. Yes, your fare already includes airfare, but if you book a cruise to the Mediterranean this year, you will also get bumped up to business class at no extra charge, no matter your cabin category.
2. Look for complimentary land tours.
Fare for select cruises includes a three-night pre- or post-cruise land tour at no extra cost for all passengers. You could visit wineries in Auckland, for example, or tour Cambodia’s famous temples at Angkor Wat before the real cruise vacation even begins.
3. Keep in mind that Europe cruises are most expensive.
The cheapest cruise we’ve seen in this region came out to $7,500 — and cruises from Abu Dhabi to Rome regularly to go for around $10,000. Just remember that all excursions and flights are already paid for when budgeting for your trip.
4. Alaska and the Caribbean sailings are least expensive.
Prices can drop as low as $4,999 in these popular regions, so if you’re budget conscious, but have your heart set on this luxurious line, one of these itineraries is your best bet.
5. Check for discounts for kids.
Children 17 and younger can sail for as little as $499 on select cruises. Though these ships don’t offer the wide variety of kid-focused activities of mainstream cruise lines, there are youth programs and youth counselors on board.
6. Book at the last-minute.
You could see a slightly lower fare if you book your cruise a few weeks out — when the cruise line knocks down the price in order to fill up the ship. Just don't expect it to drop thousands of dollars.
7. Better yet, book early.
Regent sometimes offers special savings packages if you book one to two years in advance, so this is a great incentive to plan ahead.
8. Check for lower prices in the winter.
The line will sometimes offer slightly lower prices in the so-called “Wave Season” — which runs from January through March —when many lines offer their lowest prices of the year.
