Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is like a summer camp except no kids
By Eileen Ogintz
We’re Rockn’ and Rollin’ – literally — as we travel east across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Barcelona. Luciano Montesanto, our captain on the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, has warned passengers to be careful.
But there are no worries about kids running in the hallways. There aren’t any kids on this trip. While Regent Seven Seas caters to upscale multigenerational families on shorter sailings, particularly in summer and the holidays, this ship is packed with well-traveled seniors, many, it seems in their 80s.
“I’m 62 and I wonder if there is anyone younger than me,” said Lani Oprescu, sailing with her dad, who is in his mid-eighties, stepmom, and sister. Her dad, she notes, has logged 200+ nights on Regent. He especially likes the transatlantic sailings, she said, explaining that the family is spread out from Connecticut to Honolulu and doesn’t get to spend much unfettered time together, whether chatting, playing games or sharing a meal.
Oprescu and her sister Michelle Nicholson, see the appeal. They made friends at Bingo and Trivia. “You aren’t rushing on board and off…You make more friends.”
One woman opined she was using the time to practice her Spanish. Others were working out in the fitness center or indulging in the spa. Though the ship is full—just under 750 passengers—it doesn’t seem crowded.
Passengers are reading (and checking their feeds) as they relax on the Pool Deck, or in the Observation Lounge. Others are opting for a specialty coffee and a cookie or two at the Coffee Connection.
“I love the sea days,” said Martha Watson, here with her husband from Florida. She added this is her fourth transatlantic cruise. “It is so relaxing and gives you a really good idea of the expanse of the ocean.”
We were chatting at the huge Regent Sunday brunch complete with piles of shrimp, hand carved roast beef and pork, omelets made to order, every variety of side dish, even a chocolate fountain ready for strawberries and marshmallows. Waiters hovered serving Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. (All drinks are included on Regent Seven Seas.)
Some passengers get together with newfound friends or those they met on past cruisers. To encourage that, Regent offers “sharing” tables at meals as well as gatherings for LGTBQ and solo travelers.
A sport seems to be comparing cruise lines as many on board are seasoned cruisers. They aren’t gauche enough to compare prices, just services and ambiance. “They (Regent) aren’t full of themselves,” said New Yorker Sheelia Matts, a retired New York City school principal. “It is down to earth (no ties or jackets required at dinner!) Elegant but…not over the top.”
“We’re having fun with activities we would never do at home. Summer camp for grownups,” said Michelle Nicholson. Especially those whose camp days are long, long behind them.
