I stayed in a $780-per-night cruise stateroom on a new ultra-luxury ship. I now understand why wealthy travelers like cruises.

Brittany ChangJan 15, 2024, 17:23 IST

I spent three nights in the Seven Seas Grandeur's concierge suite and now understand why travelers are willing to shell out almost $5,500 for one week in this floating hotel room.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I spent three nights in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new luxurious Seven Seas Grandeur ship.
My concierge suite had a bathtub, a large balcony, a swivel TV, and a surprisingly small walk-in closet.

If I had $5,500 to spare, I might not spend it on a luxury cruise, but after a few nights aboard a particularly nice ship, I can now see the appeal to some people.

For those people who are much more enthusiastic cruisers than I am, I might have just found your next luxury vacation: the concierge suite aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new Seven Seas Grandeur.

Let me take you aboard my high-end experience.

In December, I spent three nights in this plush 332-square-foot cabin, complete with a large bathtub, a larger balcony, and an even larger living room.

The desk doubles as a vanity.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

While I can't afford this on my own, I now understand why wealthy travelers are willing to shell out $780 per night for a vacation in this suite.

The concierge suite is mid-sized compared to the other cabin options.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

While this wasn’t my first luxury cruise rodeo, this Regent cabin is the most expensive I’ve ever stayed in.

Travelers receive a bottle of welcome Champagne.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Cruise ship cabins aren’t known for being massive.

The couch has small reading lights.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The suite is divided into five spaces: the bathroom, walk-in closet, bed, living room, and balcony.

My spacious balcony could've easily accommodated more than two people.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Back inside, two curtains could be extended to separate the adjacent living room from the bed.

Curtains can be used to separate the living and bed rooms.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The living room had the typical furnishings of a luxury suite: a couch, coffee table, and television.

The bar had built-in drawers.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Personal beverage stations are commonplace in premium cruise cabins.

The machine came stocked with single-serving pre-ground Illy coffees.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

While I won’t complain about having extra space, this living room seemed almost too big.

The living room was surprisingly spacious.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The desk was then located next to the couch, separated by the curtain and a small wall.

The desk has rows of drawers.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Where the living room excelled in extra space, the walk-in closet disappointingly didn’t.

The walk-in closet was long but narrow.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

However, the combination of this closet and the drawers in the living room still made for one of the most storage-equipped cabins I’ve ever seen.

The closet had two robes and slippers.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The bathroom was then located around the corner from the closet.

The bathroom had a large walk-in shower.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

This thin space was full of uncommon cruise bathroom amenities like a full bathtub and spacious walk-in shower.

I've never had a bathtub in a cruise ship bathroom before.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

"Unexpected luxuries" just about summarizes how I feel about the Grandeur's concierge suite.

The two reusable water bottles that could be filled around the ship. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But at its lofty price, it’s hard to overlook issues like the incredibly narrow walk-in closet.

"Valet laundry" is included in the cruise fare.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

And in terms of the interior design, the room looked more dated than it did new.

This suite may not appeal to travelers looking for a trendy cruise cabin. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I prefer trendier contemporary designs.

Only a handful of art pieces lined the walls.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

However, I’m far from Regent Seven Seas’ target age or income — as in I’m young and not a member of the elite 1% club.

The Seven Seas Grandeur has one pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

A starting price of $780 per night may seem high. However, context matters.

Pan-Asian Pacific Rim serves up options like vegetarian pad thai and fried lobster.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

With that, maybe some wealthy travelers — especially those who prioritize convenience and luxury — could find this hefty price worth it.

The bathroom comes with products from L'Occitane en Provence.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Other luxury cruise lines also offer plush comforts like a chilled welcome bottle of champagne and espresso machines.

The concierge suite had the longest vanity I've ever had in a cruise ship cabin.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

As someone who sometimes doesn’t enjoy cruise ships or their often cramped cabins, even I was impressed.

The nightstands had amenities like USB outlets and a small phone.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I likely won't be sailing board this expensive ship again, but you might want to.

One of my balcony seats didn't come with cushions, although I was traveling alone. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

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