See inside a brand-new ultra-luxury cruise ship. Travelers are surrounded by $6 million in art and the caviar and champagne are included.

Brittany ChangJan 15, 2024, 14:32 IST

There's no trouble getting a pool chair on the Seven Seas Grandeur since there are fewer than 800 guests aboard.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

NCL's Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched its newest ultra-luxury ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur.
Wealthy travelers are greeted with caviar, champagne, and several original Picasso pieces.

When the wealthiest travelers talk about a luxurious cruise vacation, they're probably not talking about Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Instead, there's a good chance they're talking about Regent Seven Seas Cruises. After spending three nights on its newest ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur, I now understand why these high-earning cruisers readily shell out over $4,000 for one week aboard the new vessel.

Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, oversees three brands.

The Seven Seas Grandeur joined Regent's six-ship fleet on November 14, 2024.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The luxury brand invited me to sail on the Grandeur’s non-revenue “christening” cruise on December 10.

The new ship has 503 chandeliers, including one in its atrium.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

And I have to say: The wealthy sure know how to cruise in style.

The spa has three hot tubs.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Travelers on the Grandeur can still stick to the traditional “pool, buffet, back to the pool, then off to dinner” cruise routine.

The poolside buffet had an afternoon "Italian Buffet" with several seafood options.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Because Regent is all-inclusive, guests don't have to shell out extra cash for all these little luxuries, excursions, or flights to and from the ship.

Regent says its new ship holds 1,600 pieces of art.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

This price then ranges up to $81,320 for the most luxurious Regent Suite on the 14-night April 2024 roundtrip cruise from Barcelona, Spain.

Nighttime programming includes a DJ in the Grandeur Lounge.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Paying over $590 a day for vacation at sea may seem unreasonable for the average cruise goer.

The theater hosts live nighttime performances like "Marauders' Ball."Brittany Chang/Business Insider

For starters, at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-ton, Regent's newest addition is smaller than the behemoth vessels that have been flooding the industry.

All travelers receive a welcome bottle of champagne.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The Seven Seas Grandeur has 373 accommodations that all have balconies.

All of the cabins have private balconies.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

My concierge suite, one of the smaller options, had comforts comparable to a luxury hotel.

The concierge suites have walk-in closets.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you think that’s nice, just wait until you hear about the 3,151-square-foot Regent Suite, which has two original Pablo Picasso pieces.

The concierge suite ranges from 415 to 464 square-feet including the balcony.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Prime 7, the onboard steakhouse, also has three Picassos on display.

The cruise line says this is the first Fabergé egg to live on a ship.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Besides the Picasso-decorated steakhouse, travelers can dine at the ship’s two buffets, Compass Rose, and pan-Asian, French, and Italian restaurants.

Prime 7 is the ship's steakhouse.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Instead, it has a design-your-own menu that lets diners pair proteins and pastas with their preferred sauces and sides.

The waiters removed the larger Versace plates before the meal began.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Like any high-end restaurant, the hostess will always pull out and push in your dining chair for you.

Guests at the pre-christening ceremony gala dinner dined on luxurious dishes like this truffle-infused potato panna cotta topped with a thin layer of white sturgeon caviar.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

No matter the dining room, there’s a good chance you’ll see seared foie gras, sturgeon caviar, and black truffles on the menu.

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

For a caffeinated pick-me-up, the ship has a coffee shop and afternoon tea.

Coffee Connection serves various espresso-based brinks and light bites.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Unlike most mega-ships, there are no venues centered around a bar.

Travelers can head to the Observation Lounge for views of the ocean and trivia.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Like other premium ships, the Grandeur also has a cigar room and cooking classes.

Classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen often sell out, according to the cruise line.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Travelers who’d rather spend their vacation outside can instead head to the sports deck.

The Sports Deck has a putting green.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

And yes, there's a pickleball court as well.

Access to spa facilities like the sauna and cold room are included in the fare.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

As impressive as it is, the Grandeur is facing some serious competition for wealthy travelers’ wallets.

The Seven Seas Grandeur has a stocked library that includes destination guidebooks.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The competing brand launched its newest Silver Nova in 2023 as well, growing its fleet to 12 ships.

The Silver Nova joined Silversea Cruises' fleet in 2023. Silversea

The luxury cruise market is quickly becoming crowded.

Explora Journeys launched its first ship, the Explora I, in 2023.Brittany Chang/Insider

But Regent’s parent company doesn’t seem too worried about this growing competition.

The onboard boutique includes luxury second-hand products, premium watches and jewerly, and Regent Seven Seas merchandise.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I spent $11,000 on a 3-day whirlwind trip to Europe. It was magical, but I'd never do it again.

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