I thought it would be a good idea to spend a weekend aboard one of the most luxurious ships in the world, and since I had the opportunity to do so, we embarked on a Friday in August in Malaga to disembark on Sunday in Lisbon, after a stop in Portimão.
Some trips don't need many days to be truly transformative. Two nights might seem like a short time to describe a cruise experience, but on the Regent, time is measured differently. There's no need to rush, to plan every minute, or to constantly search for things to do. True luxury lies precisely in not having to.
The Seven Seas Splendor, the fifth ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, is an elegant and sophisticated vessel, yet without being overly formal. Its spaces combine fine materials, works of art, and contemporary design, achieving something not always easy in a luxury ship: creating a spectacular experience without sacrificing comfort.
Art is ever-present on board. The Splendor boasts a collection of around 300 works by more than 200 artists, valued at approximately five million dollars, displayed throughout its public spaces. Among them are works by Pablo Picasso, as well as pieces by artists such as Wifredo Lam, Roberto Matta, and Eduardo Arranz-Bravo. It's not a collection that merely decorates the ship; it forms part of its identity and is well worth exploring with some attention.
One of my favorite spots was the Observation Lounge, located at the bow of the ship. Its decor combines large windows with a spectacular porcelain chandelier made of hand-painted flowers. Besides being a place to sit and gaze at the sea during the day, it's also the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or an after-dinner drink, while enjoying the live music each evening.
But beyond the design and the artistry, what you truly experience on board is an extraordinary sense of calm. A glass of wine, a sun lounger, a conversation without looking at the clock, or simply contemplating the sea from one of the outdoor spaces. Everything invites you to slow down.
I would highlight the attentive and excellent service, but immediately afterward, the food, one of the aspects I enjoyed most during this short getaway. We ate really well, both at Compass Rose, the main restaurant, and at Sette Mari, the Italian restaurant. We found carefully prepared dishes, good ingredients, and, above all, execution worthy of the cruise line's standards. At lunchtime, we ate at the Pool Grill both days, not because there weren't other options (quite the opposite), but because it seemed like the perfect place for those summer days, outdoors by the pool, with sea views and simple yet very well-executed cuisine. Fish, meat, salads, pizzas, and desserts, all enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The restaurant offers generous hours, catering to all nationalities.
Our suite was another one of those spaces where you just want to linger. Spacious, bright, and elegantly yet comfortably decorated, it featured a sitting area, dressing room, marble bathroom, and a private terrace that naturally became one of the best spots to simply sit and contemplate the sea while enjoying breakfast.
There was also time for the pool, the spa, and simply doing nothing.
And perhaps that's the best way to sum up these two days aboard the Splendor; it wasn't so much a trip to discover destinations as a short break to enjoy the journey itself.
Two nights, three ports. A wealth of gastronomy, art, the sea, and relaxation. This getaway allowed me to savor a concentrated version of what it means to travel with Regent: elegant spaces, personalized service, world-class cuisine, and above all, an extraordinary sense of tranquility. Just enjoyment. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
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