The most difficult day of an international trip is often the arduous return journey… rapidly crossing multiple time zones in the “longest day”. As far as jet lag goes, the struggle is real. When traveling back from the continent by luxury cruise first crossed our radar, we knew it would likely go one of two ways. Either we would go stir crazy with that many sea days, or we would absolutely love slowly crossing back over the time zones, fully immersing ourselves in the offering of the inaugural sailing of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) newest ship … the Grandeur. The transatlantic crossing was fourteen days from Barcelona to Miami, and the scheduled ports were Cadiz, Spain; Funchal, Madeira; and two days in Bermuda. Spoiler alert … we loved every minute! It may now be our most favorite, most genteel way to return across the pond … ever.
Table of Contents
Embarkation
After a very short cab ride to the cruise terminal, our embarkation process was the smoothest, shortest check-in we have ever experienced. The helpful, impeccable service of the crew was seamless at every step.
The Ship … The Seven Seas Grandeur
The Grandeur was radiant … a welcoming neutral palette highlighting a robust art collection, glittering focal points and quality in every detail. The ship has 372 balcony suites that range from 307 square-foot veranda suite to the 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite. We chose the F2 Superior Suite ( 415-464 sf) with a slightly oversized Veranda. It was really more space than we knew what to do with … from the walk-in closet, the marble bathrooms with double vanities, a shower and a tub. High quality linens, an extremely comfortable bed, fresh flowers, welcome treats and fresh breezes from the veranda made settling in a dream.
Continuing to explore our home for the next fourteen days, we visited the myriad of dining choices, the café, the lounges, the theatre, pool, sports deck and, of course, the state of the art spa offering, gym, and fitness classes. For aspiring chefs, the Culinary Arts Kitchen also offers a wide range of popular cooking classes.
Daily Life on Board
The sea day itineraries were packed with events and options … truly something for everyone. With an intimate crew to guest ratio … the staff and crew quickly feel like family… many of whom I am still in touch with. While we were one of the few couples that were first time RSSC cruisers, for many of the repeat cruisers we met, a highlight for them is always seeing crew members that have become friends during past cruises.
Port Days
The port days offer a wide variety of included tours of different activity levels. The favorites tend to book up … so as soon as you sign up for the cruise mark your calendars for the day the tours open. In our case we signed up late and had to waitlist for most of the ones we were interested in. We eventually got every tour we wanted except one in Madeira, but after visiting with the Activities Desk we found an alternate tour we liked just as well.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
RSSC is a multi-award-winning all-inclusive luxury cruise brand, and they deliver on that promise. While they cater to the over-55 group, certain itineraries, such as Alaska, allow for kids and multi-generational travel groups. The newest ships currently sailing are the Explorer, Splendor and Grandeur, with the Prestige scheduled to debut in 2026.
When booking a Regent cruise make sure there are enough sea days to really immerse yourself in all of the ship’s amenities. During the day there are afternoon teas, mini-golf, bocce ball, the pool, lectures, a state-of-art gym, spa, fun competitions or the stunning library. There is something for everyone! In the evening there are Broadway quality shows, choices of lounges with live music and uniquely crafted cocktails. With their all-inclusive offering… fine dining, wines and spirits; a wide array of excursions; room service; onboard wifi in each cabin, and even unlimited laundry! Regent Seven Seas is truly top of class.
Need to know
The RSSC offers a wide array of ocean crossings, and each ship’s itinerary is unique. Make no mistake however, the ships themselves are is truly a destination.
Did you know that the term “POSH” originated from the pre-airline days of cruising to the America’s from Europe? The best cabins for the sun were “Port side out, starboard side home” or POSH. (Out being from Europe to the Americas and Home being back from the Americas to Europe.)
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on “Bucket List Cruises”. For more information and booking, please contact Anywhere We Wander.
Where to stay in port – Barcelona
Book with Anywhere We Wander for the following benefits:
COTTON HOUSE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
- Welcome amenity
- Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
- Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
- Early check-in and late check-out (when available)
- Complimentary upgrade (if available at check-in)
GRAND HOTEL CENTRAL
- A credit worth $50-$100 (USD) per room, per stay to be spent only on extras such as F&B or Spa, only on property and during the stay
- Daily Continental breakfast for two people
- Room upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at the time of check-in
- Early check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in
- Late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary WIFI