I was down in Southampton yesterday, getting my first glimpse of Seven Seas Voyager since they spent millions of dollars on it earlier this year.
The Prime 7 steakhouse is the big new thing - literally. Just look at the sizes of these meats on the menu: 10oz New York strip, 18oz rib-eye steak (OK, so it is bone in but even so) and 32oz Porterhouse Steak. That's for two people, but that's still 16oz apiece. There was also 10oz of New Zealand lamb chops (just imagine the size of the lambs!) and a 14oz pork dish.
The sizes are pretty amazing but even more amazing is the fact this is all free. When Regent says it is all-inclusive, they really mean it. There are no cover charges or gratuities - and remember drinks are included in the price as well.
I was discussing Regent's prices with some travel agents over lunch and they are pretty incredible when you factor in all the things that are included.
Prime 7 looks really lovely - it was just a shame I didn't get to eat there. I guess it wouldn't have done much for the diet but I could have waived it in the interests of research!
There's also a new pizza outlet and a new coffee bar where you can tank up on as much caffeine as you want for free. Next door there's a counter where you can help yourself to cold meats and fruit. I could have lingered longer there too.
As the ship was pretty full I was only able to see a couple of suites - the lowest category one, which is what your average cruise line calls a mini suite, and this Master suite.
It has a living room (top), a main bedroom off to the left (middle) and another to the right. And just look at the size of the bathroom (bottom). That's for the "Masters". People in the bedroom to the left get their own bathroom, a bit smaller.
Yeah, I reckon I could just about manage in there.
Jane Archer
