EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH REGENT SEVEN SEAS CAROLINE SMITH - MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL
0808 274 4415 SIXSTARCRUISES.CO.UK CALL FREE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OR VISIT
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Dear Elite Members,
First of all very best wishes to you from all at SixStarCruises.
This year sees SixStarCruises celebrate 15 years of luxury cruise expertise – many team members have been with us throughout this time accumulating a great deal of personal first-hand experience, insider knowledge and specialism. Many of our customers have also been loyal to us for several of those years, and I thank each of you for your continued loyalty.
Once again 2024 and 2025 bring more new luxury cruise ships for your contemplation -
Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, sister to Silver Nova and with an even higher space to guest ratio.
Explora II, hot on the heels of 2023’s Explora I and delivering something different to the world of cruise. Explora II is identical to her sister ship but will offer voyages to more exotic destinations including the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean and Africa.
Oceania will launch Allura in 2025, sister to Vista and continuing their commitment to offer their guests “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”.
Queen Anne, the first new Cunard ship in a decade will launch in May 2024 and includes new menus from Michel Roux Jr.
luxury cruise lines newest innovations to elevate their on board service and dining experiences.
We also continue to see the expansion of luxury expedition cruise product from both well-known luxury cruise lines and also very specialist expedition cruise lines. And it’s not just to the polar regions, The Galapagos is a popular choice, and the Kimberley in the South Pacific is our top tip for the next big destination for ‘warm weather’ expeditions. If you have an interest in expedition cruising, we’ll be sharing details of our upcoming specialist expedition events soon including those with our Expedition Experts who’ve been to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galapagos.
And finally, we’d expect the trend towards booking even earlier to continue with the luxury cruise lines launching their programmes further and further in advance. Many are showing limited availability on a range of 2024 sailings already, and flights continue to be more limited than in the past resulting in airfares increasing particularly as we approach their departure dates. There will doubtless be pockets of opportunity for more last minute sailings and though they are likely to be limited we’ll keep you abreast of them!
Whatever your choice of luxury cruise, we’d be delighted to assist you with advice, recommendations and of course our exclusive offers. Your dedicated concierge can be contacted by phone or email and will be ready and waiting to help you plan your next luxury cruise.
Best wishes,
If a new ship is not necessarily of appeal but you’d like to experience something different, I hope you enjoy reading our round up of our
Alison
YOUR BENEFITS
INTRODUCE A FRIEND BENEFITS *
We hope you value our service and we would love it if you introduced a friend. As a member of our Elite programme we’ll extend our enhanced loyalty benefit.
When you introduce a friend who books with us, we’ll give you both £150 off your booking or if you would prefer, a £150 John Lewis voucher for you each to enjoy.
OVER 4,000 OF OUR CLIENTS HAVE RATED US 4.8 STARS UNDERPINNING OUR AWARD-WINNING SERVICE
Claire was her usual professional helpful and informed self. Claire always goes over and above what’s expected of her. She is the reason we keep returning to SixStarCruises.”
Jemima, January 2024
4.8 *
CHOOSE FROM A SEASONAL FOOD OR WINE HAMPER
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
RECEIVE A FORTNUM AND MASON HAMPER EVERY TIME YOU BOOK *
As a special thank you we’ll send you a luxury Fortnum and Mason Hamper every time you book. Choose from a seasonal food or wine hamper to enjoy whilst you look forward to your future cruise holiday. Just select the hamper of your choice at the time of booking and we will look after the rest.
AN INTERVIEW WITH CAROLINE SMITH
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL
We spoke to Caroline Smith, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Managing Director, International as she shared with us some of her Regent highlights from 2023 and what is on the horizon for the ultra luxury cruise line in 2024.
Please share some of your most memorable moments from the first year in your new role.
Assuming the position of Managing Director, International, at Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been a privilege, and I’m incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished in the past 12 months. It’s certainly been an exciting time
to lead our amazing team in the international markets. Most notably, in a monumental stride towards expanding our esteemed fleet, we proudly unveiled Seven Seas Grandeur in November 2023, the sixth addition to our fleet.
For me, continuing to see the growing appetite for luxury from our sophisticated travellers has been a highlight of the past 12 months. From seeing the warm reception to Sarah Fabergé being announced as the Godmother of Seven Seas Grandeur to witnessing travellers’ unprecedented demand to sail onboard our most recent member of the fleet, it’s clear that guests are increasingly eager to explore destinations with the added luxury of being onboard spacious and stylish ships.
What do you think guests will enjoy most whilst on board this stunning new ship?
With Seven Seas Grandeur, our goal has been to further enhance the unparalleled experience Regent guests have come to expect. Whilst sailing onboard Seven Seas Grandeur, our guests will travel in ultimate comfort and style in 15 all-suite accommodation categories. From the
palatial and opulent Regent Suite to the timeless Distinctive Suites and beautifully appointed Spacious Suites, luxury is found in the most intricate details and exquisite finishings.
The attention to beauty and detail is apparent throughout. We worked with design experts at Studio DADO to reimagine the aesthetics of ultra-luxury cruising, elevating signature dining venues and creating an air of complete serenity in our Serene Spa and Wellness.
True foodies and gourmands find a home during a Regent voyage due to our exquisite culinary offer. Epicurean Perfection has been enhanced across Grandeur’s eight dining experiences, including in its five complimentary specialty restaurants which also boast 130 new dishes exclusive to our newest ship. Guests can expect the finest dining on board - whether they are looking for classic French flavours in Chartreuse or eager to experience in-suite dining - delivered by our dedicated team of the very best chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals.
Caroline Smith
This year Regent is unveiling some more “Slow Cruise” itineraries. What can guests look forward to on these new cruises?
Our booking trends indicate a growing desire to become truly immersed in a destination, and this demand is what spurred our aim to offer a ‘slowed down’ cruising experience. Whether it be experiencing the nightlife of a city through dining in world-renowned restaurants or taking part in a night excursion, Regent will be offering sailings that allow for this more immersive experience during their voyages with overnight stays. These six Immersive Overnight itineraries will include overnight stays in every port, allowing our guests unparalleled opportunity to explore popular destinations in Europe and Asia with ample time to take advantage of our unlimited included shore excursions that bring these locales to life. This new concept offers our sophisticated travellers something a little different. It’s centred around deliberately slowing down the pace of travel to foster genuine immersion within these unique destinations.
What does it mean to Regent to partner with award-winning agents like SixStarCruises?
At Regent, we take immense pride in collaborating with exceptional Travel Agents such as Six Star Cruises and their incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable team. Their unwavering commitment to outstanding guest service perfectly aligns with our own high standards. In our joint pursuit of providing travellers with an unparalleled experience, we go the extra mile - investing in Six Star Cruises by sending their Personal Concierges onboard our ships. This strategic initiative ensures our partners possess first-hand knowledge of Regent sailings and ultimately reinforces the strong relationship between us and our Travel Agents. Ultimately, these initiatives are a testament to the close relationship Regent shares with Six Star Cruises.
BE PART OF THE REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES LEGACY
Immerse yourself in maritime tradition with the chance to win 5 exclusive keel laying commemorative coins from Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship, Grandeur.
Traditionally placed under the keel of a newly constructed ship during its keel laying ceremony, this symbolic gesture marks the beginning of the ship’s construction and is often used to bring good luck and prosperity to the vessel throughout its maritime endeavors.
You don’t need to do anything to be in a chance to win. We’ll be selecting 5 of our SixStarCruises Elite members at random to win one of the 5 coins on Friday 15th March. The very best of luck to everyone.
WHAT’S NEW IN LUXURY CRUISE
We’ve spoken to our partner ultra luxury cruise lines to understand what’s new for 2024 and beyond.
There are new ships on the horizon for 2024 including Silversea’s Silver Ray, Oceania Cruises Allura and Explora II, but we’ve asked the cruise lines what will be new for guests to enjoy whilst they are on board.
THE NEW MEDITERRANEAN FINE DINING
SEABOURN CRUISES
This January, Seabourn has launching a new fine dining concept, Solis, on Seabourn Quest. This new Mediterranean concept will feature light and modern cuisine alongside newly curated cocktails and vibrant plating and flavour combinations. There’s no better way to start a new year than by unveiling a new fine dining experience, and the debut of Solis is a milestone that guests of Seabourn Quest are going to enjoy and remember,”
“Every dish and drink at Solis have been carefully created to reflect the inspirations from the places we visit, while the design and ambiance of the dining room set the perfect Mediterranean atmosphere combined with Seabourn style for guests to enjoy during their dining experience.”
Natalya, President of Seabourn
AN INTIMATE S.A.L.T EXPERIENCE
SILVERSEA
S.A.L.T is not a new concept to Silversea having debuted on Silver Dawn in April 2022, however Silversea are now extending this popular innovation to a chefs table format. Silver Nova will have a S.A.L.T Chef’s table.
By day, a space for culinary instruction, S.A.L.T. Lab transforms in the evenings into a showcase for our chefs’ creative expression inspired by the setting and season. With one seating nightly and a thoughtfully choreographed menu of small plates that highlight the best local tastes and star ingredients, plus paired wines and cocktails unique to the venue, both the mood and the food here are refined but unpretentious, personalised and welcoming.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
FO R OUR 2024 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
In 2023 we relaunched our programme of client events, hosted with our partner cruise lines to ensure our clients have the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the senior teams of our partner luxury cruise lines. We also hosted events with guest presenters including Expedition Experts and with Scenic Cruises, Tom Goetter – Vice President of Hotel Operations and star of the Maritime Masters Series.
The venue and presentation were excellent”
Seabourn Expedition Event, April 2023
Our events are held at some of the UK’s Finest Hotels and our guests enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea after attending our co hosted presentations. We’ll soon be sharing details of our 2024 Events Programme but if you would like to pre register your interest, scan the QR code above.
“We enjoyed the event and the chance to talk other clients as well as company representatives”
Regent Event, July 2023
“Everyone was most welcoming. We found the presentation most informative”
Scenic Event, July 2023
*Terms and conditions apply and can be viewed in full at sixstarcruises.co.uk/ cruise-line-promotion/terms-and-condition
