Up close and personal with Fabergé aboard Seven Seas Splendor

Endless ocean, luxurious suites, and being in close proximity to a Fabergé work of art set the stage for an unforgettable voyage aboard Seven Seas Splendor

As I arrive at the Port of Southampton, on the south coast of England, I spy a gleaming white cruise ship in the distance. The all-suite Seven Seas Splendor will take 746 guests on a voyage on the North Sea, bound for Scandinavia, and I can’t quite believe I am to be one of those lucky people.

With a glass of champagne in hand, it doesn’t take long for me to willingly accept my luxurious new future. Upon arrival at my Superior Suite – home for the next 10-nights – I open the door to find a spacious corridor with a bathroom to the side that includes a separate bath, shower and dual basins. Next is my walk-in robe, and then my bedroom and lounge, where I slide open the glazed door to a private balcony with a chaise, chairs and table. I’m in heaven, with more than 37-square-metres of utter luxury that’s all mine for the journey ahead.

As we sail that afternoon, I sip on more bubbles, courtesy of the welcome bottle in my suite, find my sea legs, and set off to explore the eight decks of suites, services, facilities, restaurants, bars, pool and theatre. While the six-star ship’s facilities are outstanding, there is a unique experience for guests travelling on Seven Seas Splendor on this journey. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Spotlight Voyages are specialist interest cruises that focus on a valued partner and, for this cruise, world-famous jewellery atelier, Fabergé, is centre stage.

The Faberge Experience

Peter Carl Fabergé’s stunning eggs and jewellery were conceived in the late 1880s and early 1990s for the Imperial Russian family. Throughout my ten-day voyage, there are various talks, dinners and special Fabergé gatherings where passengers can learn about this world-famous, bespoke jewellery atelier, and I devour every fact and story.

Leading expert on all things Fabergé is its Curatorial Director, Archduke Dr. Géza von Habsburg. Joining him on board is Fabergé’s Global Sales Director, Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell and, together, they explain the rebirth of Fabergé as a bespoke jewellery atelier that employs the traditional methods of enamelling and inspirational design from yesteryear in their offerings today.

Of the 50 Imperial eggs originally designed by Fabergé not all exist today, but there are new creations for such clients as Rolls Royce, to mark the series Game of Thrones, and to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of 007. However, the most exciting news is the stunning egg created for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This beautiful egg objet entitled Journey in Jewels was inspired by the 1913 Winter Egg and represents the natural wonders of the sea.

Crafted in England from 18k white gold, the outer shell, enamelled in a captivating ombre of blues, represents the colours of the sea and features seven intricate blades that break into a sea foam of pearls and white diamonds. Resting on a plinth adorned with emeralds, tsavorite garnets, blue sapphires, and diamonds, the majestic egg opens to reveal a hand-painted surprise egg that delicately rotates, depicting the changing colours of sunrises and sunsets passengers witness aboard Regent Seven Seas ships. This work of art will become a permanent exhibit onboard Seven Seas Grandeur from 1 July 2024.

Cruising and cuisine

As for the voyage itself, from the moment we set sail it’s a journey of discovery for me, with food (something I adore) central. To best gather my energy, I breakfast in my suite the first morning but visit the Pool Grill, La Veranda, Sette Mari and the Coffee Connection on subsequent days. Every venue has its own character, featuring the very best ingredients and an amazing variety of cuisines.

The Pool Grill becomes a favourite – situated on the upper deck surrounding the pool – and is the place to rest, read and swim. I’m still wondering how Aditya, the cocktail waiter, knows just when to serve me a Bloody Mary – my cruising go-to drink! Sometimes I simply lunch at Sette Mari, at the aft of the ship and watch the ever-changing seascape. I take a pre-evening cocktail in the Observation Lounge at the bow and immerse myself in the vista of ocean. This becomes a special ritual, especially as the piano player hits all the right notes as the evening draws on.

Dinner is another shining moment. Fine dining restaurant, Compass Rose, is opulent in design with chandeliers, grey and white marble, custom carpets and an extensive menu. The first night I dine there, I enjoy iberico ham with fresh artichokes followed by Maine lobster with lemon butter sauce, asparagus and dauphinois potatoes – simply superb!

On other evenings, I experience the three speciality restaurants: the classic French cuisine of Chartreuse; Prime 7 with excellent meats; and the divine. Asian-inspired Pacific Rim. With wine of my choice, cocktails or simply teas and coffees provided, travelling with Regent Seven Seas means that everything throughout the voyage is included in the cost of the journey.

On Shore

Along with the opportunity to learn about Fabergé, touch the jewellery and understand the creative passion, there are shore visits to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Estonia and Finland and a multitude of excursions on offer. I choose to take city tours of Gothenburg in Sweden, and Helsinki in Finland, and explore small towns in Norway. In Germany, I visit Lübeck and discover a street festival in Kiel, just 200 m from our docked ship.

During our stop in Copenhagen, Denmark I enjoy a special Fabergé tour of Amalienborg Palace, and the Archduke guides us through the Fabergé Chamber where original Fabergé objects and exquisite silver wine and champagne coolers are on display.

Cruising between visits to beautiful cities and countries is soothing and a time to enjoy the ship. I find the places with the best vistas of the sea and, when we dock, of land. I wander the corridors and view the magnificent art collection, paintings, glassworks and sculptures that populate every space, and always chat to my engaging steward, Sachin, who tends to my room.

I try my hand in the Card Room, visit the casino, go for a jog, play bocce, mini golf and tennis and take a cooking class. To make up for all the delicious indulgence, I work out at the Technogym-equipped gym, and I visit the spa, practise yoga and pilates, attend concerts, comedy and speaking events, and even enjoy karaoke. Life is very good and, surprisingly, very busy cruising the North Sea – a life full of splendour I could certainly get used to.

JOURNEY NOTES

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