Alaska on Regent: Why This All-Inclusive Cruise Blew My Mind (and Saved My Sanity)

There’s a moment, standing on the private balcony of your suite, when the world falls silent. The only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the hull and the distant, thunderous crack of a glacier calving into the turquoise sea. A bald eagle soars overhead, a dark silhouette against a sky painted in hues of lavender and rose. In your hand is a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne, and you haven't signed a single bill for it. This isn't a dream. This is Alaska, the Regent Seven Seas way.

For years, I’d heard the whispers. That Alaska was a place that recalibrates your soul. That its raw, untamed beauty was something a photograph could never capture. But I’d also heard whispers of a different kind: the logistical headaches, the nickel-and-diming on other cruise lines, the stress of planning a trip worthy of such a monumental destination. I wanted the wild, not the worry. I wanted transformation, not transaction fees.

That’s when I discovered the profound, sanity-saving magic of a Regent Seven Seas cruise. It wasn’t just a vacation; it was an exercise in exquisite effortlessness. It was an experience that didn’t just meet my expectations for a luxury Alaskan cruise—it shattered them, leaving me with memories etched as deeply as the fjords we sailed through. Here’s why this journey didn’t just blow my mind, but why it’s the only way I’ll ever recommend seeing America's Last Frontier.

The Regent Difference: Unpacking "All-Inclusive Luxury"

Let's be candid. The term "all-inclusive" is thrown around so often in the travel industry that it’s nearly lost its meaning. On many ships, it’s a marketing gimmick that covers the basics but leaves you reaching for your wallet for everything that makes a trip truly special. Regent, however, has reclaimed the phrase and elevated it to an art form. Their philosophy, "An Unrivaled Experience™," is not a tagline; it’s a promise delivered at every turn.

Imagine a vacation where the price you see is, with very few exceptions, the price you pay. This is the foundation of Regent's appeal and the core of its "sanity-saving" power. Consider what’s included:

• FREE Business Class Air on Intercontinental Flights: The luxury begins before you even step on the ship. No wrestling with economy seats on long-haul flights.
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions: This is the game-changer. Explore every port to its fullest without calculating the cost of every tour. Whale watching in Juneau? Included. A historic railway journey in Skagway? Included.
• FREE Specialty Restaurants: Craving a perfectly seared filet mignon at Prime 7 or classic French cuisine at Chartreuse? There’s no upcharge. Dine wherever you wish, whenever you wish.
• FREE Unlimited Beverages: From your morning cappuccino to fine wines and premium spirits, it’s all included. That glass of Champagne on your balcony? It’s part of the experience.
• FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities: No awkward end-of-cruise calculations. The impeccable staff are taken care of, allowing you to simply enjoy their flawless service.
• FREE Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share those jaw-dropping glacier photos with friends back home.

This isn't just about financial convenience; it's about mental freedom. The absence of constant decision-making about cost allows you to be fully present. You’re not a customer; you’re an honored guest. This shift in perspective is the very essence of true luxury.

Onboard the Seven Seas Explorer: Your Floating Sanctuary

Often hailed as "the most luxurious ship ever built," the Seven Seas Explorer served as our floating sanctuary against the wild backdrop of Alaska. This isn't a mega-ship packed with thousands of passengers. With a capacity of just 750 guests, the atmosphere is intimate, the spaces uncrowded, and the service deeply personal. Every detail, from the Murano glass chandeliers to the Versace place settings, is curated for elegance and comfort.

The Suite Life: More Than Just a Room

Regent’s commitment to space and privacy is immediately apparent. Every single room on the ship is a suite, and every suite has a private, furnished balcony. This is non-negotiable in a destination like Alaska, where the scenery is the main event. My mornings began by flinging open the doors to the crisp Alaskan air, watching misty fjords glide by from the comfort of my own veranda.

The suites themselves are havens of tranquility. Think sprawling walk-in closets, marble-clad bathrooms with L'Occitane amenities, and the signature Elite Slumber™ Bed that provides a restorative sleep after a day of adventure. It’s a space you genuinely want to return to—a home away from home, but infinitely better.

Culinary Journeys at Sea

Forget the notion of a standard cruise buffet. Dining on Regent is a world-class culinary event, night after night. The fact that all specialty dining is included is a privilege that cannot be overstated. We savored the sophisticated Parisian ambiance of Chartreuse, indulged in the classic American steakhouse experience at Prime 7, and explored Asian fusion delights at Pacific Rim. The main dining room, Compass Rose, offered an unprecedented level of customization, allowing you to design your own entrée each evening. The quality of the ingredients, the artistry of the presentation, and the attentiveness of the sommeliers were consistently exceptional.

Beyond the Suite: Amenities That Elevate

While the Alaskan wilderness beckons, the ship itself is a destination. Days at sea were spent indulging at the Serene Spa & Wellness™, a sanctuary offering restorative treatments and a stunning infinity-edge plunge pool at the aft of the ship. The Observation Lounge, with its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, became the go-to spot for glacier viewing with a craft cocktail in hand. Enrichment lectures from naturalists and historians provided fascinating context to the landscapes we were witnessing, deepening our appreciation for the region.

The Alaskan Itinerary: A Symphony of Ice and Wonder

No two Alaskan cruises are identical, but our 7-night journey from Vancouver to Seward was a masterclass in showcasing the state's grandeur. The ship’s smaller size allows it to navigate passages and get closer to wildlife and glaciers than many larger vessels can.

Sailing the Inside Passage: A Moving Masterpiece

The journey begins with the legendary Inside Passage, a labyrinth of fjords, islands, and temperate rainforests. This is not open-ocean sailing. For days, land is a constant, breathtaking companion. We’d sit on our balcony for hours, mesmerized by the sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the constant search for the tell-tale blow of a humpback whale or a foraging bear on the shoreline. It’s a meditative, almost spiritual experience.

Port of Call Deep Dive: Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway

Each port offered a unique window into the soul of Alaska, and with Regent's included excursions, we could dive in headfirst.

• Ketchikan: The "Salmon Capital of the World." We bypassed the tourist traps and opted for an included tour to the Saxman Native Village to witness the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, learning about the rich Tlingit culture. Others on our sailing chose a thrilling floatplane tour over the Misty Fjords National Monument.
• Juneau: A capital city with no roads leading to it. The highlight here is the colossal Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice stretching 13 miles. Our included excursion took us close enough to feel its icy breath. Later, an unforgettable whale-watching tour delivered—pods of humpbacks breaching and bubble-net feeding right before our eyes.
• Skagway: Stepping into Skagway is like stepping back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. The entire downtown is a National Historic Park. The must-do excursion, included of course, is a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This narrow-gauge railway clings to the side of mountains, offering heart-stopping views and a tangible connection to the grit and dreams of the gold prospectors.

The Glacial Spectacle: Hubbard Glacier

The climax of our journey was the day spent at Hubbard Glacier. This is nature's theater on the grandest scale. At over 76 miles long and with a face that’s six miles wide, it’s a true titan. The ship slowly rotated, giving every balcony a front-row seat. The ice, a brilliant, almost supernatural blue, groaned and creaked with immense pressure. And then, the calving. A skyscraper-sized chunk of ice split from the face and crashed into the sea with a sound that reverberated through your entire body. It was a humbling, powerful reminder of the planet's raw, untamed force.

The Regent Excursion Advantage: Curated and Included

I want to linger on the shore excursions, because this is where Regent truly distances itself from the competition and delivers incredible value. On other cruises, a family of four could easily spend over $2,000 on tours. With Regent, you can take a tour in every port, for every person in your suite, and never see a bill. This encourages exploration and discovery.

You can choose from dozens of options, from active adventures like sea kayaking and glacier hiking to cultural immersions and wildlife spotting tours. The quality is top-notch, with knowledgeable local guides and comfortable transportation. For those seeking something truly extraordinary, Regent Choice excursions are available for a supplementary fee, offering experiences like helicopter glacier landings or private fishing charters.

This freedom to explore without financial hesitation is liberating. It transforms your trip from a passive viewing experience into an active, engaging adventure. To see the sheer breadth of experiences available, I highly recommend you Inquire About This Sailing. Our travel experts can provide a full list of excursions for your specific itinerary, helping you visualize the incredible journey that awaits.

Who is a Regent Alaska Cruise Perfect For?

This level of luxury isn't for everyone, but for a certain type of traveler, it's the only choice.

• The Discerning Traveler: You value impeccable service, fine dining, and spacious accommodations. You understand that true value isn’t about the lowest price, but the richness of the experience.
• The Milestone Celebrator: Whether it’s a landmark anniversary, a retirement, or a special birthday, this is a journey worthy of the occasion.
• The Multi-Generational Family: The all-inclusive nature makes it the perfect, stress-free way to travel with family. Everyone can choose their own excursions and activities without any complicated accounting at the end.
• The Busy Professional: You don’t have time for complex planning. You want to show up and have every detail flawlessly executed. This is the ultimate "plug-and-play" luxury vacation.

Planning Your Unforgettable Journey

An Alaskan cruise with Regent Seven Seas is more than a trip; it’s an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in one of the world's last great wildernesses.

While you can explore dates and itineraries using the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page, the best way to craft the perfect Alaskan experience is with expert guidance. Our team has intimate knowledge of Regent's fleet, the nuances of different itineraries, and how to match you with the perfect suite and shore excursions.

We invite you to connect with us. For immediate assistance, our dedicated cruise specialists are available at 1 (888) 883‑0460. If you prefer a quick question, click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right corner of your screen.

For a truly personalized experience, let us prepare a detailed, no-obligation quote tailored to your preferences. This is the best way to see the incredible value and begin envisioning your adventure. Take the first step towards your own mind-blowing, sanity-saving journey.

Plan Your Alaska Adventure Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What is truly included in a Regent Seven Seas cruise fare?
Almost everything is included. Your fare covers roundtrip airfare (including Business Class on intercontinental flights), unlimited shore excursions, all meals in both the main and specialty restaurants, unlimited beverages including fine wines and spirits, pre-paid gratuities, and Wi-Fi. The primary exceptions are some exclusive shore excursions (Regent Choice), spa treatments, and purchases from the onboard boutiques.

What is the dress code on a Regent Alaska cruise?
The dress code is elegant casual. During the day, comfortable layered clothing suitable for Alaska's variable weather is perfect. In the evenings, guests typically dress up slightly for dinner—think slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a skirt, slacks, or dress for women. There are optional formal nights, but they are not required; elegant casual is always acceptable.

What is the best time of year to cruise to Alaska?
The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. May and June offer longer daylight hours and fewer crowds. July and August are the warmest months and the peak season for wildlife viewing, especially for bears and salmon runs. September brings beautiful autumn colors and a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights as the nights get longer.

What kind of wildlife will I see on an Alaskan cruise?
Alaska is a wildlife paradise. From the ship and on excursions, you have excellent chances of seeing humpback and orca whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and puffins. On land, it’s common to spot brown and black bears (especially during salmon season), moose, and Dall sheep.