Alaska's Glaciers & Gourmet: A Regent Seven Seas Cruise Review That Will Book Your Trip

There is a moment on every Alaskan cruise that defines the entire journey. It’s not always the same for everyone. For some, it’s the thunderous crack of a glacier calving into a turquoise bay, a spectacle of raw, planetary power. For others, it’s the silent, breathtaking arc of a humpback whale breaching the steely water, a fleeting glimpse of nature’s profound grace. It might even be the simple, soul-stirring quiet of a fjord at dawn, the mist clinging to ancient spruce trees as a bald eagle soars overhead.

Alaska doesn’t whisper; it roars. It’s a land of superlatives, a place that demands your full attention. And to truly answer its call, to immerse yourself in its grandeur without sacrificing an ounce of comfort or sophistication, there is only one choice: Regent Seven Seas Cruises. For over two decades, I’ve sailed the world’s oceans, but the marriage of Alaska’s untamed wilderness with Regent’s all-inclusive, six-star luxury is a pairing that transcends a simple vacation. It is, quite simply, the definitive way to experience the Last Frontier.

This isn’t just a review. This is your invitation to a journey that will recalibrate your sense of wonder. We’ll explore the ship, the itinerary, and the unparalleled experiences that await, culminating in the vibrant gateway city of Anchorage. By the end, you won’t just want to go; you’ll understand why you have to.

The Regent Difference: Why All-Inclusive Luxury is Non-Negotiable in Alaska

In a destination as vast and complex as Alaska, the last thing you want to be thinking about is logistics. The beauty of the Regent experience is that it liberates you from the tyranny of choice and the nickel-and-diming that plagues so much of the travel industry. Their philosophy, An Unrivaled Experience™, is not a marketing slogan; it’s a promise meticulously kept.

When Regent says "all-inclusive," they mean it. This is not a partial package with hidden asterisks. It is a comprehensive embrace of true luxury:

• FREE Roundtrip Airfare (often Business Class on intercontinental flights)
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions in every port
• FREE 2- or 3-Night Land Programs on select voyages
• FREE Unlimited Beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits
• FREE Open Bars and Lounges, plus in-suite mini-bar replenished daily
• FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
• FREE Specialty Restaurants
• FREE Valet Laundry Service
• FREE Unlimited WiFi

Imagine standing on your private balcony, watching the epic scenery of Glacier Bay unfold, a glass of champagne in hand, without ever thinking about a bill. Imagine choosing between a helicopter tour to a glacier or a whale-watching expedition, knowing both are included. This is the freedom that allows Alaska’s magic to take center stage. Our travel advisors are experts in detailing every single one of these inclusions; just click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower right to ask them anything.

The Ship: Your Floating Six-Star Alaskan Lodge

While Alaska is the star, your vessel—likely the magnificent Seven Seas Explorer® or Seven Seas Mariner®—is your sanctuary. These are not mega-ships packed with thousands. They are intimate, elegant vessels designed to offer unrivaled space at sea. Think of it as a floating boutique hotel from the grand European tradition, with an American-style warmth and service that anticipates your every need.

Accommodations: More Than a Cabin, A Sanctuary at Sea

Every single room on a Regent ship is a suite, and every suite has a private balcony. This is a critical distinction in Alaska. Your veranda is not just a feature; it’s your private viewing box for the greatest nature show on Earth. Waking up to the sight of a misty fjord from your Elite Slumber™ bed, stepping out in your plush robe with a coffee delivered by room service—this is the standard. Suites are exceptionally spacious, with large sitting areas, walk-in closets, and opulent marble-and-stone-detailed bathrooms that feel more like a personal spa.

Culinary Journeys: Gourmet Dining in the Great Land

Forget what you know about cruise ship dining. Regent’s culinary program is a destination in itself. With up to five complimentary specialty restaurants, you can tailor your evenings to your cravings.

• Prime 7: A classic, intimate steakhouse. Imagine savoring a perfectly aged USDA Prime steak or Alaskan king crab legs while sailing past snow-dusted peaks.
• Chartreuse: A chic Parisian restaurant with modern French fare that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Pacific Rim: A stunning Pan-Asian experience, complete with a giant, intricate Tibetan prayer wheel at its entrance. The Korean-style barbecue lamb chops are a must.

The quality is uncompromising, from the ingredients to the execution. And unlike on other lines, you can dine in these incredible venues as often as you wish, with no surcharges. It’s a foodie’s paradise set against a backdrop of glaciers and eagles.

Onboard Ambiance & Amenities

The days are for adventure, but the ship is for rejuvenation. Unwind with a treatment at the Serene Spa & Wellness™, take in the panoramic views from the Observation Lounge, or attend an enrichment lecture on Alaskan wildlife or history. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet wonderfully relaxed. There are no stuffy formal nights, only an elegant-casual dress code that lets you be comfortable while still feeling pampered. This is your club, your lodge, your home on the water.

The Itinerary: A Symphony of Ice, Wildlife, and Wonder

Regent’s 7- to 12-night Alaskan itineraries are masterfully crafted, typically sailing one-way between Vancouver, B.C., and Seward (the port for Anchorage), ensuring you see more of the coastline and avoid repetition. Here’s a taste of what awaits.

Sailing the Inside Passage

Your journey begins with a transit through this legendary network of waterways. The sea is often as calm as a lake, protected by islands that are carpeted in dense temperate rainforest. Keep your binoculars handy. This is prime territory for spotting porpoises, sea lions, and the tell-tale blow of a distant whale.

Port of Call: Ketchikan - The Salmon Capital

Nestled against the lush slopes of Deer Mountain, Ketchikan is a vibrant hub of fishing and Native Alaskan culture. With your included excursions, you might find yourself cheering at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, exploring the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, or taking an unforgettable floatplane tour over the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument.

Port of Call: Juneau - Glaciers and Government

Alaska’s capital city is uniquely inaccessible by road. Here, the main attraction is the mighty Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice. But don’t just look at it. Regent’s excursions allow you to experience it. Perhaps you’ll choose a whale-watching and marine wildlife tour in Auke Bay, or for a true bucket-list moment, a helicopter flight that lands you directly on the glacier itself. Our Alaska specialists are on standby at 1 (888) 883‑0460 to help you pre-book these popular, life-changing tours.

Scenic Cruising: Hubbard Glacier

This is a day that will be seared into your memory. Hubbard Glacier is a titan—North America’s largest tidewater glacier. It’s over six miles wide where it meets the sea, with an ice cliff that towers 30 stories high. The ship will navigate as close as is safely possible, and you’ll spend hours on deck or on your balcony, listening to the symphony of creaks, groans, and thunderous roars as massive chunks of ancient ice crash into the bay. It’s a humbling, primordial experience.

Arrival in Anchorage: The Gateway to the Interior

Your cruise culminates in Seward, the deep-water port that serves Anchorage. But this is not an end; it’s a beginning. Anchorage is a dynamic city where urban comforts meet untamed wilderness. It’s the perfect launchpad for a post-cruise land tour to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak. Regent’s inclusive land programs often make this a seamless and luxurious extension of your journey. Let us help you combine the best of Alaska's coast with its rugged heartland. Plan Your Anchorage Adventure and let our experts design a seamless land and sea itinerary just for you.

The Regent Shore Excursion Advantage

It’s impossible to overstate the value of Regent’s included and unlimited shore excursion program. On other cruise lines, excursions are a significant extra cost, often running into hundreds of dollars per person, per day. With Regent, you are free to explore every port to its fullest. This isn't a limited menu of basic walking tours; it's a robust collection of high-quality, immersive experiences.

In Skagway, you can ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. In Sitka, you can join a Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. In Icy Strait Point, you can search for coastal brown bears. This freedom to explore without constantly calculating costs fundamentally changes the nature of your trip. It encourages curiosity and spontaneity, ensuring you leave with no regrets.

Is a Regent Seven Seas Alaska Cruise Right for You?

Let’s be clear: this is an investment in an unparalleled travel experience. Regent is for the discerning traveler who values impeccable service, gourmet cuisine, and the ease of true all-inclusivity. It’s for those celebrating a milestone, fulfilling a lifelong dream, or who simply believe that a destination as magnificent as Alaska deserves to be experienced in the most magnificent way possible.

If you’re looking for a party ship with waterslides and rock-climbing walls, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for sophisticated enrichment, deep comfort, and authentic, awe-inspiring adventure, you have found your perfect match.

Your Alaskan Dream, Made Effortless

You’ve seen the glaciers, tasted the gourmet cuisine, and felt the embrace of six-star service. The only thing left is to make it your reality. That’s where we come in. Booking through our agency provides a level of personalization and expertise that complements Regent’s own high standards. We have direct relationships with the cruise line, insider knowledge of the best suites, and the ability to coordinate every detail of your journey, from flights to pre-cruise hotels and post-cruise land tours.

Ready to take the next step? You have several easy options:

• Explore dates and real-time pricing right now using the interactive Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page.
• Have a quick question? Our experts are waiting. Just click the 'Chat with us' button in the lower-right corner for an instant response.
• For a personal consultation, call our dedicated cruise specialists directly at 1 (888) 883‑0460. We love talking about Alaska and can answer all your questions.
• For the most detailed and personalized planning experience, we invite you to Inquire About This Sailing. Let us craft a comprehensive, no-obligation quote that transforms this review into your next great adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Regent Alaska Cruises

What is included on a Regent Seven Seas cruise?

Virtually everything. Your fare includes roundtrip airfare, unlimited shore excursions, all meals in both the main and specialty restaurants, unlimited beverages including fine wines and spirits, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited WiFi, and valet laundry service. It is one of the most inclusive offerings in the travel industry.

What is the best time of year to take an Alaskan cruise?

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September. May and June offer longer daylight hours and typically drier weather. July and August are the warmest months and are peak season for wildlife viewing, especially for salmon runs and the bears that follow them. September offers fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colors, and a chance to see the Northern Lights in the latter half of the month.

What should I pack for a luxury cruise to Alaska?

Layering is key. Pack waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm fleeces or sweaters, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, and several smart-casual outfits for evenings. Don't forget binoculars, a good camera, sunglasses, and insect repellent. While the ship is luxurious, the destination is rugged, so practicality is important for your time ashore.

Are children welcome on Regent Seven Seas?

Yes, children are welcome, though the onboard ambiance is geared towards adults. During the summer season in Alaska, Regent often offers the Club Mariner Youth Program for children aged 5-17, which provides supervised, age-appropriate activities.

How do I book my shore excursions?

Once you have paid in full for your cruise, you can pre-book your included shore excursions online through Regent's portal, typically starting 300 days before sailing. We highly recommend booking popular tours like helicopter flights and unique wildlife encounters as early as possible, as they can fill up. Our travel advisors can assist you with this entire process to ensure you get your first choice.