I had the opportunity to escape to Alaska via the Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer, and it was absolutely stunning. So I decided to run an instagram poll: “Would you consider a cruise for your next holiday?” The poll answers were:
- Of course
- Maaaaaaybe? I’m cruise curious.
- Doubtful. Convince me.
- No way.
Most of the votes were “Doubtful. Convince me.” I must be honest; I had been at “No way.” After I had joined the travel industry, I hovered between doubtful and maybe. Now, after embarking on Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer, I get it. I get the strong appeal.
Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer
As I find myself halfway through this cruise itinerary, I’ve been in awe by the breathtaking encounters with humpback whales, bald eagles, seals, and more. (I created a reel which captures the wonder of that day here.)
Yesterday, our adventure took us to Meade Glacier by helicopter, which had even more spectacular sights. Today, I’m spending a day on a small yacht for more wildlife spotting.
Regent truly impresses me on many levels. The food and service far exceeds my expectations. Further, I relished one of the most indulgent and effective massages of my life at the spa; Regent should feature their wellness offerings more, IMO!
The ease of arranging off-ship excursions and the seamless embarkation and disembarkation processes have been remarkable. But what truly stands out is the interior design, which is a perfect blend of elegance, art, comfort and refinement.
Regent’s reputation for spacious closets and bathrooms is well-deserved, and I even have a deep tub for ultimate relaxation! I confess to being gobsmacked when I first entered my spacious and well-appointed cabin.
This morning, as we sailed into Junea with our balcony door open, I lay in bed and listened to the lapping water while watching the view of the evergreen pines on mountains haloed by soft clouds slowly pass by. I thought, this is luxury. Even this can’t happen in the most expensive hotel. The view from my bed was like having an Apple TV screensaver — live and unbelievably real — right outside the door.
It was incredible.
Recently, Jack Ezon shared that while Embark Beyond, my host agency, has not historically been a cruise-centric travel company, between 2022 and 2023, our cruise business grew an astounding 225% and is on pace for 2024 with at least 150% growth over 2023.
Anne Scully, another partner at Embark, has spearheaded that remarkable growth. With her guidance, we are growing and getting noticed. She is the one who made it possible for me to join more than 20 other advisors to learn about Regent Seven Seas Cruises on this trip along the Inside Passage of Alaska. And learn I have.
Why the crazy growth? Three main factors:
First, the growth in luxury expedition options attracts younger, more active travelers.
For example, you can do Antarctica in four days and fly over Drake’s Passage instead of the more common 14-day time investment. Plus, we have never seen the product level we do now in areas like the Arctic, Antarctic, and Galapagos before, and the ship options now rival that of luxury safari lodges in Africa or adventure lodges in New Zealand and Australia.
Second, excessive hotel pricing, especially in Europe, means a cruise can be an incredible value, with 20-50% less savings than staying in luxury hotels in Italy or the South of France.
Third, many cruise lines focus on Gen X and millennials, such as Explora Journeys (which calls itself a floating boutique hotel), Atlas Ocean Voyages, Ritz-Carlton Yachts, Ponant, Aqua Expeditions, and more.
The more traditional cruise lines are nimbly adapting to the change in clients’ desires.
If you’re cruise curious — even a little — I’d love to chat about the myriad options, how the industry is changing, and how my own thinking has evolved to appreciate the convenience, savings, and, yes, true luxury. Click here to contact me!
