News

TPG Editors' Choice Award: The best new cruise ship cabin of 2020

Gene SloanCruise team lead
As TPG's cruise team lead, Gene Sloan oversees the site's cruise content and also writes many of TPG's main cruise guides. He has spent nearly 30 years writing about cruise ships and cruising, and he is one of the world's best-known authorities on the topic.

December 15, 2020 • 7 min read

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Quick summary

The Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor was named Best New Cruise-Ship Cabin of 2020 by TPG editors.
This suite spans 4,443 square feet, featuring two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, dining area and a large balcony.
Highlights include a $200,000 handmade bed, a private spa with unlimited treatments, a solarium, and panoramic ocean views.
Guests receive extras such as first-class flights, a personal car and guide in every port, and dedicated concierge and butler services.

What to consider

The Regent Suite commands a nightly rate of $11,000, reflecting its extensive amenities and exclusivity.
The suite includes unique features like a personal spa therapist and a custom minipool spa on the balcony.
Bookings come with premium travel arrangements and personalized service throughout the journey.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed breakdown of the suite’s luxury features and how it compares to other top-tier cruise accommodations.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

Among cruise fans, there's a saying that there's no bad cabin on a cruise ship. If you're lucky enough to find yourself on a cruise, in any sort of cabin — even the smallest, least amenity-filled cabin — it's all good.

That said, some cruise cabins definitely are better than others. And, if money is no object, it's not hard to find some truly stupendous cabins out there in the cruise world.

In a first, for Cruise Week at this year's TPG Awards, we set out to find the most stupendous cruise cabin of them all — at least among all the new cabins debuting in 2020.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

It wasn't all that hard an exercise. In fact, it barely took us a minute. The Regent Suite on luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new Seven Seas Splendor was hands down our editors' choice for the Best New Cabin of 2020.

As we wrote earlier this year, the Regent Suite is like nothing else at sea. Only a similar cabin on Regent's four-year-old Seven Seas Explorer comes close to its splendor.

The living room in the Regent Suite on the new Seven Seas Splendor. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

The Regent Suite sprawls over an astounding 4,443 square feet — nearly twice the size of the average American home.

For those of you keeping track, that makes the suite more than three times the size of the much-ballyhooed, two-deck-high Ultimate Family Suite that Royal Caribbean recently put atop Symphony of the Seas, the world's biggest cruise ship. It's also way bigger than the giant Sky Suites that Princess Cruises recently unveiled on its new Sky Princess.

The space is big enough for two massive bedroom complexes, three bathrooms, a living room, a separate dining area and what is perhaps the most spectacular balcony at sea.

The dining area of the Regent Suite has a table for six. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Located at the very top of the ship, the Regent Suite also boasts one of the best views at sea. Even the captain of the vessel, three decks below on the bridge, doesn't get quite the line of sight that a Regent Suite guest enjoys through its seemingly-endless glass walls.

The bridge also doesn't have such luxury touches as a Steinway grand piano, designer furniture and an art collection worth thousands of dollars.

As noted above, the Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor has similarities to a Regent Suite found on Seven Seas Explorer. Until now, that suite has widely been considered the be-all and end-all of suites at sea. But some of the new Regent Suite's features are even more extravagant.

The Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor has more than 1,000 square feet of balcony space with a private whirlpool and lounge chairs facing the ocean. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Among the craziest things you'll find in the new Regent Suite: A bed with a handmade mattress that Regent executives claim cost more than $200,000.

The bed was handcrafted by four artisans at the renowned Hästens workshop in Köping, Sweden. It's made with horsetail hair, layered in with flax, and cotton and wool batting.

Suite cabin on Seven Seas Splendor — The hand-made mattress in the Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor cost more than $200,000. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Splendor)

The super-pricey bed is within the Regent Suite's master bedroom area, which is the centerpiece of the complex. In addition to a main bedroom and adjacent lounge space, there's a massive master bathroom that doubles as a personal spa, complete with its own sauna and steam room. It's big enough that it also can be used as a personal spa treatment room.

To that end, the Regent Suite — get this — comes with its very own spa therapist on call. Unlimited spa treatments are included in the cost of the suite.

The master bathroom in the Regent Suite is bigger than many standard cruise ship cabins. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Two heated loungers are among the spa features in the master bathroom of the Regent Suite. (Photo by Gene Sloan/The Points Guy)

The master bath also has a walk-in shower with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the ocean. You can also enjoy the view from two heated relaxation loungers.

Still, the best view of the ocean from the Regent Suite is from its forward-facing, glass-enclosed solarium (which comes with a fully stocked bar).

That is, unless you walk out on the adjacent wraparound balcony. You can watch the sunset on the balcony from a custom Treesse minipool spa. Just don’t forget to grab an always-on-hand, complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot first.

The solarium in the Regent Suite has floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the ship's bow. (Photo courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

The only downside to the Regent Suite: Its cost. The complex sells for a cool $11,000 a night.

If that sounds a tad pricey, keep in mind that the suite comes with a lot of extras, including first-class domestic flights to reach the ship. Those staying in the suite also get a personal car, driver and guide in every port. They have a concierge on call before they sail to help them plan their trip and, of course, a dedicated butler to help make arrangements once they're onboard.

For these inclusions plus the sheer opulence of the cabin, the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Splendor takes luxury on the high seas to stratospheric heights — and makes it an easy selection as the winner of the Best New Cruise-Ship Cabin editors' choice award.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Great offers from our partners

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.