The hull that launched the current generation
The Seven Seas Explorer left the Fincantieri yards at Sestri Ponente, near
Genoa, in 2016. Two hundred and twenty-four metres, fifty-five thousand two
hundred and fifty-four gross tons, three hundred and seventy-five suites all
with private balconies, seven hundred and fifty-four guests at double occupancy
and five hundred and fifty-two crew across thirteen decks. That ratio of space
to guests is what most separates this line from its competitors.
Two ships followed on the same platform: the
Seven Seas Splendor in 2020 and the
Seven Seas Grandeur in 2023.
What is on the record
A norovirus outbreak affected the ship in May 2025, during a Pacific
crossing. It was a contained episode, of the kind US health authorities record
each year on several ships, but it is on the public record and we would rather
you learned it here.
The number of wheelchair-accessible suites is published for no ship in this
fleet. We ask at booking rather than putting a figure forward.
What is included, and the misunderstanding about flights
Start with what almost everyone thinks they know. This line built its
reputation on included flights. They are no longer included by
default. Since 1 July 2024 two fare structures exist side by side: the
standard fare covers the cruise only and leaves the guest to arrange flights,
while the higher fare includes round-trip air with a choice of class,
transfers and a chauffeur credit. Check which one is on your booking, because
the gap is considerable from Montreal.
The rest is generous and consistent from one text to another. Shore
excursions are included, with no cap on how many, which is rare. Gratuities are
prepaid. Drinks are included, wines and cocktails among them. Every speciality
restaurant is included, with no cover charge. Wi-Fi is included. So is valet
laundry.
Two qualifications worth knowing. The pre-cruise hotel night exists only from
Concierge suites upward, and the butler only from Penthouse suites upward. They
are not universal inclusions, whatever the brochure sometimes suggests.
Elsewhere in the fleet
The Seven Seas Mariner belongs to the
earlier generation and carries a world first. The fleet numbers seven
with us, one of which has not yet sailed and another which leaves in 2028.
Booking from Quebec
The contract is with Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., headquartered in Miami,
and is governed by the general maritime law of the United States. A claim for
personal injury, illness or death goes to the United States District Court for
the Southern District of Florida in Miami, or to a Miami-Dade County court.
Every other claim goes to binding arbitration in that same
county, and the contract imposes a class-action waiver.
The deadlines differ by claim type, and the second one surprises people. Six
months' written notice and one year to sue, for personal injury. But
thirty days' notice after the cruise ends for any other claim,
and six months to act. Damaged luggage, a service not delivered, a cancelled
call: thirty days from disembarkation. Baggage liability is also capped, unless
value is declared and a fee paid.
The carrier reserves the right to cancel the cruise, change its date, its
port of embarkation or its destination, shorten it or substitute the ship, at
any time and without notice. Nothing establishes a Quebec licence for it. Your
protection comes from here: Voyages AquaTerra holds a licence from the Office
de la protection du consommateur, your payments pass through a trust account,
and your departure is covered by the compensation fund for travel agency
customers.