Seven Seas Voyager Review

Expect a smorgasbord of nationalities, mainly well-educated, upscale folks. Fifty percent or more are typically repeat passengers. On our seven-night Mediterranean cruise, 29 different nationalities were onboard, including 356 U.S. and 167 U.K. passengers with a sprinkling of Canadians, Australians and Europeans -- mainly Danish, German and Belgian. As Regent originates from and is based in North America, passengers from this part of the world are usually in the majority. To some extent, of course, the variance of nationalities onboard also depends on where the ship is sailing, with more American passengers when the ship sails in Asia, for example.

Regent reports that the average age is 60, but we found a mixed age group dominated by retirees. It's not unusual for grandparents to bring extended families on cruises, and the number of cruisers under 18 trends from virtually none on longer cruises during the school year to a larger number during vacation time and on shorter cruises. There were 50 young people onboard during our seven-night cruise in June.

Until 6 p.m. each evening, a "country club casual" dress code applies, and shorts, jeans, deck shoes and tracksuits are all acceptable. Bare feet are only acceptable on the Pool Deck, and bathing suits are not allowed in the restaurants or lounges at any time -- though they can be worn at the Pool Grill and Bar. From 6 p.m. onward, an "elegant casual" dress code applies, with skirts, smart trousers or trouser suits with blouses or sweaters for women and collared shirts with optional sports jackets for men. Jeans aren't allowed in restaurants or lounges in the evenings.

On cruises of 15 nights or longer, two evenings are "Formal Optional." On these nights, you can -- if you so desire -- dress to impress, with gowns or cocktail dresses for women, and tuxes, dinner jackets or dark suits with ties for men. On the final evening of the cruise, when everyone is busy packing to go home, the dress code sensibly is "relaxed casual."

Seven Seas Voyager Inclusions

For United States passengers, flights to the embarkation city and home from the disembarkation city are included in the cruise fare. Flight segments within the U.S. may be coach, but international segments will be business class. If you want to designate your airline or routing, there's an additional fee.

Beverages are also included, aside from a few ultra-premium liquors and high-end wines. A perfectly tasty Champagne flows freely, and your favorite call liquor brand likely is included, too. But if you opt for Veuve Clicquot, you'll pay extra. Each restaurant pours a selected red and a white wine nightly, but if those wines aren't to your taste, you can request alternatives.

Passengers in Concierge-level suites or above receive an included hotel night and transfers prior to the cruise.

Most shore excursions (90 percent, according to Regent) are included in your fare as well. These aren't simply bare-bones tours; some include experiences like biking, wine tastings and visits to museums. A handful of paid excursions offer higher-end experiences, including special instruction, gourmet meals or premium wine-tasting. In locations where the port is away from the city center, free shuttles are usually provided.

All Regent employee gratuities are included in the cruise fares. If you feel strongly about expressing gratitude to the crew, Regent encourages donations to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser's Office; this money funds crew parties and events. An 18 percent service charge is already included in spa prices, and the spa policy states, "Any additional gratuities for exceptional service are appreciated, but not expected." Shore-side gratuities are not included, however, so feel free to tip shore excursion guides and bus drivers if you're pleased with their services.

The currency used onboard is the U.S. dollar. Reception offers currency exchange on some occasions -- from U.S. dollars to euros, for example.