Regent’s new Seven Seas Prestige from Southampton: Bordeaux, Bilbao, Paris, Atlantic France and the luxury of leaving the airports behind

Certain journeys appeal not because they are the most distant or the most extravagant, but because they seem to understand exactly what the modern traveller wants. Increasingly, for many experienced British travellers, that means less complication, fewer moving parts and a more graceful beginning to the holiday. Which is why Regent Seven Seas Prestige’s 13-night round-trip voyage from Southampton in April 2028 feels so particularly well judged.

Of all the newly released Seven Seas Prestige voyages, it was not one of the Mediterranean sailings that first caught our attention. Instead, it was this quietly confident Atlantic itinerary from Southampton. What appealed to us was not simply the itinerary itself, but the character of the destinations. Rather than relying on a procession of familiar cruise ports, Regent has assembled a voyage built around places that reward curiosity, whether that is an overnight stay in Bordeaux, the cultural energy of Bilbao or the understated charm of Atlantic France.

This is not simply another new-ship sailing. It is the opportunity to step aboard one of the most anticipated luxury cruise ships in the world without first navigating an airport, an overnight hotel, a connecting flight or a luggage restriction. Guests arrive in Southampton, board at leisure, settle into their suite and allow the holiday to begin as the English coastline fades gently from view. For those who have spent years travelling long-haul in search of the very best, the sheer ease of that departure may be one of the voyage’s greatest luxuries.

Seven Seas Prestige marks an important new chapter for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As the first ship in Regent’s new Prestige Class, she has been designed to carry forward everything guests admire about the line — spacious all-suite accommodation, refined service, exceptional dining and generous inclusions — while introducing a new generation of suites, restaurants and public spaces. At a time when much of the travel world seems intent on making ships larger and airports busier, Regent continues to place emphasis on space, comfort and the quiet pleasure of being beautifully looked after.

The itinerary is equally appealing. Rather than following the more familiar Mediterranean circuit, Prestige will trace the Atlantic coast of France and Northern Spain, visiting places with a gentler, more understated sophistication. It is a voyage that feels distinctly different from many European cruise itineraries, exchanging crowded hotspots for destinations rich in character, culture and local flavour.

The first call is La Rochelle, one of France’s most charming Atlantic ports. There is something wonderfully French about the city. The old harbour remains its heart, framed by medieval towers and lined with cafés where lunch has a habit of stretching effortlessly into the afternoon. Elegant arcaded streets invite aimless wandering, whilst the maritime heritage that once made La Rochelle one of France’s most important ports is still evident at every turn.

Yet the rewards extend well beyond the city itself. Guests may choose to venture into the celebrated Cognac region to explore the historic cellars of Hennessy, discover the tranquil waterways and wildlife of the Marais Poitevin – often described as France’s “Green Venice” – or spend time on beautiful Île de Ré, one of the country’s most cherished coastal retreats. If there is a destination likely to tempt travellers on to this voyage by itself, however, it may well be Bordeaux.

Few European cities combine elegance, gastronomy and wine quite so successfully. Grand eighteenth-century façades line the banks of the Garonne, beautiful squares open unexpectedly between wide boulevards and some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards lie just beyond the city itself. Regent’s decision to include an overnight stay feels particularly inspired. Bordeaux is not somewhere that should be hurried. It is a city best enjoyed slowly, perhaps beginning with a leisurely lunch overlooking the river before an afternoon exploring Saint-Émilion or the Médoc, returning to the ship as evening settles over one of France’s most beautiful cities.

The opportunities ashore are every bit as enticing. Guests may explore the legendary vineyards of Saint-Émilion and the Médoc, visit prestigious wine estates, discover the striking architecture of La Cité du Vin or venture to the magnificent Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, overlooking Arcachon Bay.

From Bordeaux, the voyage continues south towards the Basque coast, where Saint-Jean-de-Luz provides a delightful contrast. Long favoured by discerning French holidaymakers, the town possesses an easy elegance, colourful waterfront houses and a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from modern life.

Nearby Bilbao offers something altogether different. Once known primarily as an industrial port, it has transformed itself into one of Europe’s most rewarding cultural destinations. The striking Guggenheim Museum may be its most famous landmark, but Bilbao’s appeal extends far beyond architecture. Exceptional restaurants, vibrant markets and a celebrated pintxos culture make the city a genuine delight for those who enjoy discovering a destination through its food.

The region’s appeal extends beyond Bilbao itself. Excursions include visits to elegant San Sebastián, widely regarded as one of Europe’s great gastronomic cities, together with opportunities to experience traditional Basque culture in the villages and countryside that give this remarkable region its distinctive identity.

La Coruña introduces guests to a different Spain altogether. Galicia has always felt distinct from the rest of the country, shaped as much by the Atlantic as by the Mediterranean traditions more familiar to British visitors. Here, rugged coastlines meet elegant promenades, seafood dominates the menus and life unfolds at a gentler pace.

For many travellers, the highlight may be the opportunity to visit Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe’s great pilgrimage destinations and the culmination of the famous Camino de Santiago. Others may prefer to discover Galicia through its cuisine, historic quarters and maritime traditions, all of which reveal a region that remains one of Spain’s most rewarding secrets.

As Prestige turns north once more, the voyage continues through Brittany, Guernsey and Normandy. Medieval villages such as Locronan, magnificent estates including Château de Kerjean, the wartime history of Guernsey and the enduring beauty of Mont Saint-Michel all provide memorable opportunities for exploration.

The final French call opens the door to some of Europe’s most celebrated cultural and historic treasures. Guests may choose to spend a day in Paris, wander the medieval streets of Rouen, reflect on the sacrifices made along the D-Day landing beaches, or simply enjoy Normandy’s timeless countryside and culinary traditions. It is a fitting conclusion to a voyage that celebrates some of the most fascinating corners of Western Europe.

What particularly appeals to us about this itinerary is its quiet confidence. Many cruise itineraries are built around famous names and headline attractions. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but this voyage feels rather different. Instead of following the well-trodden Mediterranean circuit, Seven Seas Prestige explores a collection of destinations whose appeal reveals itself more gradually.

La Rochelle charms rather than dazzles. Bordeaux rewards lingering. Bilbao surprises. Galicia remains one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. Even Guernsey, towards the end of the voyage, brings a sense of nostalgia and understated elegance that feels entirely appropriate to the journey.

Together they create an itinerary rich in character, culture and local flavour; a voyage that feels less concerned with ticking destinations off a list and more interested in helping guests experience them properly. One day may be spent tasting wine in Saint-Émilion, another exploring the Guggenheim in Bilbao, another following centuries of history in Santiago de Compostela or Normandy. It is this sense of depth and discovery that makes the voyage feel so thoughtfully assembled.

Yet part of the appeal of this voyage is that Prestige herself may prove every bit as memorable as the destinations she visits. There will be time for long breakfasts, unhurried lunches, evenings in Regent’s restaurants and quiet hours on a private balcony. There will be time to enjoy the rhythm of the sea, which remains one of the great pleasures of cruising and one of the reasons seasoned travellers return to it again and again.

Seven Seas Prestige has already become one of the most talked-about new ships in luxury cruising. Read our full guide to Prestige, her remarkable new suites and what makes Regent’s newest ship such an important launch for the luxury travel world.

As with all Regent Seven Seas voyages, the experience is reassuringly comprehensive. Unlimited shore excursions, speciality dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities and valet laundry are all included, creating one of the most complete luxury travel experiences available. The result is a style of travel that feels relaxed, polished and remarkably effortless.

There is a quiet confidence about this voyage that feels increasingly rare. It does not rely on blockbuster destinations or bucket-list marketing. Instead, it offers something more subtle: a beautifully balanced itinerary, a remarkable new ship and the luxury of travelling at a gentler pace.

For British travellers in particular, the ability to step aboard Regent’s newest ship in Southampton and spend 13 nights exploring Bordeaux, Bilbao, Atlantic France and the Channel Islands without ever setting foot in an airport may prove one of the most appealing cruise propositions of 2028.

We suspect it will not remain a hidden gem for very long.

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Serenity Suite F2
Offering the same generous 41m² footprint together with an enhanced location aboard the ship, the Serenity Suite F2 is likely to appeal to guests seeking additional convenience whilst enjoying all of Regent’s renowned inclusions.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare: £10,638 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £8,997 pp
Member Difference: £1,641 pp

Concierge Suite E
At 45m², the Concierge Suite E represents one of the most attractive ways to experience Seven Seas Prestige, combining additional space with Regent’s complimentary pre-cruise luxury hotel programme and a range of enhanced benefits.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare: £11,340 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £9,639 pp
Member Difference: £1,701 pp

Penthouse Suite C
Offering 57m² of beautifully designed accommodation together with personal butler service, the Penthouse Suite C is likely to appeal to guests seeking an even more elevated Prestige experience, with enhanced suite privileges and attentive personalised service throughout the voyage.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare : £15,369 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £12,979 pp
Member Difference: £2,390 pp

Horizon Penthouse Suite
One of the exciting new suite categories introduced aboard Seven Seas Prestige, the Horizon Penthouse Suite offers between 56m² and 67m² of luxurious accommodation together with personal butler service, generous indoor and outdoor living space and an exceptional vantage point from which to enjoy the ever-changing theatre of the sea.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare (at time of publication): £17,489 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £14,699 pp
Member Difference: £2,790 pp

Prestige Suite
One of the most exciting new accommodations aboard Seven Seas Prestige, the Prestige Suite offers between 75m² and 133m² of beautifully designed space, together with personal butler service and an exceptional luxury experience.
Regent Fare: £21,059 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £17,969 pp
Member Difference: £3,360 pp

Additional suite categories are also available at advantageous CountryClubuk Member rates. Please contact us for the latest availability and your personal quotation. Comparisons are based on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ prevailing Best Available Fare at the time of publication. Fares and availability are subject to change.

 

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