The pursuit of "next level" luxury at sea was the focal point of a recent voyage taken by journalists Gayle King and Adam Glassman from Daily Oprah Daily Show aboard the Regent Grandeur, a vessel touted as the most luxurious cruise ship currently available. With its impressive scale—14 decks and approximately 340 or 350 rooms—the ship promised accommodations and dining experiences that go far beyond standard cruise expectations. Upon boarding, they were greeted by the captain, who revealed that he was the vessel's first, marking the Grandeur as his "special baby," reinforcing the ship's personalized attention to detail. King and Glassman were welcomed with a toast (both opting for non-alcoholic beverages), noting immediately the ship’s atmosphere as "absolutely classy and elegant".
The elegance is instantly apparent in the ship's dedicated commitment to fine design and art. The interior boasts significant pieces, including works by Miro and Picasso, contributing to an elevated ambiance. A particularly striking design element is the ceiling feature known as the "diamond tennis bracelet chandelier". However, perhaps the most stunning artistic feature on board is a glass structure of cherry blossoms, described as a pièce de résistance. These cherry blossoms are hand-blown glass, featuring a trunk and roots crafted from brass. Further emphasizing this commitment to artistry, the ship hosts a rare Fabergé egg, a detail stemming from the fact that the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé from the Fabergé Company. The egg, which King and Glassman viewed up close, was unveiled during the vessel’s christening and exemplifies the striking colors and attention to detail expected of Fabergé. Even specialized dining areas reflect this luxury aesthetic, such as the French restaurant Chartreuse, which incorporates leather finishes and a Chamelia design attributed to Chanel.
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Take a Luxury Cruise with Gayle King and Adam Glassman
Beyond aesthetics, the Regent Grandeur distinguishes itself by including all food and alcohol in the fare, complementing the unbelievably high quality and presentation of the food. The journalists sampled exquisite dishes, including a "stunning" mushroom soup and a main course of a classic tournedos Rossini, featuring filet steak, foie gras, and truffle finished with a truffle reduction and parsley gel. The cruise also ensures spaces for relaxation and intellectual engagement. The library was intentionally designed to be light and serve as a quiet zone, offering a respite from the extensive entertainment elsewhere on the ship. To contribute to this literary space, King and Glassman presented a "hot off the presses" 10th-anniversary edition of Oprah Winfrey's book, What I Know for Sure, personally signed by Winfrey with the message "Blessings Oprah Winfrey". The book was designated a place of honor for all guests to read and touch.
For recreation, the journalists visited the sports deck to play miniature golf, noting that every hole on the course is designed after a famous golf course globally. The tour concluded at the Meridian Lounge, where bartender Duchon prepared custom cocktails. King, who does not drink, was served the non-alcoholic signature "Noon" cocktail, while Adam Glassman received a smoked Old Fashioned, with Duchon explaining that the smoking process greatly enhances the flavor and smell. Reflecting on her experience, King quoted Oprah Winfrey, asserting that "love is in the details". She concluded that based on the accommodations, the crew, the food, and the beautiful finishing touches, "there’s a whole lot of love on this boat". King affirmed her intention to return and invited others to experience the Grandeur, suggesting they mention that "Adam and Gail sent us".
