REGENT SEVEN SEAS- VALUE FOR MONEY?

Seen strictly from a financial viewpoint, the prices for a trip with Regent Seven Seas can seem eye watering, epsecially when compared to more modest, mainstream lines such as Princess or even Norwegian. And, with very few chidren's facilities on board, it can hardly be claimed that the ultra luxury line is making a pitch for the younger family market. So what, if anything, is the advantages to booking a Regent cruise and- more to the point- is it for you?

PLUSH TO THE MAX: Of the four ultra luxury ships in Regent's fleet, all boast outside balcony suites. On the slightly smaller Seven Seas Navigator, something like 90 per cent of rooms have them. So you're getting truly neat, all suite accommodation, complete with marble bathrooms, sitting areas, and the ability to order in, free of charge, from most of the restaurant menus on board. Imagine a Ritz Carlton, but without a price tag at the end, and you get the drift, as it were.

SPACE AND GRACE: With almost one crew member to every guest on board, the service is gracious and attentive, without ever being intrusive. There's a phenomenal amount of elbow room on board, and an equally phenomenal lack of annoying loudspeaker announcements and sales pitches. This all helps to foster an atmosphere of calm, unhurried ease that no big ship could ever hope to match.

ALL INCLUSIVE: Not simply in terms of unlimited quality alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks on board for the duration of your cruise, though there's nothing at all wrong with a champagne breakfast on your balcony. But Regent also includes all shore excursions at each port of call while you're on board- in theory, you could do two different ones each day if you've got the stamina. And those are normally a big add on to the fare on any mainstream cruise package.

YET MORE: Regent also includes all flights, including domestic connections where necessary, an overnight hotel stay where needed pre cruise, all transfers and, of course, all tips to the crew on board. It all adds up to a level of inclusivity that no one else quite gets near. And there is quality to match the entire, high brow ethos of Regent's overall product. Nothing second rate at all about this line.

Expensive? More like extensive, elegant and inclusive. If you love the very best in life, served up in fine, casual style, Regent is not so much an option for many, as it is a natural choice.