Legendary maritime historian John Maxtone-Graham once said during a shipboard lecture that the moment a passenger embarks a vessel is “magic.” How true. By taking a few steps from the gangway onto a ship we leave behind our daily stresses as discarded bundles in the terminal and enter a vessel where we are fed, entertained and cared for as we make our way to idyllic spots of the planet.
Nothing is more magical than an embarkation for a world cruise where you are doing a circle around the planet, experiencing scores of exotic places and a variety of cultures in a single voyage which makes passengers feel like anything –and everything—is possible. This month, on January 10, we embarked on our eighth World Cruise, an epic 154-day “The Sense of Adventure” circumnavigation from Miami aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner.
Our stay was a perfect preamble to relax after travelling to the port city and Regent featured a cocktail party with live music to mingle with fellow world cruisers for a toast to the forthcoming adventure and heavy hors d’oeuvres, as well as complimentary breakfast the next morning. Also, a transfer to the ship was included.
Our Miami stay provided opportunities for sightseeing at Villa Vizcaya, a historic 20th century mansion often featured in Hollywood films such as “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” and “Iron Man 3.” Other sightseeing opportunities included Bayfront Park, and the Miami Skyviews observation wheel, located near our hotel and providing views of the city and Biscayne Bay from a height of 200 feet. Also nearby is the shopping/dining/entertainment Bayside Marketplace. Other options included touring Miami Beach’s picturesque Art Deco District via a free Regent tour and an independent jaunt into Little Havana with its popular Calle Ocho filled with restaurants serving up Cuban sandwiches made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickle slices, and other Cuban specialties, Caribbean and Spanish dishes.
We then headed to our accommodation: #982, Deluxe Veranda Suite F (all rooms are suites on the Seven Seas Mariner) and it was a pleasure to see it was spacious (252 sq. ft. with 49 sq. ft. veranda for 301 sq. ft.). The suite is decorated in pleasant earth tones and among its amenities is complimentary valet laundry service (aah!). We unpacked three of our big suitcases, leaving the fourth one filled with extra toiletries and supplies that will not be needed for a while. All four cases fit under our bed and our two rollaboards fit inside two of the big suitcases.
The first evening on board reinforced the notion that we were in for a very special voyage: we enjoyed a Gala Dinner at Compass Rose with gourmet dishes – we especially loved the Black Angus filet and the Callebaut Belgian chocolate dessert, among other delights. Entertainment was provided by Face 2 Face, a duo of virtuoso pianists who presented a tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel. The dinner and entertainment were exclusive to full World Cruise guests (world cruise segment guests boarded the next day) and this way we got acquainted with the ship and staff with fewer guests on board and we got to know our fellow circumnavigators.
A fantastic Sail Away, complete with hors d'oeuvres, flutes of champagne and cocktails, ice sculpture and music by the Regent Signature Band launched the voyage and we said goodbye to Miami.
After these special events, one of my favorite things of a circumnavigation happened: that incredible feeling you get on the first day of a World Cruise – after being pampered, entertained, and well fed—when you realize that there are still 150-plus more days like this one ahead to enjoy. I could not wipe the smile off my face.
Other aspects I am looking forward to include the number of ports (77) and overnights (16) for more exploration, and also three special exclusive events (Hawaii, Bali, Lisbon). And, there’s the camaraderie that develops being on board a ship with others for five months and the feeling that “we are all in the same boat” and have respect for each other as we know we are all achieving something big together: circumnavigating the planet.
I also appreciate how the ship brings the history, culture, and flavors of a destination on board ahead of, and during, the visit. On past voyages, for example, a Polynesian team was put on weeks ahead of our arrival in Tahiti and they provided ukulele-playing, crafts and lessons, and performances. On our Regent circumnavigation we will also have this type of enrichment.
Our 2026 World Cruise has a tantalizing itinerary, beginning with a call in Cartagena in South America, a Panama Canal crossing and several ports in Central America.
As we get settled, I will be posting about our new home at sea and the start of our journey around the world beginning with stops in the Americas, and I will be chronicling our visits to marquee ports so you can follow our progress along the way.
Some quick embarkation superlatives:
- Most exciting moment: hearing the ship’s whistle bidding goodbye to Miami—we will not see the city again for 154 days.
- Most fun: the opportunities to sightsee in Miami and get together with some old friends who live in the city and whom we had not seen in years.
- Most delicious: The Callebaut mousse dessert from the Gala Dinner
By Cruise Specialists client, Georgina Cruz
Georgina Cruz is a freelance travel writer specializing in cruises. Her work has appeared in national magazines and regional publications as well as on travel websites. She has been on more than 200 voyages including seven circumnavigations, all booked through Cruise Specialists.
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