http://www.gillybachelortravelexpert.co.uk/

Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, Norbury House, Horsebrook Lane, BREWOOD, Stafford (2026)

06/09/2026

14 nights aboard Regent Seven Seas Splendor — our honest review 🚢🥂

Well, we’re off the ship, the bags are packed and it’s time to give you our verdict.

Overall score: ⭐️ 9.5/10

That’s a pretty big score, but after 14 nights on Regent Seven Seas Splendor, it feels right.

Was everything perfect? No. But was it one of the best cruising experiences we’ve had? Absolutely.

And because Bri and I don’t always agree, I thought it would be much more useful to give you both perspectives rather than a polished “everything was wonderful” review.

🛏️ Our Serenity Suite — ⭐️ 10/10

We absolutely loved it.

Our Serenity Suite was beautiful, spacious and incredibly comfortable. Having a bath was a real bonus and the balcony became our little haven, particularly during those glorious Atlantic sea days.

But the suite was made even better by our wonderful attendants.

They were attentive without ever being intrusive, anticipating what we needed and somehow appearing at exactly the right moment.

And then there was the laundry… 😂

Receiving Bri’s pants back pressed, folded and wrapped in tissue paper never failed to delight me. 🩲

It’s the little things!

We genuinely didn’t want to leave our suite at the end of the cruise — which is probably the best review I can give it.

🍽️ The food

Bri: ⭐️ Excellent
Gilly: ⭐️ Good

This was probably our biggest difference.

Bri thought the food was excellent. I thought it was good — and I think the difference is largely because I eat fish but don’t eat meat or seafood.

That inevitably limits some of my choices, particularly in some of the speciality restaurants, but there were still lots of options for me and I certainly never went hungry.

Our favourite restaurant was Pacific Rim, although our final dinner in Chartreuse was exceptional.

And Coffee Connection became our favourite breakfast spot.

🥂 The drinks — ⭐️ 10/10

One of the great things about Splendor is that the drinks are included.

The house ch*****ne was excellent, and we particularly enjoyed the w**e selection — especially the Pouilly-Fuissé.

There was something rather lovely about being able to order a decent glass of w**e without constantly thinking about the bill.

🌎 The included excursions — ⭐️ 10/10

Another huge plus is that excursions are included.

We did some fantastic organised excursions during the trip, but what I particularly loved was the freedom they gave us.

We could take an organised tour when we wanted to learn more and make the most of our time, but equally we could get off the ship and explore independently when we fancied doing our own thing.

That combination worked brilliantly for us.

🎭 Entertainment

Bri: ⭐️ Poor
Gilly: ⭐️ Fair

This was definitely the weakest part of the experience for both of us.

We found the entertainment a little lacklustre, particularly compared with some of the larger premium ships.

There were some wonderful moments, though.

Krew Kapers was one of them. It wasn’t a slick, polished production, but there was some seriously talented crew onboard.

Hearing one of the pool deck attendants absolutely belt out Against All Odds genuinely made me emotional — and this was before the ch*****ne! 😂❤️

So while there were some memorable moments, entertainment wouldn’t be the reason we’d choose Splendor.

🧖‍♀️ Spa & gym — ⭐️ 9/10

We made good use of both, particularly on the sea days.

And those sea days turned out to be one of my favourite things about the whole experience.

No rushing around. Nowhere you have to be.

Breakfast, a walk, the gym, the spa, lunch, a glass of something cold and watching the Atlantic roll past.

Actually… that sounds rather perfect. 🥂

👩‍✈️ The crew — ⭐️ 10/10

Outstanding.

For us, the crew are one of the biggest strengths of Splendor.

They were consistently warm, friendly and professional, and the service was exceptional.

Krew Kapers also gave us a lovely reminder of just how hard these people work. Long hours, months away from their families and demanding contracts — yet they still greet you with a smile.

That matters.

🌎 The itinerary — ⭐️ 10/10

And what an itinerary.

Lisbon → the Azores → across the Atlantic → Newfoundland → Saint-Pierre → Cape Breton → Boston → Rhode Island → New York.

We had such a brilliant mix of destinations and sea days.

Newfoundland was a real highlight, Saint-Pierre was fascinating, and then heading into New England gave the trip a completely different feel.

Boston was fabulous and our stop in Rhode Island gave us another glimpse of this beautiful part of America before finally arriving in New York.

The balance between exploring and having time to enjoy the ship was just right.

And 14 nights?

I thought it might feel like a long time.

It didn’t.

💳 And then there are the inclusions…

This is something I think is really important when considering Regent Seven Seas Splendor.

So much is included — drinks, excursions, speciality dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and more — that when we got off the ship, we had nothing more to pay.

The only exception was my rather fabulous birthday hair and make-up treat 💄🥂 — and frankly, I think that was money very well spent!

There’s something wonderfully liberating about being able to enjoy the ship without constantly thinking about what you’re adding to the bill.

⚓ How does Splendor compare?

This isn’t our first luxury cruise, so I can genuinely put Regent Seven Seas Splendor into context.

We’ve also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania and Explora Journeys, and each has its own personality, strengths and sweet spot.

That’s one of the things I love about my job — there isn’t one luxury cruise line that’s right for everyone.

For one client, it might be the food. For another, the size of the ship. For someone else, the service, entertainment, itinerary or simply how inclusive the experience feels.

Having experienced all of these brands ourselves means I can talk to clients about the real differences, rather than simply repeating what’s in a brochure.

And if you’re wondering which one would suit you best, that’s exactly the sort of conversation I’m happy to have.

❤️ Would we do it again?

Yes. Absolutely.

Splendor isn’t perfect — and I think our individual scores prove that.

But when you put everything together — our beautiful suite, our attendants, the incredible crew, food, drinks, included excursions, itinerary, spa, gym and those glorious sea days — 9.5/10 feels exactly right.

And perhaps the biggest compliment of all?

We’re already wondering where we’d go next… 🥂🚢

If you’re considering Regent Seven Seas Splendor and want the honest version rather than the brochure version, ask me anything.

I’ve just spent 14 nights putting her to the test!

06/09/2026

Wish you were here?
Today we have clients enjoying a gorgeous 10-night Cyprus escape. The perfect blend of sunshine, relaxation and Mediterranean charm!

Flying from Birmingham to beautiful Paphos this September, they're staying at the 4-star Avanti Hotel, ideally located on Poseidon Avenue, in a Twin Room featuring pool and garden views plus a balcony or terrace. Their stay is on a Bed & Breakfast basis, giving them relaxed mornings before heading out to explore everything Paphos has to offer.

From golden sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters to the ancient ruins of the Tombs of the Kings and the stunning Paphos Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site with intricate Roman mosaics) there's history at every turn. They can wander the charming harbourfront lined with fresh seafood restaurants and traditional tavernas, explore the vibrant old town with its craft shops and local markets, or simply sip a cool glass of Commandaria w**e while watching those unforgettable Cypriot sunsets paint the Mediterranean sky in shades of gold and pink.

With coach transfers included and extra legroom seats secured, their holiday started smoothly and comfortably from the moment they arrived at the airport. Cyprus sunshine, sea views and 10 nights of pure relaxation... what more could you ask for? ☀️🌊

06/09/2026

Yesterday brought us to our final port of call before New York, Newport, Rhode Island, and what a gorgeous place to finish our cruise.

We woke to beautiful blue skies and sunshine and, as there’s no cruise terminal here, tendered from the ship straight into the heart of Newport’s very pretty waterfront.

We had an included excursion which gave us an overview of the area first, taking us past Newport’s harbour, historic streets and some quite extraordinary houses. Newport became the summer playground of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age and they certainly weren’t going for understated! 😂

Our main visit was Marble House, built by William K. Vanderbilt for his wife Alva in the 1890s as, wait for it, a summer cottage. It apparently cost around $11 million to build at the time, with roughly $7 million of that spent on marble alone. Walking through it, you genuinely get the impression that the budget was simply unlimited. Gold, marble, enormous rooms, spectacular grounds and an oceanfront setting. It’s completely over the top, but absolutely fascinating.

Afterwards, Brian and I did what we seem to do on organised excursions and abandoned the group 😂. We much prefer exploring on foot, so we made our own way back towards the tender.

Part of that took us onto Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path with the Atlantic on one side and some of Newport’s incredible mansions on the other. Unfortunately you can’t currently walk the whole route because a section between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street remains closed following a collapse caused by erosion, so there are diversions in place.

In some ways, though, the diversion added to the walk because it took us through Salve Regina University. What a place to go to university! The campus sits amongst historic estates right beside the ocean, and some of the university buildings look more like stately homes than lecture halls.
And that really sums Newport up. Everywhere you look there are immaculate lawns, huge trees, beautiful old houses and glimpses of the sea. Then, as you get closer to the waterfront, it changes completely into a busy, buzzy little harbour town filled with restaurants, bars, shops, yachts and people just enjoying the sunshine.

It was very busy, although being Labor Day weekend probably had quite a lot to do with that. There was a real end-of-summer holiday atmosphere and Newport felt lively without losing its charm.

I really liked it. It’s elegant and historic, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. There’s the slightly bonkers extravagance of the Vanderbilt mansions, beautiful coastal walking, a gorgeous harbour and a lovely atmosphere around town.

And after two weeks crossing the Atlantic, it felt like a rather perfect final port.

This morning... New York! 🗽🇺🇸

05/09/2026

Krew Kapers: The Night the Crew Took Over

Last night at 6pm, we were treated to one of Regent’s much-loved traditions — Krew Kapers.

And let me tell you, it isn’t a slick, polished production. There are no West End choreographers, professional lighting designers or perfectly rehearsed theatre performers.

But that absolutely does not mean it’s short on talent.

Quite the opposite.

For one evening, the people who spend their days looking after us become the entertainers and it’s rather wonderful.

One of the highlights for me was seeing our pool deck attendant take to the stage and absolutely belt out Against All Odds. It’s one of my favourite Phil Collins songs, and I genuinely found myself getting emotional.

And no… this was before any ch*****ne. 😂

It also made me stop and think about the people behind the smiles we see every day on board.

Working at sea is a tough gig. Nine-month contracts are fairly standard, which is an awfully long time away from family and home. The work is demanding, the hours can be long, and yet the crew somehow manage to greet you with a smile and remember the little things, how you take your coffee, what you like for breakfast, or which drink you usually order.

And then you discover that, in their precious spare time, they have been creating and rehearsing this show.

That, to me, makes Krew Kapers even more special.

It isn’t about perfection. It’s about personality, enthusiasm, talent and, most importantly, having fun together.

And we certainly did.

In fact, I think it’s fair to say I laughed more during Krew Kapers than I have at anything else on this cruise.

And yes, we have been to two shows featuring a professional comedian. 🤔😂

The synchronised swimming was an absolute delight. One of those moments where you’re sitting in the audience thinking, What on earth is happening? while simultaneously hoping it never ends.

There was singing, dancing, plenty of silliness and a huge amount of heart.

And perhaps that’s why Krew Kapers works so well.

Luxury cruising can sometimes be all about the beautiful suite, the ch*****ne, the fine dining and the impeccable service. But last night reminded me that the real luxury is the people.

The people who learn your name.

The people who remember your coffee.

The people who make you smile when you walk into the restaurant.

And, occasionally, the people who surprise you by stepping onto a stage and showing you just how talented they really are.

We loved every second.

And I’m pretty sure the crew enjoyed it just as much as we did.

Krew Kapers — definitely one of the highlights of our Splendor experience. ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FEgRR4QsE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/09/2026

Our lovely clients Mr and Mrs H are currently somewhere rather special… the Galápagos 🐢

They’re spending 14 nights exploring the islands aboard Silver Origin, Silversea’s purpose-built Galápagos ship, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying following their adventures. And receiving daily photo update.

The Galápagos is one of those destinations where choosing how you see it is almost as important as deciding to go in the first place.

You can’t simply book a conventional cruise that happens to call into the Galápagos. The islands are incredibly protected and tightly controlled, and vessels operating within the archipelago carry a maximum of just 100 guests.

Silver Origin carries 100, which actually makes her one of the larger ships in the Galápagos, although by normal cruise standards she’s tiny.

For Mr and Mrs H that works really well. They wanted to experience the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, but they’re not looking to spend their days jumping into the water to snorkel and kayak. Silver Origin gives them plenty of comfort, space and lovely facilities on board, while still getting them out exploring with expert naturalist guides.

But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the same ship to everyone.

At the other end of the scale, you can explore the Galápagos on little expedition yachts carrying just 12 to 16 guests, and for the right person I think that can be the ultimate way to do it.

Sixteen is quite a magic number in the Galápagos because excursions are limited to 16 guests per naturalist guide. On a 16-passenger yacht, your whole ship is effectively one little expedition group. You’re on and off quickly, there’s very little waiting around and you develop a wonderful relationship with your guide and fellow guests. It becomes an incredibly intimate experience.

Of course, the trade-off is that the smaller the ship, the fewer facilities you have. And that’s why I don't think there is a single “best” Galápagos ship. There is a right one for you.

Most people spend around seven nights cruising the islands. These guys are doing 14, which gives them the opportunity to explore much more of the archipelago and experience different areas and wildlife.

And cruising isn't the only way to do it. You can stay on the inhabited islands and island-hop, combining hotels with day trips and local boats. Again, a completely different experience and absolutely right for some people.

Then there’s what you do either side.

For me, a Galápagos trip shouldn't necessarily begin and end with the islands. Quito is the natural starting point and well worth some time in its own right. You can add Ecuador’s cloud forest or the Amazon, or create a much bigger South American adventure by combining Ecuador with Peru and Machu Picchu.

That's the bit we love about planning somewhere like this. It isn't about finding a Galápagos holiday. It's working out whether you should be on a 100-guest luxury expedition ship, a tiny 16-passenger yacht or hopping between the islands, whether seven nights is enough or you should stay for 14, and what else makes sense while you've travelled all that way.

For this client Silver Origin was the right choice.

For someone else, we’d plan it completely differently.

And that's exactly how it should be.🐢

04/09/2026

🇺🇸 Boston… you’ve caught me out!

I’ve never been to Boston before and, if I’m honest, I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to make of it.

Well… I really like it! ❤️

We only had a few hours before our 2pm all-aboard, so we jumped on the old-fashioned trolley 🚌 to see as much as we could.

We went past Boston Common, Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House with its beautiful golden dome, Back Bay, Copley Square and the Public Garden.

And my first impression? Beautiful, clean, historic and full of life — but without that crazy, frantic city feeling.

I liked it. A lot.

We got off at Boston Common, right outside the State House, and instead of getting another trolley we decided to walk back to Splendor. 🛳️

And honestly, that was probably my favourite bit.

Just wandering. Looking up at the buildings. Taking in the streets. Thinking why have I never been here before?

And then my brain did what it always does…

“We need to come back.” 😂

But not for another flying visit.

I’m now imagining a proper two-week New England road trip…

🚗 A few nights in Boston.

⚓ Down the coast to Portsmouth and Kennebunkport.

🦞 Then into Maine — Rockland, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Lighthouses, little harbours, rocky coastline and a proper Maine lobster lunch.

🏔️ Through the White Mountains, stopping wherever the scenery takes our fancy.

🌿 Into Vermont, staying in gorgeous little country inns around Stowe and Woodstock, driving through beautiful little villages and countryside.

🏡 Then the Berkshires for a few slower days.

🌊 And finally down to Cape Cod — Chatham, Provincetown, beaches, seafood and lighthouses — before heading back to Boston.

And actually… I think I’d choose June or September.

Everyone talks about New England in the autumn, and yes, those colours are incredible, but I’m not sure I fancy travelling when everywhere is at its busiest and most expensive.

Give me warm, sunny days, blue skies, gorgeous scenery, coastal drives, little towns, lovely hotels and long evenings.

That sounds much more like my kind of road trip 🤔

04/09/2026

Wish you were here?
Today we have guests embarking on the trip of a lifetime, flying from Manchester to Australia to visit their son, who'll then join them for an unforgettable adventure exploring the very best of the country he now calls home. We arranged this itinerary using our fantastic partners, Anzcro!

Their journey begins with a stopover in vibrant Singapore, enjoying two nights at The Clan Hotel before flying on to Melbourne, where their son will meet them for the start of their shared Australian adventure. Together, they'll explore Melbourne's laneway culture, world-class dining, and artistic charm before flying to the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru. In the Red Centre, they'll experience the magic of indigenous culture with a Sounds of Silence Dinner under a canopy of stars, witness sunrise over the sacred monolith on a Desert Awakenings 4WD tour and be captivated by the stunning Wintjiri Wiru light installation celebrating ancient storytelling. The adventure continues in iconic Sydney, where harbour views, the Opera House, and coastal walks await, before heading to the Sunshine Coast for quality family time.

After nearly a month of memories, laughter, and exploration together, they'll fly home via Singapore, but not before making countless moments they'll treasure forever.🥰✨

04/09/2026

Happy National Travel Agents Day! ✈️

Today felt like the perfect opportunity to talk a little bit about the team behind Gilly Bachelor – Travel Expert.

Gilly is the founder of the business and brings a huge amount of knowledge and experience to the world of travel. With a real passion for helping people explore the world, she works closely with customers to understand what they’re looking for and find the right holiday for them.

From cruises and long-haul adventures to family holidays, city breaks and everything in between, Gilly’s knowledge and experience means customers have someone they can rely on to help guide them through all the options.

Of course, there is also a wonderful team behind the scenes.

Millie, our Travel Consultant, helps customers find and put together their perfect holidays, with plenty of research going into making sure the options are right for each individual customer.

Then there’s Stephanie, our Head of Concierge, who takes care of much of the important admin once your holiday is booked. From amendments and special assistance to check-ins, entry requirements and all those little details that need sorting, she helps make sure everything is organised.

Being a Travel Agent is about much more than simply booking a holiday. There is so much that happens behind the scenes, both before and after you travel. It’s about knowledge, experience, research and having a team there to support you throughout your journey.

But most importantly, it’s about our customers. ❤️

To every single person who has booked a holiday with us, recommended us to a friend or family member, returned to us time and time again, or simply followed and supported the business — thank you.

Choosing to book your holidays with an independent travel business is something we never take for granted. We know that a holiday is often something you’ve been saving and looking forward to for a long time, and it means a lot that you trust us to help make it happen.

So today, on National Travel Agents Day, we’re celebrating the travel industry, our amazing team and, most importantly, all of you who make what we do possible.

Thank you for trusting us with your holidays. We genuinely appreciate every single booking and every customer who allows us to be part of their travel plans.

Here’s to many more holidays, adventures and memories to come. 🌍

03/09/2026

An Evening of Art & Luxury Ocean Travel (Cobham)

I’m delighted to invite you to join me at Clarendon Fine Art (Cobham), where I’ll be sharing why Explora Journeys has become one of my favourite luxury travel experiences.

“As a luxury cruise specialist, I’m always looking for experiences that offer something genuinely different. Explora Journeys is redefining luxury cruising — combining the service, design and dining of a world-class hotel with the freedom and discovery of exploring the world by sea.”

What makes Explora Journeys particularly exciting is that it appeals not only to experienced cruisers looking for a more contemporary approach to ocean travel, but also to clients who may never have considered a cruise before, drawn by the exceptional service, elegant design, outstanding dining and spacious suites.

I’m delighted to be hosting these evenings at Clarendon Fine Art, the official art partner of Explora Journeys. Their unique connection brings together art, design and ocean travel, with Clarendon Fine Art curating the contemporary collections showcased onboard Explora Journeys’ ships.

Representatives from Explora Journeys (as will some of our guests!) will also be joining us to share more about the vision behind the brand, what sets it apart from traditional luxury cruising, and why it is creating such excitement within the luxury travel world.

Enjoy the same ch*****ne served onboard Explora Journeys as we explore this new approach to luxury ocean travel and discover why it has become such a favourite with my clients.

Whether you are an experienced luxury cruiser or simply curious to discover a different way to travel, I would love you to join me.

Perhaps the best hotel in the world isn’t a hotel at all.

Event Details:

Thursday 1 October 2026 | 6.30pm (Cobham)
Clarendon Fine Art
33 Oakdene Parade, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2LR

Places are limited, so please RSVP to [email protected] to join the guest list.

I look forward to welcoming you for an evening of luxury travel inspiration.

03/09/2026

🎂 Well, apparently there’s no hiding your birthday on Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Today is pretty much a sea day as we sail from Halifax towards Boston, although we do have one little bit of excitement later.

A heads-up for anyone cruising into the USA: your first US port means clearing US immigration, and compared with most ports it can be a bit of a kerfuffle! US immigration officials are boarding the ship this evening and every guest has to attend a face-to-face documentation check before we can be cleared to go ashore in Boston tomorrow.

But back to the more important matter of the day… it’s my birthday! 🎂🥂

It got me thinking about why we go on holiday in the first place. We have clients who take their family holiday every summer, but so many of the trips we arrange are connected to something special: a big birthday, an anniversary, a retirement or simply an excuse to get everyone together and make some memories.

This cruise just happened to fall over my birthday and, if you’re someone who likes to quietly let the day pass unnoticed, Regent Splendor is probably not the place to do it. 😂 Birthdays are shared on screens around the ship and even appear on your suite TV, so there really is nowhere to hide.

The lovely team at Coffee Connection have already given me their rendition of Happy Birthday and I have a feeling it won’t be the last time I hear it today!

I started the morning with coffee and birthday presents in bed, and as we’ve effectively got a sea day ahead, I’m having my hair and make-up done later. I’m just praying I don’t emerge looking like a drag queen, but I’ll let you all be the judge of that later. 😂

For now, it’s shaping up to be a fabulous day of celebrations and, whilst I probably shouldn’t admit it, I’m enjoying every second of the attention! 🥂🎂 Gx

Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request