From the desk of Graham Sadler, Managing Director UK, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
With the horse meat scandal seeming to run on like my tip on last year's Grand National, it has given cause to question our perception of value and labeling. Sometimes, what you think you are receiving and the reality of what you actually receive, isn't necessarily what you were led to believe you would receive!
As consumers, we're always asking for more, but cheaper. We asked for cheaper food. The supermarkets told the manufacturers to find a cheaper way of producing food. Yet somewhere we've been misled along the way. It's easy to shave a penny off here, a pound there, but inevitably there are consequences. Yet we tend to ignore these as we wallow in our belief we got a bargain.
What is cheap? What is value? What is luxury? And can you have it all?
The reality is NO, you can't. It's just possible to have 'cheap and value' and definitely 'luxury and value' but you simply can't have 'luxury and cheap'. It just doesn't exist and personally, I don't believe it ever has or ever will. A few years ago you could buy lovely cheap houses in Dunwich, Suffolk, they have all now slipped into the North Sea. Remember those cheap Lancia's that rusted within a year?
The definition of cheap is 'of very poor quality, relatively low in price or to charge low prices'.
If we want something genuine and special then we have to pay for it. Anything less and we can expect it to be a watered-down version, mixed with inferior ingredients, alien to what we expected and thought we paid for.
The old adage 'you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear' is hundreds of years old. The concept is nothing new. Yet we still expect to buy a Mercedes for the price of a Fiat! We've all looked to seek out that hidden bargain without even thinking 'why is it a bargain'? There's nothing wrong in that, but just because something is cheap, doesn't necessarily make it a bargain.
So what should we look for? The key here is VALUE. This is what it's all about. VALUE is the holy grail of buying anything. Nobody wants to pay more than something is worth. The result is a feeling of exploitation and being conned. No matter what the budget is, the overriding concern should be whether the price is reliable and whether you understand exactly what you will receive for your money and does it represent good value for money?
The definition of value is 'the quality that renders something desirable or valuable'.
If you want something luxurious that gives you a special feeling that only something truly luxurious can, then the reality is you pay the appropriate price.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® offers the ultimate in luxury and has acquired a unique position over traditional cruise lines by providing the best value for the very best that cruising has to offer. We have taken every element of the cruise experience, applied and measured the very best against a value proposition and sprinkled it with a whole heap of style besides. Our guests demand it. They are prepared to pay for it. So we give them more than they expect and this is the VALUE of a Regent cruise.
One price, payable upfront giving total budget security that includes everything needed to enjoy a luxurious cruise holiday. This is unrivalled by any other holiday operator, on land or sea. Not, 'almost inclusive but not quite so we can extract more cash from you' inclusive. We're fully inclusive of everything that sensibly should be included!
For 2013, our one price covers everything:
A luxuriously appointed balcony suite (minimum 301 sq ft) with marble bathroom, shower and/or bath, walk-in wardrobe, large European King sized beds, sitting area, TV/DVD player, complimentary mini-bar, fruit bowl, bottle of Champagne on arrival
Flights and transfers
Overnight first class hotel pre-cruise*
All meals onboard
Speciality dining at no extra charge
24-hours room service at no extra charge
Free wine at meals at no extra charge
Free drinks from the bars at any time at no extra charge
Free Champagne at no extra charge
Free speciality teas and coffees at no extra charge
Free entertainment at no extra charge
Free fitness classes at no extra charge
First class personal service and no gratuities
Free unlimited excursions at no extra charge
Of course, there are things you can purchase onboard, but it's completely discretionary. Our all-inclusive features on their own will provide a luxurious experience.
Casino
Spa
Beauty Salon
Vintages wines and Champagnes
Boutique purchases
Telephone calls
Internet (free after sailing 21 nights with Regent)
Regent Choice excursions
Only Regent includes the lot! And this is only the beginning. To be truly luxurious, it's the quality that really matters. Prime and expensive ingredients are served in our restaurants, expensive cuts of meat, expensive fish and seafood and the freshest of fruit and vegetables as well as speciality teas and coffees. Named premium brand liquors and Champagne are served at our bars and over 20 high quality fine wines are served up - all included within our one-off fare. You could literally leave your wallet at home! Furthermore you have an average of six excursions to choose from in every port, morning, afternoon or evening.
One price, amazing value, no irritating extras.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive luxury cruise experiences and I'm not 'horsing' around!
GS 11/03/2013
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