Day 3 – December 28, 2025
Buenos Aires, Argentina → Regent Seven Seas Splendor
(Day 1 on the ship)
We were up around 7:30 am, took quick showers, grabbed a light breakfast, and headed just a few blocks from the hotel to visit Recoleta Cemetery—one of the most famous cemeteries in the world.
Established in 1822 and located in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, the cemetery is known for its extraordinary history and breathtaking architecture. Spread across 14 acres and home to nearly 4,700 vaults, it features an incredible mix of architectural styles including neoclassical, Art Deco, and Gothic. Each mausoleum is unique, adorned with detailed sculptures, marble facades, and ornate craftsmanship.
One of the most visited tombs is that of Eva Perón, Argentina’s former First Lady, whose remains were returned here in the 1970s after many years away.
There really aren’t enough words to describe Recoleta—it’s both stunning and heartbreaking at the same time. Some vaults are impeccably maintained, while others have been left to deteriorate, with broken glass and signs of neglect. The contrast is striking and emotional. We spent about an hour there, but honestly, we could have wandered for hours more.
After our visit, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up, checked out, and waited for our bus to the cruise terminal. The Regent crew truly runs like a well-oiled machine, with buses picking up guests from hotels every 15 minutes. The process was seamless. After a short security check and a quick transfer to the pier, we finally caught sight of our home for the next part of the journey—the Seven Seas Splendor.
Boarding was a delight. We were greeted with big smiles, a warm “welcome aboard,” and a glass of champagne. Since our cabin wasn’t quite ready yet, we took the opportunity to explore the ship and get our bearings. Catherine and Scott boarded around 1 pm, and we met up in one of the lounges for a drink while waiting on rooms.
John and I upgraded this time and are staying in a Penthouse Suite, which comes with a butler. (I suspect Vijin, our butler, may be a bit bored with us—we don’t need much! 😂) Our room was ready shortly after, and once we checked it out, we headed down to Catherine and Scott’s suite to celebrate our arrival with a bottle of champagne. A perfect start!
We had dinner reservations at Pacific Rim, the ship’s pan-Asian restaurant, at 7:30 pm, so everyone spent the afternoon unpacking, showering, and continuing to explore. We’re on the 8th deck, which means no elevators for us—stairs only!
Dinner was excellent, with a great variety of dishes and flavors, all beautifully prepared. Afterward, we stopped by the Connoisseurs Lounge for a nightcap before calling it a night. I was more than ready for a good night’s sleep and finally starting to feel like myself again.
Tomorrow is an at-sea day, and I already have a manicure scheduled for 10 am—clearly easing into cruise life the right way. 💅🚢
What a fantastic first day on the ship!
