​When September arrives at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, the frantic rush of summer gives way to a golden, peaceful calm. The water stays warm, the mountain air turns crisp, and the lake community catches its breath. But this past September, a group of 26 friends and neighbors from SML decided to take that perfect early-autumn vibe on the road. They traded their pontoons for a luxury river ship and embarked on a dream journey down the Rhône River through the heart of Provence, France.

For a crew used to anchoring in secluded SML coves, a European river cruise was the ultimate upgrade. The best part? No one had to captain the boat, watch the depth finder, or worry about docking. Instead, the friends spent their days relaxing on the ship's sun deck, watching medieval castles, fields of flowers, and ancient stone bridges glide by.

Autumn Light and French Wine
September is arguably the most magical time of year to visit the South of France. The intense summer heat breaks into perfect weather mornings and sun-drenched afternoons, bathed in the rich, golden light that famously inspired Vincent van Gogh.

The SML crew leaned heavily into the season, starting their journey in Lyon, the culinary capital of France, before sailing south into wine country. As lake residents who appreciate a great vintage on the dock, they felt right at home exploring the Beaujolais Region and the famous rocky soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They spent afternoons and evenings swirling full-bodied reds, crisp whites, chilled rosés!

​Engineering, History, Laughter, and Group Excursions
Traveling with a group of friends means every activity offers something interesting and probably a few laughs. The men especially enjoyed gathering on deck to experience the formidable locks, where the deep, echoing hum of the ship’s engines could be heard as thousands of gallons of water churn quietly beneath the hull. This incredible engineering marvel—highlighted by massive structures like the 23-meter-deep Bollène Lock—effortlessly drops the vessel down towering stone walls before the iron gates slide open, seamlessly transitioning you into the sun-drenched, vineyard-lined waters of Provence.

Locks, not your cup of tea? Not a problem. There was definitely something for everyone! So, whether it's experiencing the locks, walking the cobblestone streets of Vienne to stand before 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, exploring the massive, fortress-like Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) in Avignon, wine tasting at a local vineyard, e-biking along one of the many riverside paths, taking an onboard art class, or shopping and cooking with the ship’s chef - sharing these experiences with friends makes them a little more memorable.

Endless Echoes Back on the Lake
Every evening, the group reunited in the ship’s dining room, mixing up company and sharing stories from the day over multi-course dinners and local wines. They toasted, tasted and celebrated good times. Now back home at Smith Mountain Lake, everyone is settling into the cooler autumn routine. But the spirit of Provence and adventure remains alive. They may be back on lake time, but they are already eyeing the map, thinking about where this SML crew will conquer next?!

After sailing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in the Caribbean and Regent Seven Seas in the Mediterranean back-to-back, I'm here to tell you that “luxury cruising” is not a one-size-fits-all experience.  Each line has its own different personality.  Each line provides the traveler, a different experience. 

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection felt modern, intimate, and lifestyle-focused from the moment we boarded. The yacht itself was stunning — sleek design, contemporary spaces, and an atmosphere that felt more boutique hotel than traditional cruise ship. Sailing through the Caribbean added to that relaxed energy. Days were unhurried, evenings were social without ever feeling crowded, and the overall vibe leaned younger and more casual than I expected from a luxury line.

What stood out most on Ritz-Carlton was the sense of exclusivity. Service felt incredibly personalized. Crew members quickly learned our names and preferences, and the smaller ports created a more curated experience compared to larger cruise itineraries. Dining was another major highlight. The specialty restaurants delivered restaurant-quality meals night after night, and the culinary presentation consistently impressed me. Not one cook to order or buffet station found onboard. 

The Ritz-Carlton experience is very much about atmosphere and design. Entertainment is intentionally understated, nightlife is relaxed, and the focus is clearly on wellness, conversation, and destination highlights rather than lots of ship activity. It felt sophisticated, yet comfortable.

Regent Seven Seas in the Mediterranean delivered luxury in a very different way — more classic, more inclusive, and more traditionally cruise-oriented.  While the ships are slightly larger than the Ritz-Carlton yachts, they are still considered small and feel spacious.  Every cabin is a suite and there are more public spaces onboard to enjoy.  The RSSC Gradeur was the most beautiful ship, I've been on; both urbane and elegant.  

Regent excels at creating a refined and seamless experience. The Mediterranean itinerary especially played to Regent’s strengths because the cruise emphasized culture, history, and destination-rich port days.

One of Regent’s biggest advantages is the all-inclusive value. Excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, and many additional amenities were included, which created a truly carefree vacation. There was never a sense of constantly reaching for an extra charge, and that makes the trip feel exceptionally delightful.

Service on Regent was polished and professional across the board. While it lacked some of the ultra-personal intimacy of the smaller Ritz-Carlton yacht, the consistency was remarkable. The dining was excellent as well, although I found Ritz-Carlton slightly more adventurous and modern in culinary style.  Regent leaned more classic luxury — elegant presentations, traditional fine dining, and impeccable execution. That said, the French, Pan Asian and Italian specialty restaurants offered plenty of diversion.  All restaurants were aesthetically gorgeous and appealing.  Related, I heard more than one person ask, "who desiged the ship?"

The Mediterranean itself also shaped the experience differently from the Caribbean. Port-intensive days in Italy, Greece, and Spain naturally made the cruise feel more active and culturally immersive. By comparison, the Caribbean sailing on Ritz-Carlton emphasized relaxation, beach clubs with soft white sand and warm emerald waters, and enjoying the yacht itself as much as the destinations.

If I had to summarize the difference in one sentence: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection felt like staying at an ultra-luxury boutique resort that happened to float, while Regent Seven Seas felt like experiencing a beautifully executed traditional luxury cruise with exceptional inclusions.

Both were outstanding, but they appeal to different travel moods and demographics.  For a stylish, intimate, modern escape focused on ambiance and design, I would choose Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. For a culturally immersive, highly inclusive, classic luxury cruise experience, Regent Seven Seas would be hard to beat.

My husband and I recently completed a 14-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, and it was truly one of the most memorable travel experiences we have ever shared. From the moment we stepped on-board, we were welcomed with exceptional hospitality, elegant surroundings, and a level of personalized service that made us feel completely relaxed and cared for throughout the journey.

The ship itself was stunning, combining luxury with comfort in every detail. Our suite was beautifully appointed, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, offering incredible ocean views that we enjoyed every morning and evening. The attention to detail throughout the ship—from the artwork and décor to the peaceful lounges and outdoor spaces—created an atmosphere of sophistication without ever feeling overwhelming or formal.

One of the highlights of our cruise was exploring the beautiful Mediterranean ports together. Each destination offered its own charm, history, and culture, allowing us to experience everything from vibrant coastal Barcelona to the iconic Giza pyramids. We especially enjoyed wandering through local streets, pausing at outdoor cafes and tasting authentic regional cuisine, and learning about the unique traditions of each place we visited. The excursions were very well organized and gave us the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Dining aboard the ship was another unforgettable part of the experience. Every restaurant offered exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and an inviting atmosphere. We appreciated the variety of dining options available, from elegant fine dining to more casual meals by the pool. Each meal felt special, and the staff consistently went above and beyond to accommodate every preference. The aesthetics and decor were jaw dropping too.  

Sailing through the Caribbean aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht felt less like a vacation and more like stepping into a perfectly curated dream. From the very first day, every detail—every flavor, every view, every interaction—was elevated beyond expectation.

Every moment seemed designed to awaken the senses.  The food alone was unforgettable. Each meal felt like an event, with beautifully crafted dishes that reflected both local Caribbean flavors and refined global cuisine. Paired with exceptional wines, dinners lingered into the evening as we savored not just the courses, but the experience itself. The service was equally remarkable—intuitive, warm, and effortlessly attentive, making everything feel seamless without ever being intrusive.

Beyond the yacht, the Caribbean unfolded in breathtaking ways. We snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant marine life, the kind of beauty that makes you pause and simply take it in. On one select excursion, we were treated to the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales and their nursing calves—powerful, graceful, and humbling all at once.

Day and night drifted by with tropical breezes, naturally lit decks, and endless ocean views. Spa afternoons turned into hours of relaxation, and evenings brought us together again, dressed up just enough, to enjoy incredible meals and toast to the good life.

What made the journey truly special was how it blended adventure with indulgence. It wasn’t just about where we went, but how it felt to be there—completely present, immersed in beauty, and quietly amazed at every turn.
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Definitely a trip for the books! Contact me to learn more and to receive best service and value when booking your small ship luxury cruise.