Ahhh...exquisitely prepared meals, excellent wines and impeccable service, presented in elegant surroundings – there are few dining experiences that can compare to those found at a fine steakhouse. Indeed, diners at revered culinary institutions like Morton's, Smith & Wollensky, Ruth's Chris and Capital Grille, as well as regional sensations like Peter Luger, Grill 23 & Bar, Dickie Brennan's and Gene & Georgetti, can be assured that every visit will be made to feel like a special occasion.

The same is true at the newest member of this venerable club, Prime 7, the sophisticated new alternative dining venue from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Considered one of the finest steakhouses afloat – and in the same league as the finest land-based restaurants – Prime 7 was created as part of the recently completed $40 million fleet-wide refurbishment program of all-suite ships Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner.

As you enter Prime 7, you're immediately enveloped in a private haven appointed in a warm and inviting palette of green and gold, designed to create an ambiance of luxury and intimacy. Sink into the sumptuous leather furniture, surrounded by polished granite and rich burnished woods. At your table, elegant table settings of custom china, gleaming silver and shimmering crystal accent the fresh décor.

Open the menu, and you'll find a cornucopia of avant-garde specialties, such as a trio of steak tartares and foie gras sliders with rhubarb chutney, as well as traditional favorites, like oysters Rockefeller and jumbo lump crab cake. These appetizers are followed by the main course stars – a choice of eight USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, including a 32-ounce Porterhouse carved tableside, as well as a selection of lamb, pork, poultry and seafood, including New Zealand double cut lamb chops, Maine lobster with drawn butter and other delectable choices.

Just say the word, and complimentary pairings of the finest California white and red wines will be poured, or if you prefer, you may select from an extensive list of extraordinary American wines available by the glass.

Afterwards, the ultimate indulgence – an assortment of irresistible signature desserts, including a monumental 14-layer Valrhona chocolate cake with roasted pistachio sauce, banana cream pie with peanut butter crust and apricot-caramel glaze and much more.

Though a meal at Prime 7 is an experience to be savored, Regent Seven Seas Cruises does not require guests to pay a supplemental charge to dine there, a policy it extends to all of its alternative dining venues. The only requirement is that future Prime 7 patrons plan their dinners in advance – reservations are required to ensure an unhurried, thoroughly enjoyable culinary experience.