Regent to Cut Capacity on Explorer Class Ships by 10 Percent

Regent to Cut Capacity on Explorer Class Ships by 10 Percent

Regent’s Explorer-class ships will feature improved crew- and space-to-guest ratios following their upcoming refits.

According to the company’s website, passengers will take advantage of more space and more personalized service following the updates announced in late July.

The Seven Seas Explorer, the Seven Seas Splendor and the Seven Seas Grandeur are set to undergo drydocks between late 2027 and late 2028.

Described by the company as a “transformative reimagining of select onboard accommodations,” the project will reduce the vessels’ overall capacity to 688 passengers.

With larger suites replacing smaller staterooms, the ships will see nearly a 10 percent drop in their cabin and guest count.

Regent said the crew-to-guest ratio will change from 1:1.3 to 1:1.2, allowing for more attentive and personal service.

Guest-to-space ratio will have a larger upgrade, going from 1:74 to 1:80, which Regent said provides more room for every onboard experience.

Following the changes, the ships will also offer what Regent called the largest entry-level suites, spanning between 38 and 43 square meters.

The company said the enhanced accommodations were designed for comfort and effortless livability, “offering more room to relax, entertain and settle into life at sea.”

Other updates include the debut of a new category, Horizon Penthouse Suite, and the addition of three extra Distinctive Suites on each ship.

The Splendor will be the first ship to debut the enhancements, offering its reimagined suites starting on December 6, 2027.

The Explorer and the Grandeur follow suit in 2028, introducing the upgrades on May 22 and November 13, respectively.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Explorer-class vessels are currently the newest ships in Regent’s fleet and entered service between 2016 and 2023.

In addition to refurbishing its Explorer-class ships, the company is introducing a new ship class later this year with the debut of the Seven Seas Prestige. The 822-guest vessel will be followed by sisters in 2030, 2033 and 2036.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur - Video

This video was filmed of the Seven Seas Grandeur's first visit to the historic City of Liverpool

Seven Seas Grandeur is an Ultra-Luxary cruise ship operated. It's the third vessel in the Explorer Class, known for its all-inclusive experience and high staff-to-guest ratio. The ship debuted in November 2023 and features a reimagined Compass Rose restaurant, a state-of-the-art spa, and luxurious accommodations. 

Key Features:

• All-inclusive experience:

  Seven Seas Grandeur offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience with gourmet dining, included excursions, and premium beverages. 
• Luxurious accommodations:

  The ship features spacious suites with private balconies, plush bedding, and high-end amenities. 
Culinary excellence:
It boasts multiple restaurants, including the reimagined Compass Rose, offering a variety of dining experiences. 
Wellness and spa:
The ship features a state-of-the-art spa with treatment rooms, thermal suites, and a relaxation area. 
Art and design:
The ship showcases a blend of art and bold décor, creating a sophisticated and striking ambience. 
Sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor:
It shares similarities in size and layout with its sister ships but with unique enhancements. 

Destinations:

Seven Seas Grandeur offers cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Europe.
In 2025 and 2026, the ship will visit various destinations, providing opportunities to explore these regions in style. 

 Agents hailed as Regent Seven Seas Cruises reports record booking day

Regent Seven Seas Cruises saw its largest ever booking day when sales for its 2022-2023 Voyage Collection opened on October 21.

The previous booking day record for the 28-year-old cruise line was set in April 2018 with the launch of Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural season.

All destinations saw high levels of interest, but cruises in Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean and northern Europe – especially the Baltics – were notably popular.

Jason Montague, president and chief executive, said: “The staggering response to our 2022-2023 Voyage Collection demonstrates the incredible future demand for the unrivalled Regent experience.

“Luxury travellers simply cannot wait to get back on the oceans to see the world again.

“Our loyal guests wasted no time in securing their perfect itinerary and suite with last year’s Voyage Collection launch day total eclipsed after only 90 minutes of being on sale.”

Graham Sadler, senior vice president and managing director, added: “This phenomenal achievement is a testament to the professionalism and tenacity of our talented UK travel partners and we would like to thank them for their support, without which the hugely successful launch of our 2022-2023 Voyage Collection would not have been possible.”

The collection features 148 sailings from April 2022 to April 2023, with 17 maiden ports of call for the line and 105 overnight visits.

Travellers will have access to more than 350 Unesco World Heritage Sites across thousands of free, unlimited shore excursions.

Christie Brinkley named Seven Seas Splendor godmother

Former supermodel Christie Brinkley will be the Seven Seas Splendor godmother when the ship is christened in Miami on Feb. 21.

"Christie Brinkley is a universally beloved icon who is synonymous worldwide for her beauty, style and commitment to health and happiness," said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

"It's fitting that the godmother of Seven Seas Splendor reflects timeless elegance, vitality and sophistication, as Regent has perfected all the details of luxury onboard Seven Seas Splendor."

Brinkley gained fame with her three consecutive appearances on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, starting in 1979. She is also known for her appearance in "National Lampoon's Vacation" as the girl in the red Ferrari and as a longtime model and spokeswoman for CoverGirl cosmetics.

The Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship is a 750-passenger sibling of the Seven Seas Explorer.

A subjective list of awards for cruise experiences

Seven Seas Explorer

here's no shortage of travel industry awards and accolades. 

Today I'll offer some cruise-only nods -- a mini Academy Awards lineup, if you will --  based on my seven years of cruising for Travel Weekly. Unlike the Oscars, in which categories of longstanding tradition are properly judged, my award categories and winners are completely subjective and based mostly on one moment on one ship, rather than a studious fleetwide evaluation over time.

Plus, mine aren't broadcast on national television. And there's no statuette. But they're fun. See what you think, and offer your own winners in the comment section below.

So, with no further ado:

Best naming ceremony: Princess Cruises. Skies were grey in Southampton, England, on that June day in 2013, but who can beat royal princess Kate Middleton christening the Royal Princess? The British pomp and pageantry and the ladies in their gowns and fascinators made it unforgettable. Runner up: More royals, plus opera great Andrea Bocelli singing "Nessun Dorma" for the Seven Seas Explorer in Monaco.

Meal: Celebrity Cruises. I think it was on the Celebrity Reflection with former Celebrity public relations spokeswoman Liz Jakeway that I had a nearly flawless Italian dinner at the Tuscan Grille. Runner up: Guy Fieri's burgers on Carnival Cruise Line.

Suite:  Viking Ocean Cruises. The Owner's Suite on the Viking Star duplicates owner Tor Hagen's book collection and comes with a (faux) fireplace and a sauna with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall for ocean viewing. Runner up: the duplex suites on Royal Caribbean.

Service: Azamara. I know, not what you're expecting, but I say: try it. The relaxed style really made me feel at home on a 2016 Central America and Mexico cruise on the Azamara Journey. When my time was up, I didn't want to leave. Runner up: Seabourn.

Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line. "After Midnight" and "Million Dollar Quartet" on the Norwegian Escape in 2016 was a knockout one-two punch, and Norwegian has kept up the pace with each new ship: "Jersey Boys," "Kinky Boots." Great value for guests. Runner up: Royal Caribbean, where too much is never enough.

Pool: Seabourn. The cosy aft pool on Seabourn's 450-passenger ships puts sunbathers close to the water in stylish luxury. Runner up: the Solarium Pool on Celebrity, with its dancing waters fountain.

Cruise Director: Star Clippers. The line's longest-serving cruise director, Peter Kissner, hails from Bavaria and is the most personable, knowledgeable, interesting person I've yet encountered in the job.  Runner up: Azamara cruise director Eric de Gray does it all.

Internet: Royal Caribbean gets the nod for its Voom, which not only is fast and simple but was first to market. What a difference in seven years. Runner up: MedallionNet on Princess Cruises is also fast and simple (but was not first).

Children's character: Disney Cruise Line for Cinderella. As played by one of Disney's cast members, the Cinderella I saw could have stepped out of the 1950 animated feature film. The children were enchanted. Runner Up:  Ellie, the towel elephant that prowls the post-turn-down cabins on Carnival ships.

Deck BBQ: Windstar Cruises. A twilight summer deck party anchored off the coast of Portofino. Trust me, it doesn't get any better than that. Runner up: Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Fincantieri to build a new ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Fincantieri is building a new cruise ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have signed a contract to construct an ultra-luxury cruise ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises to be delivered in 2023. The value of the agreement is approximately €474M.

The new vessel will be a sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer, delivered in 2016, and to Seven Seas Splendor, due for delivery in 2020.

Fincantieri said that at 54,000 tonnes, the unit will be able to accommodate up to 750 guests on board and that it will be the brand’s sixth all-suite vessel in Regent’s fleet. Like her sister ships, the new vessel will be built using the latest environmental protection technologies. The interiors will be particularly sophisticated, with every attention paid to passenger comfort.

“We are excited to build on the spectacular success of Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as we embark on bringing to life a new vessel that will set even higher benchmarks for elegance, luxury and style”, said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive, Frank Del Rio. “This new ship further strengthens our company’s robust yet measured growth profile with vessels now on order for all three of our award-winning brands, enabling us to expand our presence globally, further diversify our product offerings and continue to drive shareholder returns”.

Fincantieri chief executive Giuseppe Bono said “This agreement is the perfect seal of the work our Group has carried out over the years and the role we have gained on the market. We are able to enter and maintain a reference market presence in every niche, including the most unique and competitive as the ultra-luxury one, in which Regent Seven Seas Cruises operates. Quality is the shipowner’s hallmark and it entrusted Fincantieri once again.”

He said Fincantieri has 10 ships on order for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in its orderbook, five of which have been secured in the last five months, for all three brands in its portfolio.

Regent unveils interior details of Seven Seas Splendor

The grand staircase will be opposite the main entrance to the Compass Rose restaurant.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled some interior details and renderings for the Seven Seas Splendor, the follow-on to 2016's Seven Seas Explorer.

The ship, due in 2020, will be much the same as the Explorer, but a few details have changed.

Regent said that it has relocated the grand staircase on the Splendor so that it is opposite the entrance to the main dining room on the ship, the Compass Rose.

The move will "evoke an enchanting sense of arrival for guests," Regent said.

Each Veranda Suite will be 207 square feet.

Also, the Coffee Connection is moving to the port side of the ship and is being expanded with a new al fresco seating area. The Splendor's Pan-Asian restaurant, Pacific Rim, will remain on the port side, offering guests an unobstructed view of the restaurant's central sculpture from the reception area.

Suites on the 750-passenger Splendor range from the 307 square-foot, entry-level Veranda Suite, to the top end 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises orders fifth ship

Regent Seven Seas Cruises orders fifth ship

Regent Seven Seas New Builds

Regent Seven Seas Cruises said it has ordered a version of its 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, which will add a fifth ship to its fleet.  

The line said it reached an agreement with the Italian shipyard Fincantieri to deliver the ship in 2020 at a price of about $480 million.

The Seven Seas Explorer, due in July, has had record-breaking pre-delivery sales.

“We expect that the positive impact on earnings and impressive return on investment from Seven Seas Explorer will be significant. and that her sister vessel will make a similar contribution,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Regent's parent company.
Regent's three other ships are Seven Seas Voyager, Navigator and Mariner.

Several luxury cruise lines have new ships on order, including Seabourn (launching the Seabourn Encore at the end of the year), Silversea Cruises (gaining the Silver Muse next year), and Crystal Cruises (building a trio of ships for delivery starting in 2018). 

Seven Seas Explorer pool to have shallow and deep sections

By Tom Stieghorst 

The Seven Seas Explorer, a ship scheduled to enter service in summer 2016, will have a T-shaped pool with a large shallow area and a narrower deep section, Regent Seven Seas Cruises revealed on Tuesday.

Surrounding the pool will be a teak deck with loungers. One deck up, circular double loungers with white fabric shades overlook the pool. Also, there will be fixed sunscreens on supports running the length of the pool on either side of the upper deck, providing shade to loungers.

The pool area is mostly white, with teak and blue tile, giving it an elegant contemporary flair.

At the end nearest the pool grill are two hot tubs shaded by large circular sunscreens.

Sheer fabric curtains divide the areas at the far edges of the pool deck into more intimate lounge spaces.

Regent said the Deck 12 sports area features shuffleboard, putting greens, golf nets, a bocce court, paddle tennis and a jogging track.

The Explorer will be Regent’s first new ship since 2003.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises reveals pics of new luxury ship

The ship's atrium lobby.

Promising "the most luxurious cruise ship ever built," Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and COO Jason Montague unveiled renderings of the interior of Seven Seas Explorer at a news conference in New York this morning.

The 750-passenger ship will be Regent’s first in over a decade when it is delivered in 2016.

The Compass Rose restaurant.

Renderings show public rooms with rich fabrics, vibrant colors and exotic materials. The ship’s Explorer Lounge, for example, has columns sheathed in mahogany wood and a black marble bar ringed with plush, deep opal blue bar stools.

A standout feature will be the two bedroom, 3,875-foot Regent Suite, which boasts an in-room spa with unlimited Canyon Ranch treatments included and a glass-enclosed outdoor sitting garden where guests enjoy an unobstructed 270 degree forward view. The suite also comes with unlimited laundry service, a private car and driver at each port, and a limousine service on departure and arrival.


The master bedroom in the 3,875-square foot Regent Suite.

"There is nothing like the Regent Suite in the cruise industry, and I believe it rivals anything on land, too," Montague said.

Guests boarding the ship will step into a lobby with a circular inlaid marble floor, matched by twin etched glass staircases and punctuated by a cascading crystal chandelier.

Regent said each suite category will have its own unique layout and design elements, ranging from a warm and welcoming island manor style for the Deluxe Suite to a more sumptuous jewel inspired look in the Penthouse Suite.

Public rooms include those featured on current Regent vessels, including the Compass Rose main dining room, Prime7 steakhouse and Verandah buffet restaurant, which transforms into the table service Sette Mari restaurant for dinner. 

The in-room spa retreat in the Regent Suite includes a steam room, sauna and treatment area.

Explorer also features a two-story, 675-seat Constellation Theater and a silver, gold, black and white Observation Lounge. Tables in front of the theater seats will each feature a hand-blown, Murano glass lamp. 

"This ship will offer our guests a new level of grandeur throughout, from its lavish suites to its elegant public spaces and gourmet restaurants,” Montague said. 

Explorer will sail in the Mediterranean starting in July 2016. Reservations open Jan. 19.

Construction begins on Seven Seas Explorer®: The Most Luxurious Ship in the World™

July 15, 2014 by Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Explorer Video

Construction began this morning for Seven Seas Explorer at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The crisp pop of a cork being freed from a Krug Grande Cuvée magnum initiated a laser, which cut the ceremonial first piece of steel for the new ship.  Incorporating a bottle of the world’s finest champagne to start the building process is symbolic of the high level of sophistication and design being developed for Seven Seas Explorer, which is scheduled to debut in summer 2016.

The ceremonial first piece of steel cut this morning will serve as the foundation for an opulent, one-of-a-kind suite unlike any other at sea. The owner’s suite resplendent with exquisite stonework and luscious fabrics will serve as a hallmark for the superior level of elegance found throughout the ship.

During the ceremony, Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, and Gabriele Cocco, senior executive vice president of merchant ships for Fincantieri, began a countdown that culminated with Maison Krug Italy’s master sommelier, Michela Cimatoribus, releasing the cork from a magnum of Krug Grande Cuvée.  As the cork soared and the champagne flowed, confetti cascaded down and the laser cut the first piece of steel for the 750-passenger ship.

 

“We’re one step closer to fulfilling our dream of building the most luxurious ship in the world and giving our guests another exciting option to explore inspired global destinations with our special brand of all-inclusive luxury,” noted Kamlani.  “Seven Seas Explorer will surpass the current standard in luxury cruising, offering a new level of grandeur throughout the ship from its lavish suites to its elegant public spaces and gourmet restaurants.”

When she debuts in the summer 2016, Seven Seas Explorer will establish a new benchmark for style and service. At 54,000 gross-registered tons and carrying only 750-guests, Seven Seas Explorer will boast the highest space ratios and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry, as well as an opulent one-of-a-kind suite unlike any other at sea.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will begin taking reservations for her maiden voyage and inaugural season in early 2015.  Will you be among the first to sail aboard ‘The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built™?