Seven Seas Prestige Marks New Era in Luxury Cruising

The keel laying ceremony for the upcoming luxury cruise ship, Seven Seas Prestige, took place on March 27, 2025, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, marking a significant milestone in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ expansion of its ultra-luxury fleet. Observing a long-standing maritime tradition, attendees welded commemorative coins onto the ship’s keel to wish the vessel good fortune and safe travels. Present were top-level representatives from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Fincantieri, including Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; and Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President of New Building and After Sales at Fincantieri.

Key Ceremony Details

During the formal ceremony, three distinct coins were embedded in the keel to symbolize the alliance and heritage that inform the building of this new vessel. A Venetian coin from 1688 represented the shipyard’s Italian roots; a 1992 Christopher Columbus US silver dollar underscored Regent’s historical ties; and a custom-designed coin noted the official keel laying date for Seven Seas Prestige. Industry officials highlighted the importance of these symbolic gestures, which are believed to impart prosperity and protection throughout the ship’s lifetime.

First New Class of Regent Ships in Over a Decade

Seven Seas Prestige is the first ship in Regent’s new Prestige Class, the line’s first entirely new class in more than ten years. Slated for delivery in 2026, the 77,000-gross-ton vessel will host up to 850 guests in 434 suites, offering some of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the cruise industry. The ship’s design emphasizes spacious accommodations and top-tier amenities, aligning with Regent’s reputation for personalized service. New suite categories and enhanced public areas are proposed, alongside a commitment to sustainability through advanced environmental technologies. Regent executives indicate these features support their “Most Inclusive Luxury Experience,” which provides guests with unlimited shore excursions, gourmet dining, premium beverages, and pre-cruise hotel programs.

Significance for the Luxury Cruise Industry

Industry observers view Seven Seas Prestige as a notable advancement in the high-end cruise segment. Jason Montague expressed pride in Regent’s collaboration with Fincantieri, praising shared standards of fine craftsmanship and innovation. Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, described the ship as a major achievement that meets the evolving expectations of luxury travelers. The overarching Prestige Class initiative is seen as a strategic move to satisfy rising demand for spacious, exclusive, and sustainable cruising experiences. Regent has announced a second Prestige Class vessel for 2029, reinforcing its vision for long-term growth in the luxury sector.

Farewell to Seven Seas Navigator

While celebrating the future, Regent Seven Seas Cruises also prepares to bid farewell to one of its iconic ships: the 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator. Its final voyage is set for October 2, 2026, after which the vessel will be sold to Crescent Seas, a start-up cruise line intending to convert it into a floating residential community. This move reflects a broader trend within the maritime industry to repurpose older ships for alternative uses, such as residential or mixed-use hospitality projects, to accommodate shifting consumer needs and preferences.

This latest keel laying represents a new chapter in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ history, with both industry insiders and luxury travel enthusiasts eager for the launch of Seven Seas Prestige in 2026. By combining tradition, innovation, and a focus on refined comforts, the line continues to carve out a prominent place in the world of ultra-luxury cruising.

What is the significance of the keel laying ceremony?

The keel laying ceremony marks the formal start of a ship’s construction. During the event, coins are welded to the keel as a tradition meant to bring good fortune and protection to the vessel.

When will Seven Seas Prestige set sail?

The ship is scheduled for delivery in 2026, launching as the first vessel in the new Prestige Class for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

What makes Seven Seas Prestige unique?

This upcoming vessel boasts one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry, new suite categories, enhanced public spaces, and advanced environmental technologies designed to minimize its ecological footprint.

What will happen to Seven Seas Navigator?

After its final voyage in October 2026, Seven Seas Navigator will be acquired by Crescent Seas, a newly established cruise line aiming to transform the vessel into a floating residential community.

Will there be more Prestige Class ships?

Yes. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced plans for a second Prestige Class vessel in 2029, continuing its expansion in the ultra-luxury market.