Regent Seven Seas Cruises Celebrates Key Milestone for Newest Ship

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise sector, celebrated a key milestone in the creation of its latest ship, Seven Seas Prestige. The vessel’s keel laying ceremony took place today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, marking the beginning of construction for the first new class of Regent vessels in a decade.

“Seven Seas Prestige represents our continued legacy of elevating the standard of ultra-luxury travel and we are proud to cement our place as leaders in the industry with this exciting milestone,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Expertise, passion, and dedication to perfection are shared values between Regent and Fincantieri, and there is no one better placed to bring Seven Seas Prestige to life as we usher in a new age of excellence for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.” 

The ceremony was attended by key figures from both Regent and Fincantieri, including Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Jason Montague, and Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Also present were Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President of New Building and After Sales at Fincantieri, Marco Lunardi, Senior Vice President of Marghera Shipyard, and Giuseppe Cusenza, Vice President and Project Manager at Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. 

“The keel laying for Seven Seas Prestige marks an important milestone not only for Regent and Fincantieri, but for the entire industry, as we continue to elevate the standards of ultra-luxury cruising,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. “This ship embodies the innovation and craftsmanship that define our longstanding partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Leveraging our extensive expertise, know-how, and the technical excellence refined through the successful construction of the Explorer Class vessels, we are proud to bring Regent’s vision to life once again with this remarkable new ship.”

In keeping with maritime tradition, three symbolic coins were welded into the ship’s keel during the ceremony. These coins, which are believed to bring good fortune, include:

• A specially minted Seven Seas Prestige coin, featuring an antique gold finish and etched with the ship's design and the keel laying date.
• A Venetian coin from 1688, symbolizing the ship's construction in Venice and they city’s legacy of shipbuilding, and honoring the longstanding relationship between Regent and Fincantieri.
• A Christopher Columbus U.S. silver dollar from 1992, commemorating the cruise line's founding year and the legacy of the famed Italian explorer.

Scheduled for delivery in 2026 and set to revolutionize ultra-luxury cruising, Seven Seas Prestige will be the first of Regent’s new Prestige-Class vessels—the line’s first new ship class in 10 years—and follow in the footsteps of Regent's successful Explorer-Class vessels.

Weighing in at 77,000 tons and accommodating just 850 guests, Seven Seas Prestige will provide one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry, offering more Unrivaled Space at Sea than any previous Regent ship. The vessel will feature elegantly designed suites, as well as exquisite, thoughtfully crafted restaurants, bars, lounges and public spaces. Additionally, it will debut new accommodation categories, including a reimagined Regent Suite, alongside innovative dining experiences.

These exciting additions will elevate Regent’s signature The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, which includes perks like unlimited shore excursions at every port of call, gourmet dining at various specialty restaurants and al-fresco venues, premium wines and spirits, entertainment, Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary valet laundry service, pre-paid gratuities and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for guests in Concierge-level suites and higher, among other luxurious amenities.

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