The luxury cruise industry is preparing for a new event: on December 13, 2026, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will officially inaugurate a new stage in its history with the entry into service of the Seven Seas Prestige, a ship destined to redefine the standards of ultra-luxury at sea.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 77 – June 2026
The choice of Barcelona as the departure port for its maiden voyage is no coincidence. The Catalan capital will be the starting point for a 14-night transatlantic crossing to Miami, marking the debut of Regent's first new class of ships in a decade and the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan that includes the addition of four Prestige-class vessels by 2036.
With 77,000 gross registered tons, a length of 257 meters and a capacity for only 822 guests, the new Seven Seas Prestige is presented as the ultimate expression of the company's philosophy: to offer more space, more privacy and a level of service at the top of the luxury cruise industry.
Larger than ever, but with less passenger density.
Although the Seven Seas Prestige represents a significant leap in size compared to the Explorer-class ships, Regent's philosophy remains unchanged. The new ship is approximately 40% larger than its predecessors, but will only accommodate 10% more passengers. This decision allows them to maintain one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the entire industry.
To ensure a highly personalized experience, the 822 passengers will be served by a crew of 630 professionals, approaching a ratio of practically one crew member per guest.
This combination of spaciousness, privacy and service is one of the company's main selling points and one of the hallmarks of the ultra-luxury segment.
The Starlight Atrium, the architectural heart of the ship.
Designed by Studio DADO, also responsible for the interiors of the successful Explorer Class ships, the Seven Seas Prestige opts for an aesthetic inspired by classical and Renaissance architecture, reinterpreted from a contemporary perspective.
The ship's most iconic space will be the spectacular Starlight Atrium, conceived as the true social heart of the vessel. Spread over several levels and crowned by a large glass roof, the atrium receives abundant natural light during the day and offers an elegant and luminous atmosphere at night. Two grand, twin spiral staircases become the dominant visual element of the space, connecting different decks and lending a sense of monumentality rarely seen on a ship of this size.
The soft shades of dusty rose, cream, and taupe, along with the artwork that the cruise line has confirmed will once again play a key role in the onboard experience, the ornamental finishes, and the carefully selected furnishings, evoke the refinement of the great classic European hotels.
From this area, you can access some of the ship's main meeting points, such as the casino, designed as a sophisticated and exclusive space that combines different classic games with a selection of slot machines; the Prestige Lounge, with its distinguished and welcoming atmosphere, and one of the main stages for social life on board, featuring live music, carefully selected performances, and elegant décor that make this lounge the ideal place to enjoy a drink before or after dinner, share an evening with friends, or simply soak up the ambiance as the ship sails; the Meridian Lounge, with a design inspired by the meridian that divides the globe, evoking the spirit of great voyages and the discovery of new destinations, will host social activities and informal gatherings throughout the day, while at night it will transform into a lively space to enjoy cocktails, musical performances, and dancing in an intimate and exclusive setting; Coffee Connection, designed as an informal, bright, and welcoming space dedicated to specialty coffee and small gastronomic pleasures throughout the day; and the reception area.
Galileo's Bar: Contemporary elegance with nods to the past.
Integrated within the Starlight Atrium, Galileo's Bar is set to become one of the most popular spots on board. Its name pays homage to the Seven Seas Navigator, one of the company's most iconic ships. The design blends contemporary elements with classic artistic references, most notably a striking ceiling decorated like a large oil painting framed by metal structures.
The space is designed as a sophisticated meeting point to enjoy the wide selection of wines, champagnes, cocktails and premium drinks included in the Regent experience.
The largest suite in cruise history.
If there's one space destined to become a symbol of the Seven Seas Prestige, it's undoubtedly the Skyview Regent Suite. With a total area of 817 square meters spread over two levels, it's the largest all-inclusive suite ever built on a cruise ship, designed as a true private residence at sea.
The main living room serves as the heart of the suite, with distinct areas for relaxation and entertaining guests, furnished with contemporary sofas, armchairs with sleek lines, and sculptural side tables. The ambient lighting, seamlessly integrated into the architectural design, allows the ambiance to be adjusted depending on the time of day, from a bright and open atmosphere to a more intimate and sophisticated setting in the evening.
The private dining room, designed as a formal yet welcoming space, features a large table for six, surrounded by high-quality upholstered chairs and complemented by an elegant glass-fronted bar. This space is ideal for both private dinners served by the butler and exclusive celebrations on board.
The master bedroom is presented as a haven of ultimate privacy, featuring a king-size bed dressed in high-end linens, a custom-upholstered headboard, and additional sitting areas by the panoramic windows. The boutique-style dressing room includes custom-made wardrobes with interior lighting, a vanity, and organized areas for luggage and accessories.
The bathrooms, clad in natural stone, incorporate rain showers, separate spa-style bathtubs and double sinks with contemporary designer faucets, reinforcing the feeling of well-being typical of an ultra-luxury hotel.
One of the suite's most spectacular features is its floating natural stone staircase, conceived as a central sculptural piece connecting both levels. Beside it, a private elevator ensures maximum comfort and accessibility, reinforcing the feeling of independent living within the ship.
Outside, the suite opens onto a wraparound terrace of 344 square meters, offering 270-degree panoramic views over the bow. This outdoor space includes al fresco dining areas, lounge areas with designer sofas and sunbeds, and secluded corners designed for private relaxation by the sea, seamlessly integrating indoors and outdoors into a single, continuous experience.
Among its additional features are a fully equipped private gym, an exclusive sauna and multiple relaxation areas distributed throughout the suite.
The experience is completed with a highly personalized service that includes a dedicated butler, daily treatments at the Serene Spa & Wellness, a private car with chauffeur and guide in each port, caviar service, Dom Pérignon champagne, Louis XIII cognac and preferential access to reserved facilities, consolidating a proposal that redefines the concept of ultra luxury at sea.
Twelve suite categories and a new generation of accommodations
Beyond the spectacular Skyview Regent Suite, the Seven Seas Prestige will incorporate 12 different suite categories, all with private balconies.
The new Prestige Class also introduces several new concepts within the Regent fleet.
The Skyview Suites offer a duplex design with a private terrace and indoor elevator, while the Grand Loft Suites will stand out for their double-height ceilings and huge panoramic windows.
Also debuting are the Horizon Penthouse Suites, with large balconies and spaces specially designed for long stays.
Gastronomy as the centerpiece of the experience.
The culinary offering will be one of the main pillars of the Seven Seas Prestige, with a high-level selection that combines diversity, personalization and the all-inclusive luxury concept characteristic of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The ship will feature 11 onboard dining experiences, most notably Azure, a new restaurant inspired by Mediterranean traditions and based on the mezze concept, with sharing plates that incorporate influences from different cultures of the region and a warm, cosmopolitan design by Studio DADO. This is complemented by a carefully curated selection of the company's signature restaurants, such as Compass Rose, the flagship main dining room at sea; Prime 7, specializing in premium cuts of meat; Chartreuse, with contemporary French cuisine; Pacific Rim, with its Pan-Asian inspiration; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, focused on Italian cuisine with al fresco service. The offerings are rounded out by The Pool Grill, Coffee Connection, and 24-hour room service.
A major new addition to the ship is the expanded culinary experience with the Culinary Arts Kitchen, an immersive program designed by Executive Chef Kathryn Kelly. This program allows guests to learn techniques and recipes in hands-on cooking classes with ocean views. The concept includes up to 64 classes and 25 Epicurean Explorer culinary excursions, all with small groups, connecting destinations with local cuisine through market visits, tastings, and exclusive experiences, including, in some cases, Michelin-starred restaurants. The program is complemented by themed culinary itineraries such as Latin American cuisine, Australian gastronomy, and the Mediterranean diet, reinforcing Regent's focus on cultural immersion through food both onboard and ashore.
The beginning of a new era for Regent.
The arrival of the Seven Seas Prestige represents much more than the addition of a new ship. It is the first step in a growth strategy that will see Regent Seven Seas Cruises add four Prestige-class ships between 2026 and 2036.
Following the entry into service of the Seven Seas Prestige, the company expects to receive a second ship in 2030, a third in 2033 and a fourth around 2036, all of them built by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri.
And it will all begin in Barcelona, on December 13, when the Seven Seas Prestige sets sail for the first time towards the Atlantic to begin a new era in the history of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
An inaugural season between Europe, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.
Even before entering service, the Seven Seas Prestige has already generated enormous interest among high-spending travelers. Indeed, Regent has recently recorded its highest booking volume ever, reflecting the growing appeal of ultra-luxury all-inclusive cruises.
Its inaugural season will consist of 13 carefully designed itineraries between Europe, the Caribbean and America, with durations ranging from 10 to 15 nights.
The inaugural voyage, named Happy Holidays, will depart from Barcelona on December 13, 2026, with stops in Málaga and Madeira before crossing the Atlantic to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and its final destination, Miami. Subsequently, the ship will sail 13 itineraries throughout the Caribbean and then Europe during its season, including transatlantic crossings, stops at Havervest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' private island in Belize, transits through the Panama Canal, and stops in destinations such as London and Lisbon.
The proposal retains one of the brand's most valued features: the inclusion of a large number of shore excursions. Depending on the itinerary, guests can enjoy between 38 and 97 included excursions to explore the destinations, all included in the trip price.
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