Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces new Prestige ship class to debut in 2026 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has signed a deal with Italian shipyard Fincantieri to add a new ship class called Prestige to its fleet, with the first vessel due for delivery in 2026.

The first vessel in the series, Seven Seas Prestige will be 77,000 gross tons and carry up to 850 guests. She will be followed by a near-identical sister ship in 2029, with options for further expansion of the class.

This is the first new ship class to be introduced by Regent since the debut of Seven Seas Explorer in 2016, which at the time was regarded the most expensive ship design ever, on a passenger-to-tonnage ratio.

The class includes the 2016-built Seven Seas Explorer, the 2020-built Seven Seas Splendor and the 2023-built Seven Seas Grandeur.

Regent Seven Seas released a video showing exterior renderings of the new ship alongside the signing of the order with Fincantieri.

“This is a truly historic moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as we name the next ship to join ‘The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet’ as the Seven Seas Prestige and reveal her sleek exterior design,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“Seven Seas Prestige, debuting in 2026, continues our legacy of revolutionising ultra-luxury travel, as she will transcend luxury in every way,” DeMarco added. “This incredible new ship will be the epitome of timeless elegance, exemplifying Regent’s commitment to excellence, which is reflected in every aspect of her elevated design and exuding an ambiance of sophistication and refinement.”

Seven Seas Prestige will reportedly offer one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry,  along with “beautifully appointed suites” and brand new accommodation categories and dining options.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, also operates the 1999-built Seven Seas Navigator, the 2001-built Seven Seas Mariner and the 2003-built Seven Seas Voyager.

At 77,000 gross tons these two new ships in the Prestige class will significantly increase the cruise line’s capacity, with its current largest ships in the Explorer class being just 56,166 gross tons and carrying 746 passengers.

The new ship order by Regent comes amid a small rennaisance in the cruise newbuild market, with Viking Ocean Cruises, another luxury brand, having recently placed an order for a new class of ship as well.