Regent Seven Seas Cruises floats out Seven Seas Prestige, 1st new ship class in a decade

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has marked a major construction milestone for Seven Seas Prestige after the vessel floated out from dry dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The float-out represents the first time the ship touched water and signals the transition from hull construction to the final outfitting phase. Seven Seas Prestige is the first new ship class introduced by Regent in 10 years and is scheduled to debut in December 2026.

The float-out ceremony followed maritime tradition, with Fincantieri’s Brunetta Casara serving as Madrina for the occasion, performing the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull and cutting the ribbon after a blessing by the shipyard chaplain.

With the dry dock flooded, the vessel officially completed this phase of construction and was prepared for relocation to the outfitting pier.

“Seven Seas Prestige touching water for the first time marks an extraordinary moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, representing the culmination of years of planning and collaboration with our long-standing partners at Fincantieri,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“The overwhelming response to this vessel affirms that discerning travelers recognise something truly exceptional is on the horizon; emphasized by the ship’s launch day which became our biggest single booking day for a new ship in our history,” he added. “From the unprecedented Skyview Regent Suite to every thoughtfully designed detail, Seven Seas Prestige embodies our dedication to redefining ultra-luxury travel.”

Following the float-out, the ship will undergo its final construction stages at the outfitting pier, where interior spaces will be completed, including suites, lounges, and restaurants. Among the most notable accommodation features is the Skyview Regent Suite, described by the cruise line as the largest all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise ship suite ever built.

Seven Seas Prestige will be Regent’s seventh ship and the first of three vessels in the new Prestige-class series. A second ship in the class is planned for delivery in 2030, with a third scheduled for 2033, forming part of the brand’s long-term fleet expansion strategy.

The 77,000 gross ton ship will accommodate 822 guests, supported by 630 crew. According to Regent, this will provide one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry.

Although the vessel is approximately 40 percent larger than Regent’s previous ships, it will carry only around 10 percent more guests, featuring all-balcony suites across 12 categories, including several new accommodation types such as two-level Skyview Suites with in-suite elevators, Grand Loft Suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and Horizon Penthouse Suites with extended balconies.

Public areas on board will include newly designed venues such as the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar, alongside a total of 11 dining experiences, including seven speciality restaurants. Among the new dining concepts is Azure, a mezze-style Mediterranean restaurant.

Seven Seas Prestige is scheduled to sail its inaugural season in Europe and the Caribbean, operating 13 voyages ranging from 10 to 15 nights. These itineraries will include two transatlantic crossings, Panama Canal transits, and overnight stays in ports such as London, Lisbon and Bordeaux.