Regent expands Africa and Arabia deployment in 2028/29 cruise season

Africa and Arabia are set to feature more prominently in global luxury cruise itineraries, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises outlining new regional sailings as part of its 2028/29 deployment programme.

The cruise line’s latest voyage collection includes a series of itineraries across Africa and Arabia, alongside broader global deployments covering more than 230 sailings.

The inclusion of the region reflects a continued expansion into emerging cruise markets, with longer, destination-focused itineraries linking West, East, and Southern Africa.

A highlight of the 2028/29 itineraries is the deployment of Seven Seas Explorer to South Africa and the wider continent for the first time, with three voyages ranging from 14 to 23 nights scheduled for spring 2029.

The itineraries will include ports such as Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Walvis Bay in Namibia, São Tomé, and Luanda in Angola, alongside overnight calls and a roundtrip sailing from Cape Town.

The addition of these sailings places Africa and Arabia more firmly within Regent’s global network, which spans destinations including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The programme also includes a 150-night world cruise and three extended Grand Voyages, further integrating the region into long-haul itineraries.

“We are delighted to introduce another season of unforgettable journeys designed to inspire discovery and deliver meaningful travel experiences,” said Wesley D’Silva, President, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

“From shorter escapes of seven nights up to our longer Grand Voyages, each sailing is designed to offer the perfect balance of immersive exploration and an unrivalled onboard experience,” he said.

The deployment reflects a broader shift in cruise line strategy towards longer itineraries and less conventional routing, particularly in regions where port infrastructure and destination diversity support extended voyages.

Cape Town is expected to play a central role in the Africa deployment, with roundtrip itineraries and turnaround operations reinforcing its position as a key gateway for Southern African cruising.

The 2028/29 collection also introduces Seven Seas Prestige, Regent’s first new ship class in a decade, which will enter service in late 2026 and feature prominently across multiple regions, including Canada and New England, the Caribbean, and transoceanic crossings.

Across the programme, the cruise line is emphasising longer port stays and overnight calls, with 80 overnight stays scheduled across the collection.

These include destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as ports across Africa and the Middle East, allowing for more extended time ashore. The expansion into Africa and Arabia aligns with increasing industry interest in the region as part of global itineraries, particularly as operators seek to diversify deployment beyond traditional cruise hubs.