Regent Seven Seas Cruises Marks Major Milestone in Italy as Seven Seas Prestige Class Floats Out for New Era in Global Luxury Travel

Published on December 10, 2025

A significant chapter in luxury maritime travel has been marked as the Seven Seas Prestige, the first new ship class for Regent Seven Seas Cruises in a decade, has been formally floated out at the renowned Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. This milestone has been viewed as a defining moment for the brand, as the vessel has been introduced as a new symbol of craftsmanship, design excellence, and elevated onboard hospitality. The float-out ceremony has been recognized not only as a construction landmark but also as a moment that reaffirmed the cruise line’s position within the global luxury tourism sector. Early demand for the vessel has already underscored the anticipation surrounding its arrival, with future guests showing strong interest in itineraries that will span regions such as Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

With the floating phase now complete, the Seven Seas Prestige has begun its transition toward outfitting, where lavish suites, refined dining spaces, and elegantly designed social venues will be completed. As the vessel moves toward its scheduled debut in December 2026, it has been positioned to redefine the upper tier of ocean travel, offering a highly personalized experience supported by one of the industry’s strongest crew-to-guest ratios.

Regent Celebrates Float-Out of First New Ship Class in a Decade

A Milestone Moment in Italian Shipbuilding

A major advancement in luxury cruise development has been achieved as Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated the float-out of the Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The achievement has been recognized as a symbolic step in the construction of the brand’s first new ship class in ten years, marking a renewed era of design innovation for the company. The float-out took place on November 27, 2025, when the vessel was carefully moved from its enclosed building dock into open water for the first time, signifying that structural work had officially reached completion.

The ceremony has long been regarded within the shipbuilding industry as a moment that transitions a vessel from the engineering phase into the highly detailed outfitting stage. At Marghera, the event was conducted with traditional maritime rituals, including the breaking of a champagne bottle against the hull and the cutting of a ceremonial ribbon. A prayer by the shipyard chaplain added to the cultural significance of the occasion, reflecting the respect often given to major launches within the Italian shipbuilding community.

Leadership Reflections on a Defining Achievement

According to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ leadership, the float-out has represented the culmination of years of planning, collaboration, and commitment between the cruise line and Fincantieri, one of Italy’s most respected shipbuilding companies. Jason Montague, serving as Chief Luxury Officer, reflected that the Seven Seas Prestige entering the water has been viewed internally as a powerful affirmation of the company’s long-term strategic vision. The remarkable response received from travelers during the vessel’s launch period resulted in the cruise line’s biggest single booking day for a new ship, signaling that guest enthusiasm has already exceeded expectations.

The role of Madrina, a ceremonial godmother figure traditionally selected to bless and protect a new vessel, was fulfilled by Brunetta Casara of the shipyard. Her participation underscored the strong connection between Fincantieri’s workforce and the cruise line, emphasizing a shared enthusiasm for bringing the vessel to life. Project Manager Marco Spiga also addressed attendees, expressing appreciation for the partnership that has supported the creation of this new class of ship.

Transition to the Outfitting Phase in Italy

With the float-out successfully completed, the Seven Seas Prestige has been moved to the outfitting pier, where the next stage of its development is now underway. This phase has been considered crucial, as it is during outfitting that the interiors of the ship will fully take shape. Regent has described the upcoming work as an opportunity to transform the vessel’s structure into an environment defined by lavish suites, elegant lounges, and exquisite dining venues—all hallmarks of the brand’s luxury approach.

Fincantieri’s teams in Italy are now focused on installing the vessel’s mechanical systems, advanced technology, interior furnishings, and decorative elements. Attention to detail has been emphasized as a defining aspect of this stage, ensuring that the ship’s design will align with Regent’s reputation for refined ocean travel. As construction progresses, the shipyard’s long-standing expertise in producing premium vessels is expected to contribute to a smooth path toward the vessel’s sea trials and technical testing phases.

A Look at the Prestige-Class Vision

The Seven Seas Prestige has been identified as the first in a planned series of three vessels belonging to the Prestige-class, signaling Regent’s commitment to expanding its global presence in luxury tourism. The ship’s 76,550-ton framework has been designed to accommodate 822 guests, supported by 630 crew members. This exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio has been promoted as one of the strongest in the cruise industry, creating an atmosphere where personalized service will be prioritized.

The vessel’s architectural vision incorporates spacious staterooms, elevated public areas, and new design concepts intended to enhance comfort and sophistication. Each feature has been developed to support the brand’s mission of offering immersive and seamless travel experiences across some of the world’s most appealing destinations.

Inaugural Season Across Europe and the Caribbean

The Seven Seas Prestige has been scheduled to make its official debut in December 2026. As part of its inaugural season, the ship will operate a collection of 13 voyages featuring 10- to 15-night itineraries across Europe and the Caribbean, including two trans-Atlantic crossings. The routes will highlight destinations known for cultural richness and natural beauty such as Harvest Caye in Belize, the Panama Canal, Lisbon in Portugal, and Bordeaux in France.

These itineraries have been curated to appeal to travelers seeking immersive, regionally focused exploration, combining historic cities, coastal landscapes, and unique port experiences. The selection reflects Regent’s emphasis on providing diversified journeys that appeal to global travelers with a passion for high-end exploration.