Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, reached a significant milestone in the development of its newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige. The keel-laying ceremony for the ship was held today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. This marks the start of construction for the first new class of Regent vessels in a decade.
“Seven Seas Prestige continues our tradition of raising the bar in ultra-luxury travel, and we are proud to lead the industry with this exciting step forward,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The shared values of excellence, passion, and commitment to perfection between Regent and Fincantieri make them the ideal partner to bring this ship to life.”
The event was attended by prominent figures from both Regent and Fincantieri, including Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Jason Montague; and Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Other attendees included Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President of New Building and After Sales at Fincantieri, Marco Lunardi, Senior Vice President of Marghera Shipyard, and Giuseppe Cusenza, Vice President and Project Manager at Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division.
“This keel laying represents a major achievement not only for Regent and Fincantieri but for the entire ultra-luxury cruise industry,” said Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. “This ship showcases the innovation and craftsmanship that have defined our partnership with Regent. With our expertise and the success of previous projects, we are proud to bring Regent’s vision for this new vessel to life.”
In keeping with maritime tradition, three symbolic coins were welded into the ship’s keel during the ceremony.
These include:
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A specially minted Seven Seas Prestige coin, featuring an antique gold finish with the ship’s design and keel-laying date.
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A Venetian coin from 1688, honoring the ship’s construction in Venice and the city’s rich shipbuilding history.
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A Christopher Columbus U.S. silver dollar from 1992, marking the cruise line’s founding year and the legacy of the famed Italian explorer.
Scheduled for delivery in 2026, Seven Seas Prestige will be the first of Regent’s new Prestige-Class vessels—the brand’s first new ship class in ten years. The new ship is set to follow in the footsteps of the successful Explorer-Class vessels.
Weighing 77,000 tons and accommodating 850 guests, Seven Seas Prestige will boast one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry. It will offer more space than any previous Regent ship, featuring beautifully designed suites and a variety of elegant restaurants, bars, lounges, and public areas. Additionally, the ship will introduce new accommodation categories, including a reimagined Regent Suite, as well as innovative dining options.
These additions are set to enhance Regent’s signature offering, The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, which includes unlimited shore excursions, gourmet dining at specialty restaurants, premium wines and spirits, entertainment, Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary valet laundry, prepaid gratuities, and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for guests in Concierge-level suites and above, among other exclusive amenities.
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