Construction began this week on Seven Seas Explorer at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
The pop of a cork from a Krug Grande Cuvée magnum initiated a laser, which cut the ceremonial first piece of steel for the new 750 passenger ship.
Incorporating a bottle of the world’s finest champagne to start the building process is apparently symbolic of the high level of sophistication and design being developed for Seven Seas Explorer, which is scheduled to debut in summer 2016.
The ceremonial first piece of steel cut will serve as the foundation for an opulent, one-of-a-kind owner’s suite the line claims will be unlike any other at sea.
President Kunal S. Kamlani said: “We’re one step closer to fulfilling our dream of building the most luxurious ship in the world and giving our guests another exciting option to explore inspired global destinations with our special brand of all-inclusive luxury.
“Seven Seas Explorer will surpass the current standard in luxury cruising, offering a new level of grandeur throughout the ship from its lavish suites to its elegant public spaces and gourmet restaurants.”
At 54,000 gross-registered tons Seven Seas Explorer will have the highest space ratios and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry.
The line will begin taking reservations for the maiden voyage and inaugural season for Seven Seas Explorer in early 2015.