Regent Seven Seas Cruises has started construction of its newest ship at the Financtieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.
There was a steel-cutting ceremony for Seven Seas Prestige which was attended by the line’s president Andrea DeMarco, along with representatives from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and shipbuilder Fincantieri.
NCL president and chief executive Harry Sommer and general manager of Fincantieri merchant ships division Luigi Matarazzo were among the attendees.
The first of two Prestige-class ships will have a gross tonnage of 770,000 and host up to 850 guests, in what Regent Seven Seas Cruises claims to be one of the highest space to guest ratios in the cruise industry.
Seven Seas Prestige is due to be delivered in 2026 and a sister ship is slated for 2029.
The Prestige class will reimagine the Regent Suite and introduce new accommodation categories and dining experiences.
“Today’s steel cutting is the dawn of a new era for Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said DeMarco.
“As we prepare to once again uplift the standards of ultra-luxury cruising with Seven Seas Prestige, we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri. Icons of shipbuilding, this talented team will deliver a ship a ship that truly transcends luxury. Seven Seas Prestige will embody the elegance and sophistication that has become synonymous with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.”
Matarazzo called Seven Seas Prestige “a revolutionary ship for the ultra-luxury cruise industry”, adding: “With our long history of building first-class vessels and Regent’s heritage in delivering unrivalled luxury travel experiences, we are excited to begin work on Seven Seas Prestige.”