Agents are being encouraged to tune into a two-part TV documentary on the building of Regent Seven Seas Cruises new ship Seven Seas Explorer to boost their product knowledge.
The first episode of The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built is being shown on Channel 5 tomorrow (Friday) at 9pm.
Production company Windfall Films followed the construction of the ship over an 18-month period with access to the company’s executives and Italian ship yard team at Fincantieri.
The first programme begins with chief executive Frank Del Rio outlining his vision for the luxury vessel and joins him in a personal quest to acquire £5 million worth of art.
The episode goes on to illustrate the planning by the ship’s interior designers, as they try to balance opulence with the engineering practicalities of a six-star floating hotel.
With the steel structure assembled, the second episode – airing on December 9 – picks up the story eight months before the 750-passenger ship’s maiden voyage.
To minimise vibrations on board, specially designed propellers are installed and then there is a race against time for the 1,500 workers to ensure that all the fixtures and fittings are up to standard, ready to welcome the first passengers on board – a challenge that could cost the company an estimated $25 million in lost reputation if not met.
The second episode also charts Seven Seas Explorer’s essential seafaring milestones and requirements, such as its first manoeuvre afloat, and sea trials which include the testing of the anchor and launching of life boats.
RSSC UK managing director Graham Sadler said: “This fascinating documentary illustrates the level of detail that went into constructing Seven Seas Explorer and shows why it has been described as the most luxurious ship ever built.
“The programmes are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to a huge audience our interpretation of true luxury and the real meaning of all-inclusive as delivered with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“I hope that those who watch it from the travel trade are able to use the information to inform their valued customers, as I am sure many more people will want to cruise on not only the most luxurious ship, but on the most luxurious fleet in the world.”
The ship’s maiden season was in the Mediterranean followed by a series of Caribbean voyages from Miami this winter.
Seven Seas Explorer returns to Europe in spring 2017 to sail Mediterranean and northern European itineraries, many of which are to and from Southampton.