Regent Seven Seas Cruises has held a keel-laying ceremony for Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
The line said the event “honours a pivotal moment in the construction of the brand’s next generation of ship”, which will “once again redefine luxury travel”.
Three coins were welded onto the keel of the ship to mark the occasion and to “bring luck for all who sail on board”, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president Harry Sommer among the guests watching on.
The vessel, at 77,000 tons with a capacity for 850 passengers, will be the maiden ship in Regent’s first new class in 10 years.
It will boast one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the industry, according to the line, and will introduce new accommodation categories including a reimagination of the Regent Suite, in addition to new dining experiences. It is due to be delivered in 2026.
RSSC chief luxury officer Jason Montague said: “Seven Seas Prestige represents our continued legacy of elevating the standard of ultra-luxury travel and we are proud to cement our place as leaders in the industry with this exciting milestone.”
Luigi Matarazzo, general manager at Fincantieri merchant ships division, said: “Expertise, passion, and dedication to perfection are shared values between Regent and Fincantieri, and there is no one better placed to bring Seven Seas Prestige to life as we usher in a new age of excellence for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.”
Matarazzo added: “The keel laying for Seven Seas Prestige marks an important milestone not only for Regent and Fincantieri, but for the entire industry, as we continue to elevate the standards of ultra luxury cruising.”