The most luxurious cruise ship ever built?

Excitement is beginning to build as the Regent Seven Seas Explorer is due to set sail in July 2016.

With construction of what is billed as the most luxurious cruise ship ever built starting, a special keel laying ceremony was recently  held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa.

At the ceremony, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom delivered a red velvet pillow which held the three symbolic coins. Upon arrival, a suited butler took the coins and carried them to the keel where they were welded.

The three coins comprised of: a rare 1921 US silver coin, known as the Peace Dollar, that symbolises the safe passage of the Seven Seas Explorer; a 1959 silver Italian Line which represents the opening year of the Fincantieri shipyard; and a bespoke commemorative coin specially created for the keel laying ceremony.

So what will this ship offer to live up to this bold statement?

Well so far it’s all been very hush hush, but as Regent are already up there with the most luxurious cruise lines in the world then you can expect spacious suites, gourmet dining, fine art & top notch furnishings.  below is a video that shows the keel laying ceremony plus a sneak preview of what the Explorer will look like.

Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said “Every inch of the Seven Seas Explorer will exude elegance and grandeur, and that extends to all aspects of the ship from the lavish suites to the gourmet restaurants and stylish public spaces.  We even ensured that the keel coins convey a sense of luxury.” 

Already Regent are one of the most inclusive cruise lines and their prices include ALL of the following as standard on their brochured fares:

• FREE Flights
• FREE Business Class Air in Penthouse Suites and Higher on Europe Voyages
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
• FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package**
• FREE WiFi Throughout the Ship**
• FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits
• FREE Open Bars and Lounges PLUS
  In-Suite Mini-bar Replenished Daily
• FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
• FREE Ground Transfers
• FREE 24-hour Room Service and NO Charge for Specialty Restaurants
• Elegant Casual Dress Code – Formal and Semi-Formal Attire Optional on Sailings of 16 Nights or Longer
• Welcome Bottle of Champagne
• Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic steakhouse Prime 7, plus haute French cuisine at Signatures, Continental dining at Compass Rose, casual indoor and outdoor dining at La Veranda, our new Tuscan-inspired evening restaurant Setti Mari at La Veranda and the al frescoPool Grill
• In-Suite Dining, Served Course-By-Course During Restaurant Hours
• L’Occitane^® soaps, shampoos and lotions
• Butler Service in Penthouse Suites and Higher, Included iPad^® in Suite, iPod^®Docking Station and Complimentary In-Suite Mini-Bar Setup
• Fitness Programs, Sauna and Steam Rooms in the Spa
• Onboard Activities Including Expert Guest Lectures, Theatre Performance and Day-Time Entertainment
• Interactive Flat Screen Television in Each Suite With Extensive Media Library and Complimentary Movies-On-Demand.

So although Regent may not be the cheapest cruise line on the market, you do get a lot of bang for your buck & should not have to put your hand in your pocket very often once the cruise is paid for.

I am looking forward to finding out more about this ship & what will make her the worlds most luxurious cruise ship ever built.

Have you sailed on a Regent ship? If so I’d love to know your thoughts. Let me know by commenting below.