A major milestone in the journey of new ship Seven Seas Explorer was met yesterday when the first piece of steel was cut during an emotional ceremony held at the shipyard. A bottle of Krug Grande Cuvèe champagne was popped open accompanied with confetti gushing down as the laser cut the steel.
During the ceremony Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri said “We are extremely excited to welcome a new partner in Regent Seven Seas Cruises and to start construction of this brilliant new ship. As a global leader in cruise ship construction, we’ve built some of the finest ships at sea. Building the most luxurious ship ever built is quite a challenge, but with our craftsmanship and experience building luxury ships we feel that Seven Seas Explorer will become the definition of excellence.”
Kunal S Kamlani, President of Regent Seven seas Cruises added “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 is set to showcase the highest space ratios and staff to guest rations within the cruise industry and remain as the most inclusive luxury line in the market. She will carry 750 guests and weigh in at 54, 000 gross ton.
Debuting in summer 2016, her maiden voyage and other itineraries are set to go on sale in the first part of 2015. No information on her homeport has yet been released.
Navigator is now sailing from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska, boasting a complete revamp of the ship's eight Grand Suites & Master Suites, along with the new dining area, Mari at La Veranda— which offers intimate Italian a la carte and buffet dining.
Graham Sadler, Regent Seven Seas' Managing Director for UK and Europe, said: "The Regent Seven Seas experience has certainly evolved over the past 20 years, and this latest renovation signals our ongoing commitment to delivering the most sought-after, all-inclusive luxury travel experience. From small touches to major upgrades such as this, the subtle luxury and unparalleled comfort of these enhancements are designed with the guest in mind."
The refresh of the suites includes new built-in cabinetry, custom-crafted furnishings, new balcony furniture, plush new carpets, designer accessories and original art. All of the ship's other suites have also been given a face lift, benefitting from new carpets, wall coverings, new dining tables and outdoor furniture.
The addition of Mari and La Verandah is an interesting addition to the ship. The venue is an Italian restaurant that is based in La Verandah dining room in the evenings and will boast a la carte dining alongside buffet dining. The menu will include authentic antipasti and speciality dishes, along with al fresco dining — weather permitting of course. During the rest of the day, La Verandah will continue to operate as the ship's buffet.
Other improvements to Navigator include enlarging Prime 7 — Seven Seas Navigator's American-style steakhouse — to accommodate 70 guests and features a new contemporary sculpture at its entrance. The Galileo Lounge has also benefitted from a face lift, new carpeting has been fitted throughout the public areas in deck 12 and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club® have been given updated saunas.
Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort
© Iglucruise
The name of the new casual dining venue translates from Italian as "seven seas" and will compliment the cruise lines diverse gourmet dining options across their fleet. The restaurant is situated in La Veranda, and will transfer the popular buffet restaurant each evening into Sette Mari — offering an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialty items, paired with distinctive Italian wines.
Mark Conroy, Regent Seven Seas' President, said: "Sette Mari will not require reservations based on guest feedback and offers the perfect complement to the dining venues on our ships. After a full day ashore, guests can select appetizers and the house-made pasta on their own and be finished in as little as 45 minutes or enjoy a leisurely evening ordering specialties from the menu."
Bernhard Klotz, Culinary Director for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: "This new restaurant concept is a substantial enhancement to current menu items featured for dinner in La Veranda."
Sette Mari will debut 30th May 2012 onboard Seven Seas Navigator and will be available onboard Seven Seas Voyager from 2nd July and Seven Seas Mariner from 13th July. Sette Mari is only open for dinner and will not require reservation, during other meals times the buffet will continue to operate as La Veranda.
Written by Stephen Adam
© Iglucruise