Luxury cruising is poised for another milestone moment with the anticipated debut of Seven Seas Prestige, the latest ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, scheduled to join the fleet in December 2026. As the cruise line’s newest ship in the PRESTIGE class series, it’s generating early buzz among travellers who follow the evolution of high-end travel at sea.

The numbers are compelling. Designed to host 822 travellers with a crew of 630, the ship aims to strike that rare balance between scale and service—something not easily achieved, even in the ultra-luxury category.

Where it’s already attracting attention is with its Skyview Regent Suite, reportedly priced at $25,000 per night. At 8,794 square feet, including a 3,703-square-foot wraparound balcony, it’s one of the most expansive residential-style accommodations ever conceived at sea. That six of its thirteen inaugural sailings have already sold out hints at a strong appetite for hyper-personalized, space-driven experiences.

I’ve seen the shift in luxury travel trends firsthand. Today’s traveller wants more than champagne and a thread count—they want privacy, space, and a sense of immersion, both onboard and onshore. With twelve all-suite, all-balcony categories, and promises of new spatial designs like the Grand Loft Suites and Horizon Penthouse Suites, Prestige appears to be listening.

Its itineraries across the Caribbean and Europe, with boutique ports like Cartagena and St. Lucia, suggest a continued focus on less conventional, more culturally rich destinations. Multiple overnight stays are also part of the inaugural season—an increasingly valued feature for travellers who prefer depth over pace.

Of course, much of this remains to be seen. It’s easy to be impressed by artist renderings and numbers on a press sheet. As Regent’s Jason Montague put it, the ship will aim to deliver “an unparalleled luxury unlike anything the cruise industry has seen before.” That’s a lofty goal—but in a market that’s become increasingly competitive, it’s also a necessary one.

Read More: Luminara Sets Sail: The Ritz-Carlton’s Most Luxurious Superyacht Yet

If Seven Seas Prestige lives up to its promise, it could mark a new benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising. For now, it remains one of the most closely watched launches on the horizon—and one we’ll be tracking closely. ◼

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© This article was first published online in July 2025 – World Travel Magazine.