Regent christens Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas has christened the vessel it has dubbed the “most luxurious ship ever built”, the Seven Seas Explorer, in a star-studded ceremony in Monte Carlo. 

Princess Charlene of Monaco cut a velvet ribbon that sent a Primat bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne smashing against the ship’s hull at the event that included a special private concert by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

“This is truly a special moment, not only for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand, but for the entire Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings family,” said Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive officer.

“Tonight we celebrate the realisation of our vision. Seven Seas Explorer is not only the world’s most luxurious ship — she sets a new benchmark for luxury vacations and lays the foundation from which Regent Seven Seas Cruises will continue to build.

“We have already begun a massive $125 million refurbishment effort to ensure every ship in our fleet matches the luxury standard found on Explorer, and will introduce a sister-ship in 2020.”

At 55,254 gross tonnes and carrying only 750 guests, the all-suite, all-balcony ship boasts one of the highest space ratios and lowest crew to guest ratios in the cruise industry.

Princess Charlene said: “It is an honour to be the Godmother of this magnificent ship. I am also thrilled by the discussions taking place between my Foundation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to implement my Water Safety programme on all their ships.

“Developing awareness of the risks attached to aquatic environments is, for me, a cause of most importance.”

Explorer’s maiden voyage will take place on 20 July 2016. It will spend its inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.