Fort Lauderdale - January 16, 2009 - Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) today announced that the first phase of the company’s most ambitious refurbishment program ever is now complete. The line’s 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony luxury vessels, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, completed their respective dry-docks just in time to debut on their 2009 World Cruises.
The refurbishment program, which cost approximately $40 million – the largest investment on existing tonnage ever by RSSC – was overseen by the line’s Vessel Operations team working in conjunction with renowned marine architectural firm of Yran and Storbraaten of Oslo, Norway. The resulting feel aboard each ship is fresh, elegant and luxurious, while retaining the warmth and charm for which RSSC is acclaimed.
Radiating a new sense of warmth and sophistication, the ships’ public spaces are resplendent with elegant new furnishings, carpeting and accents. From the bold jewel tones of Signatures, to the elegant Chablis and Merlot palettes of Compass Rose, or the soothing colors of sand and sea in the Observation Lounge, every area exudes a new sense of style and elegance.
“Both ships have never looked better, they are nothing short of stunning,” said Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner each set the benchmark for ultra-luxury cruising when they were introduced. They are now setting new standards and are now undoubtedly the most beautiful vessels in the industry,” he added.
Highlights of the refurbishment on both ships include:
• The creation of Prime 7, a fresh, contemporary interpretation of a traditional grill restaurant
• The re-design of lounges and public rooms to create more spacious areas for relaxation
• The creation of new lounge and dining areas around the Pool Grill
• New carpeting, wallpaper, upholstery, light fixtures, and drapes in most public areas and guest suite accommodations
• More casual dining options with the installation of a pizza oven and ice cream bar
• The creation of an extended coffee and snack bar area on Seven Seas Voyager, similar to the popular Coffee Connection on Seven Seas Mariner
Reaction to the new look and feel of the ships has been universally positive from guests and travel agents alike. Members of RSSC’s newly-formed Regent Seven Seas Council, comprised of the line’s top-producing travel agents, visited Seven Seas Voyager in Los Angeles on Monday.
“I have always sold RSSC to my clients with confidence,” said Greg Nacco of Cruise Specialists, a Council member. “But now, with the recent refurbishment and the Free Shore Excursions, I am even more passionate about the product. We’ve had a number of clients already return from their cruises raving about the changes,” he added.
The second phase of the refurbishment program, a similar makeover for the third ship in the RSSC fleet, Seven Seas Navigator, is scheduled to take place in April 2010.
About Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Regent Seven Seas, a Prestige Cruise Holdings company, operates a fleet of medium-sized luxury cruise ships that visit over 300 ports on all seven continents, including Antarctica. RSSC is consistently rated among the world’s top three cruise lines by readers of luxury travel magazines. Travel professionals worldwide voted RSSC the “World’s Best Luxury Cruise Line” for the fifth consecutive year as part of the 2008 Travel Weekly Awards and readers of CondÉ Nast Traveler magazine voted RSSC “World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Line” in 2007. For further information, contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises, 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33334. For brochures, call toll-free (866) 284-4079; for reservation information call toll-free (800) 285-1835; or visit www.RSSC.com.
About Prestige Cruise Holdings – Prestige Cruise Holdings (PCH) is a subsidiary of Apollo Management L.P. and the parent corporation of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Formed in 2007 to manage select assets in Apollo Management’s cruise investment portfolio, PCH is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises. PCH is the market leader in the Upper Premium and Luxury segments of the cruise industry with more than 4,450 berths between the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to more than 6,700 berths by 2011.
