If you’re still unsure whether the cruise industry is on track to set new records, look no further than the latest announcement from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. They named a new team to lead a multi-billion-dollar fleet expansion and upgrading program for the ultra-premium and luxury cruise brands.
Jason Montague gets the title Chief Luxury Officer to oversee a Charting the Course program for both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, that includes adding five new upscale ships and refurbish nearly all the existing vessels.
Montague has a long track record with the brands and was president and chief operating officer of Oceania and held senior roles at Regent.
“With over 20 years of expertise in luxury hospitality and a strong track record of driving excellence, Jason brings exceptional strategic expertise to our company and to our executive team,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “Jason is ready to hit the ground running from day one, and I am confident his leadership will propel our brands forward, setting new standards in upscale travel.”
Oceania Cruises is expecting three newbuilds through 2029, starting with Allura later this year. Additionally, the brand’s ships Marina and Riviera will be refurbished in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will add two new vessels through 2029, in addition to planned enhancements to Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
A goal is to merge the brands, but Sommer stressed they’ll continue to have unique personalities, separate marketing, sales and call center teams.
The new ships are being designed to fit the mid-scale premium category. In a cruise market that is seeing ships grow to carry multi-thousands, Regent Seven Seas’ newest Seven Seas Grandeur accommodates just 750. The all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas boasts that it is unrivaled at sea and that nobody does it better. Oceania, whose new Vista and Allura carry about 1,250, has the tagline Your World Included and promotes gourmet cuisine. 
Jason Montague is now Chief Luxury Officer
“This is an exciting time for these two award-winning brands, as we are ready to execute on our commitment to delivering sophisticated mid-sized, upscale and luxurious ships with elegant designs and state-of-the art offerings,” Montague says. “I am confident we will set new standards and create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
As an immediate upgrade, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has released a collection of curated experiences to immerse guests in gourmet cuisine, cultural heritage, storytelling, and sport.
“There is an increased desire within ultra-luxury travel for themed and special interest cruises and that’s why our teams have worked hard to create this incredible range of Spotlight Voyages,” Montague notes. “Designed to enrich the cruising experience by engaging our guests in their passions through unique programs both onboard and ashore, this collection underscores Regent’s commitment to providing luxurious, meaningful travel experiences that inspire discovery and connection.”
Among highlights are epicurean cruises with guest chefs, wine and whisky tastings, historian-led expeditions and a cruise featuring the Aston Martin Aramco Formula OneTeam.
The company is also adding a new multi-ship pier at its private Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, scheduled for completion by late 2025. The pier will be able to accommodate two large ships at once.
To provide transition support, Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises will remain in her role through March 4, 2025. “We are grateful to Andrea for her more than a decade of contribution to the company and for setting the foundation for Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ continued growth and success. We wish her the very best in her next chapter,” Sommer said.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
1 Trackback / Pingback
Comments are closed.