Regent Seven Seas Cruises revealed models of the luxurious suites aboard Seven Seas Splendor during the ship’s traditional keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
Seven Seas Explorer has earned acclaim since debuting in 2016 as the most luxurious ship ever built. Now, her sister will strive to build and expand on that success, when it debuts in 2020, said Jason Montague, the line’s president and chief executive officer. “In our pursuit to exceed guest expectations, we are creating a work of art, from bow to stern. Wherever you turn on Seven Seas Splendor, you will be surrounded by elegance, comfort and hospitality.”
At the keel laying ceremony marking the start of construction, Montague and shipyard director Giovanni Stecconi commemorated the occasion by placing three coins onto the keel of the ship. In shipbuilding tradition, the coins will remain embedded within the ship’s structure for its entire life, and will invite good fortune for all who sail aboard.
The three coins placed on Seven Seas Splendor included an ancient Roman coin featuring Neptune, God of the Sea, that was minted during the reign of Hadrian (117 to 138 AD) and commemorates the ship being built in Italy and the origin of the coin tradition. The second, a Spanish gold Escudo from the 1700s signified the ship’s inaugural voyage from Barcelona to Miami in February, 2020, and a commemorative coin with the date of the keel laying ceremony marked the partnership of Regent Seven Seas and Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
During the ceremony, the first two of 210 blocks that will become the approximately 55,000 gross ton vessel were lifted into the dry dock, officially marking the start of the ship’s assembly.
The 750 guests will enjoy distinctive public spaces as well as 375 suites ranging from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite, to a lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite. With a private in-suite spa with steam room, a custom heated spa on a private balcony, and ceramic-heated lounge beds, the Regent Suite also comes with a butler and car and driver awaiting excursions in every port.
“We designed these suites, and the entire ship, with meticulous attention to every detail. The thickness of a door knob, the sleekness of a headboard, the style of a chair, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a ship that perfects luxury,” said Robin Lindsay, executive vice-president of vessel operations for parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
