Regent Seven Seas Cruises Completes Major Ship Refurbishment Project

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has completed the first phase of the company’s most ambitious ship refurbishment program. The line’s 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony luxury vessels, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, emerged from their respective dry-docks just in time to debut on their 2009 World Cruises. While we won't be on board for the entire voyage, Cruise Diva is embarking on Seven Seas Mariner in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow and will begin sharing her daily first-hand impressions here on the blog.

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 last 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. For more information, visit Regent Seven Seas Cruises website and follow along here on the blog as Cruise Diva sails on the first leg of the Ring of Fire 2009 World Cruise.

Cruise Diva first reviewed Seven Seas Mariner (pictured above) in 2001 during a port call in Charleston, South Carolina and is anxious to see the changes.