Introducing Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that they have signed a contract with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to build the most luxurious cruise ship in the era of modern cruising. The new all-suite, all-balcony ship will be named Seven Seas Explorer with delivery scheduled for summer 2016.

"This new ship order represents an exciting time of growth for our company as we build the next generation of cruise ships for the world's most inclusive luxury cruise line," Frank Del Rio, the chairman and CEO of Regent's parent company, says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Seven Seas Explorer will be the most luxurious cruise ship ever built."

The price tag for this all-suite, all-balcony luxury cruise ship has been reported to be $450m USD making it the most expensive luxury vessel afloat according to the line.
 Ship Statistics

Name: Seven Seas Explorer	Registry: Bahamas
Builder: Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard	Country Built In: Italy
Ship Completion Date: Summer 2016	Number of Restaurants: 6
Number Balcony Suites: 369	Capacity: 738
Gross Tonnage: 54,000	Beam: 102 feet
Length: 732 feet	Draft: 23 feet
Power: diesel-electric engines	Speed: 20 knots

World-renowned architectural and interior design firms Tillberg Design AB, RTKL Associates and ICrave are designing the vessel, which will have the features the line is known for with the following highlights:

• 369 suites ranging from 300 square feet to 1,500 square feet
• six open-seating gourmet restaurants
• signature nine-deck atrium
• two-story Explorer Theater
• three boutiques  
• an expansive Canyon Ranch SpaClub®

"This new ship order is part of our disciplined growth strategy to expand our footprint in the luxury market," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Since we purchased the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand in 2008, the ships have sailed full with industry-leading yields. We strongly believe that now is the right time to expand our fleet as our loyal guests have asked for a greater array of itineraries and our travel partners have proven that there is pent-up demand for a new Regent ship."

Additional information about the new ship will be released in the coming months and we will provide updates as the information is provided to us.   We look forward to welcoming this new ship to Regent's fleet.  Click the following link for more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Carnival Fascination Gets a Make-Over

Carnival Corporation announced that Carnival Fascination will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation in January 2010 that will include the addition of a new water park, adults-only retreat, and resort-style main pool area, as well as 98 balconies added to existing ocean view staterooms. Two other ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Sensation are also receiving additional balconies during dry docks this year. Carnival Seansation's work has been completed and Carnival Ecstasy will have the work completed in October.

The refurbishment includes a number of exciting open deck features, including Carnival WaterWorks with 82-foot-long racing slides, a splash zone and the aqua park's signature design element - a 300-foot-long Twister water slide. The main pool on Lido deck will also be transformed with oversized umbrellas, colorful tile work and thatched roofing, creating a relaxing, resort-style atmosphere. An adults-only retreat, Serenity, completes the outdoor improvements.

The refurbishment will also include upgrades to the Sensation and Imagination main dining rooms, with the Sensation dining room being reconfigured for Your Time Dining.

The majority of the additional balcony staterooms will be located aft with several of them featuring extended balconies. Twenty-four balconies will be located mid-ship and twelve near the stern. Several of the existing suites will be retrofitted with larger, extended balconies.

Prior to the January dry dock, a new Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14-year-olds will be added on Atlantic Deck 8. The facility will include plasma screen TV’s displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and light system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox.

Carnival Fascination sails four and five day cruises from Jacksonville, Florida. These new enhancements will be introduced for the first time on the February 1, 2010 sailing. Reservations are open for the 98 new balcony staterooms, so contact me right away if this intersts you.

Carnival Fascination Sailings