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The history of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A timeline of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ varied history

Published on 14 Aug 2025


For more than 30 years, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been crafting unforgettable journeys across the globe and redefining what it means to set sail in style. Over the decades, the cruise line has grown into one of the world’s leading names in luxury travel. Along the way, Regent has introduced many industry firsts, taken guests on explorations of both the world’s most popular spots and remote corners, and welcomed some of the most beautiful and prestigious ships ever to grace the seas into its fleet. Here, we take a look back at how it all began and the remarkable journey that shaped Regent into the cruise line it is today. 

A timeline of Regent Seven Seas Cruises' history:

1992: Regent Seven Seas Cruises was established in 1992 under its original name, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, following the merger of Radisson Cruises and Seven Seas Cruises. Radisson Cruises brought the Radisson Diamond, the cruise industry’s only twin-hulled ship, into the merger, while Seven Seas Cruises contributed Song of Flower. That same year, the line made its industry debut with these two vessels, with the Radisson Diamond being christened in May 1992.

1997: The fleet welcomed Paul Gauguin, a ship purpose-built for year-round cruising in the South Pacific. Designed to navigate the shallow lagoons and smaller ports of French Polynesia, she marked a significant step in the cruise line’s expansion into specialised, region-focused cruising.

1999: Seven Seas Navigator joined the fleet with a distinctive backstory. Originally intended to serve as a research vessel, her construction was halted partway through. The incomplete ship was later acquired and extensively rebuilt into a luxury cruise ship, eventually debuting as Seven Seas Navigator and bringing a new level of elegance and sophistication to the fleet. 

2001: Seven Seas Mariner entered service as the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship. This groundbreaking concept set a new benchmark for comfort, style, and ocean-view living. 

2003: Seven Seas Voyager was launched and became the second all-suite, all-balcony ship, further cementing Regent’s reputation for industry-leading innovation and luxury. That same year, the line bid farewell to Song of Flower, marking the end of an important chapter in the cruise line’s early history. 

2004: The luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Navigator made a cinematic appearance in the film After the Sunset, starring Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek. The vessel served as a glamorous backdrop, with several onboard scenes filmed in areas such as lounges and decks. 

2005: Radisson Diamond, the cruise line’s distinctive twin-hulled flagship and one of the vessels from its inaugural year, departed the fleet. Her departure marked the end of an era for the company, as Regent shifted its focus toward a fleet composed entirely of luxury, all-suite vessels. 

2006: This year marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises was rebranded as Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The new name reflected a refreshed brand identity, emphasising the line’s commitment to ultra-luxury cruising and its position as a leader in all-inclusive, all-suite experiences at sea.

2007: Regent Seven Seas Cruises enhanced its luxury offering with the introduction of an all-inclusive liquor policy. From this point forward, complimentary fine wines and premium spirits were available in all bars and restaurants across the fleet, reinforcing the line’s position as a truly all-inclusive cruise experience. 

2008: Regent Seven Seas Cruises is acquired by Apollo Management. Apollo formed Prestige Cruise Holdings to manage Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises

2009: In a move that set it apart within the luxury cruise sector, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offered not one but two world cruises in the same year, which was a rare occurrence at the time. That year also saw the introduction of complimentary shore excursions in every port of call, a significant enhancement to the all-inclusive offering

2010: Honoured by Condé Nast Traveller readers as ‘The World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line’, a prestigious accolade recognising the line’s commitment to exceptional service, luxurious accommodations and unforgettable travel experiences.

2011: Regent Seven Seas Cruises was awarded “Best Cabins, Small Ship” in the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards, recognising the line’s exceptional suite design, comfort and attention to detail.

2014: Regent Seven Seas Cruises became a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, marking a new era in the brand’s growth and investment. In the same year, the steel-cutting ceremony for Seven Seas Explorertook place, signalling the beginning of an exciting chapter in the fleet’s expansion and the creation of what would be celebrated as the world’s most luxurious cruise ship.

2015: Becoming the first luxury cruise line to offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests in Concierge Suites and above, this year also brought an expanded selection of ports of call and the introduction of complimentary pre- and post-cruise land programmes, further enhancing the all-inclusive experience.

2016: Seven Seas Explorer joined the fleet, while Seven Seas Navigator underwent a comprehensive $40 million refurbishment, emerging with redesigned suites, refreshed public spaces, and upgraded amenities to match the elegance and comfort of the rest of the fleet.

2017: The line introduced a host of enhancements, including free unlimited Wi-Fi on all voyages and an expanded wellness programme featuring new shore excursions paired with spa treatments. Culinary offerings were also elevated with enhanced menus in the fleet’s Italian restaurants and the release of a new Regent cookbook celebrating its gourmet expertise.

2019: Regent partnered with Vero Water to eliminate single-use plastic bottles across the fleet, a significant step in its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

2020: Seven Seas Splendor made her debut, showcasing an array of luxurious features, including the magnificent Regent Suite. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought global travel to a standstill, and all sailings were suspended in the spring of that year.

2021: Sailings resumed, and Regent Seven Seas implemented a multi-layered health and safety programme called SailSAFE to ensure passenger well-being.

2023: Seven Seas Grandeur entered service, embodying the next generation of luxury cruising with refined design, exceptional dining, and state-of-the-art amenities.

2024: Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled its new Unrivalled at Sea™ brand identity and completed fleetwide Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi installation. The year also saw the announcement of the 2027 World Cruise aboard Seven Seas Splendor and confirmation that the newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige, will make her debut in 2026.

Future: We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Regent Seven Seas Cruises! 

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