The conversation around luxury cruising is about to change dramatically. When Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveils its newest vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, in late 2026, it won’t just be launching another ship – it will be introducing an entirely new vocabulary for what ultra-luxury accommodation at sea can mean.
The 77,000-ton vessel, carrying just 822 guests across 411 all-balcony suites, represents the cruise line’s first new ship class in a decade. More significantly, it marks a bold departure from traditional cruise ship design, embracing residential aesthetics that would feel equally at home in Manhattan’s most coveted penthouses or the rooftop terraces of European luxury hotels.
A vertical revolution in suite design
The most striking innovation aboard Seven Seas Prestige lies in its approach to vertical space. The new Skyview Suites – available in three configurations ranging from 1,325 to 2,024 square feet – feature private in-suite elevators that transport guests to their own rooftop terraces. These elevated sanctuaries, complete with jetted tubs and shaded dining areas, offer an unprecedented level of privacy and panoramic ocean views that traditional balconies simply cannot match.
The design firm behind the ship’s sophisticated interiors is Studio DADO. Their design of the Skyview Suite embodies a philosophy that blends classic elegance and modern sophistication in tones of cool grey, with black accents, and dramatic pops of ruby red – a palette that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary.
“The space. The view. They’ll make for a truly unforgettable experience.”
Yohandel Ruiz, founding partner of Studio DADO.
Equally impressive are the four Grand Loft Suites, which channel the sophisticated aesthetic of Lower Manhattan residences through their double-height spaces and extraordinary window walls. At 856 square feet each, these duplex accommodations feature upstairs loft bedrooms that face directly toward the horizon, creating an almost ethereal sense of floating above the ocean.
Beyond the balcony
Traditional cruise ship balconies, while pleasant, often feel like afterthoughts – narrow strips of outdoor space tacked onto interior rooms. Seven Seas Prestige approaches outdoor living with the reverence it deserves. The Horizon Penthouse Suites feature balconies measuring up to 263 square feet, complete with dedicated dining areas, plush sofas, and sun loungers that transform these spaces into genuine outdoor living rooms.
The ship’s four Signature Suites take this concept even further with wraparound balconies spanning 1,023 square feet – among the largest private outdoor spaces at sea. These expansive terraces essentially create floating villas, perfect for entertaining guests or simply indulging in solitude with unobstructed ocean views.
The art of inclusive luxury
While the suite designs capture attention, Seven Seas Prestige’s true luxury lies in its comprehensive approach to inclusive cruising. Every accommodation benefits from what Regent calls “The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience” – a philosophy that eliminates the nickel-and-diming common to many luxury travel experiences.
The ship’s all-inclusive philosophy encompasses unlimited shore excursions, gourmet cuisine across 11 specialty restaurants (including Azure, a new mezze-style Mediterranean concept), premium beverages, onboard entertainment, unlimited Starlink WiFi access, valet laundry service, and pre-paid gratuities. Guests in Concierge-level suites and above also receive a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night, while those in Penthouse Suites and higher enjoy dedicated butler service.
This approach reflects a deeper understanding of modern luxury travel – the recognition that true indulgence comes not from having to choose between options, but from having all options available without constant calculation of additional costs.
Residential elegance meets maritime innovation
The design philosophy throughout Seven Seas Prestige revolves around what Studio DADO calls a “neutral palette throughout, which gives a classic, almost timeless feel, but used pops of gem-like color to keep the designs fresh and contemporary.” This approach is evident in accommodations ranging from the 440-square-foot Serenity Suites with their bluish teal accents to the 1,417-square-foot Grand Suites featuring rich shades of green and Italian artistry through textured fabrics and woven leather accents.
Even the ship’s most modest accommodations – the 22 Deluxe Veranda Suites ranging from 285 to 440 square feet – maintain this commitment to residential sophistication. The fact that these represent the smallest accommodations on a ship where the average suite measures well over 500 square feet speaks to Regent’s commitment to space and comfort.
“An unparalleled luxury unlike anything the cruise industry has seen before.”
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Given the vessel’s impressive passenger-to-space ratio and innovative approach to vertical living, this isn’t mere marketing hyperbole – it’s arguably an accurate assessment of how the ship challenges conventional cruise ship design.
The new standard
Seven Seas Prestige represents more than an evolution in cruise ship design; it signals a fundamental shift in how luxury cruisers might think about extended voyages. By embracing residential design principles and maximizing both indoor and outdoor living spaces, the vessel offers something approaching the comfort of a luxury resort with the mobility of a yacht.
With reservations opening June 25, 2025, and the ship’s maiden season beginning in late 2026, Seven Seas Prestige promises to set new benchmarks for ultra-luxury cruising. For discerning cruisers who have grown weary of less-than commodious quarters and nickel-and-dime pricing, this vessel offers a compelling vision of what maritime luxury can become when space, design, and service align in perfect harmony.
The future of luxury cruising isn’t just arriving – it could well make every other ship feel decidedly old-fashioned by comparison.
For more information visit the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
