A new culinary voyage begins
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is taking Mediterranean dining to new heights with the unveiling of Azure, a stunning new restaurant concept that will debut aboard the highly anticipated Seven Seas Prestige when she launches in December 2026. This mezze-style dining venue represents more than just another specialty restaurant – it’s a culinary journey that captures the very essence of Mediterranean culture, from the olive groves of Greece to the spice markets of Morocco.
Azure’s design philosophy reads like a love letter to the Mediterranean. Studio DADO has crafted an authentically immersive space that celebrates the region’s rich tapestry of Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Israeli, and Lebanese influences. The restaurant’s centerpiece – a striking chandelier inspired by olive trees – casts atmospheric light over intricate modern arabesque mosaics and rustic pottery that transport guests to a sun-drenched coastal village.
“We wanted to capture a journey to the Levant, with its rich legacy of craftsmanship, ornamentation and the colors of the Mediterranean. It feels exotic but also comfortable and welcoming at the same time.”
Yohandel Ruiz, founding partner at Studio DADO.
The dining concept encourages connection through sharing, with mezze-style dishes designed to foster community around the table. Guests will experience tantalizing amuse-bouche, appetizers, main courses, and desserts that draw inspiration from the Mediterranean’s vast geography spanning three continents. Clay pots filled with dried flower arrangements and natural elements add an earthy authenticity that makes every meal feel like a discovery.
Seven restaurants, countless possibilities
But Azure is just one jewel in Seven Seas Prestige’s impressive culinary crown. The ship will feature seven specialty restaurants, each with refreshed designs that showcase the cruise line’s commitment to what they call “Epicurean Perfection”. Every venue has been reimagined, drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as heavenly constellations, Art Deco sophistication, Japanese design principles, and Chicago’s industrial heritage.
The redesigned Compass Rose, which Regent designate as the largest specialty restaurant at sea, takes inspiration from the constellations that have guided explorers for centuries. Guests enter through mirrored screens that sparkle like stars before emerging into a space that celebrates the romance of ocean travel. Here, the concept of ‘bespoke’ reaches new heights – guests can create their perfect meal every single night of their voyage.
Prime 7 presents a bold interpretation of the traditional steakhouse, drawing deep inspiration from Chicago’s storied past. The contemporary space captures the tension between industrial grit and opulent design, with warm umbers and saturated garnet tones reminiscent of the city’s brownstone warehouses. A magnificent Arctic Henna marble bar, richly veined and luminous, anchors the room in quiet drama.
For those seeking French sophistication, Chartreuse emerges as a contemporary sanctuary where heritage meets modernity. The design recalls the Art Deco sophistication of early 20th-century Europe, reimagining the classic society home as a gathering place for today’s discerning passenger. Subtle herbaceous greens – the namesake chartreuse tone – infuse freshness throughout, balanced by the elegance of Calacatta Oro marble.
Pacific Rim offers a Zen-like oasis inspired by Japanese design principles. A sculptural archway welcomes guests into a space that embodies the paradox of Asian cuisine – both simple and complex. Custom artwork and strategic window placement ensure diners can relish both exquisite cuisine and breathtaking ocean views.
Unrivaled space meets unparalleled luxury
Seven Seas Prestige herself represents a significant milestone for the cruise line – the first new ship class in a decade. At 77,000 tons accommodating just 822 guests, she boasts one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the industry. This translates to genuinely unrivaled space, with beautifully appointed suites, lavish public areas, and the most expansive al fresco dining area ever seen on a Regent ship.
The ship’s dining philosophy extends beyond the specialty restaurants to encompass the full Regent experience. La Veranda transforms nightly into Sette Mari, serving authentic Italian specialties with stunning ocean views. Twenty-four-hour in-suite dining ensures guests can indulge whenever inspiration strikes, while Coffee Connection provides artisanal coffees, pastries, and gourmet selections throughout the day.
True to Regent’s ultra-luxury positioning, everything is included in the cruise fare – from unlimited shore excursions and gourmet cuisine to fine wines, spirits, entertainment, WiFi, valet laundry service, and pre-paid gratuities. For guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher, even a pre-cruise hotel night is included.
The future of ultra-luxury cruising
Azure represents a thrilling departure for Regent – a bold Mediterranean concept that promises to introduce an entirely new dimension of cuisine to the ultra-luxury cruise experience, where authenticity meets innovation in every shared dish.
“Cuisine has always been at the heart of the Regent experience, and with Seven Seas Prestige, we are taking our commitment to Epicurean Perfection to an entirely new level.”
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
Guest interest registration opens June 11, 2025, with reservations beginning June 25. For luxury cruise guests who believe that the journey should be every bit as extraordinary as the destination, Seven Seas Prestige promises to deliver an experience that truly lives up to the Regent promise of being unrivaled at sea.
Seven Seas Prestige is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. Specialty restaurant menus will be revealed closer to the ship’s launch date. Visit the Regent website for more information.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
