This week in the cruise industry saw four major new ships continue to move forward.
The Seven Seas Explorer from Regent Seven Seas Cruises passed a major construction milestone as it was floated out of the building dock at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Now outside of the building dock, construction will focus on completing Seven Seas Explorer’s interior spaces.
The new ship's maiden voyage is scheduled for July 20, 2016. With a capacity of 750 guests, Seven Seas Explorer will offer a top-tier 3,875 square-foot RegentSuite with two bedrooms, an expansive living space and a beam-to-beam private outdoor balcony. The suite also has an in-suite spa retreat with personal sauna, steam room, relaxation loungers and a spa treatment area where guests will enjoy complimentary, unlimited treatments from Canyon Ranch. The ship will also introduce two new restaurants -- Chartreuse and Pacific Rim -- as well as a new Culinary Arts Kitchen.
Royal Caribbean International announced a milestone of its own when the line laid the keel for its fourth Oasis-class ship at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, signifying the official start of construction.
Still to be named, the fourth Oasis-class ship will be delivered in spring 2017.
Silversea Cruises officially opened bookings on its new flagship, Silver Muse, today, November 2. The ship will begin sailing in April 2017.
The 286 suite ship will make its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Nice at the start the 2017 season. The 13-day sailing will depart on April 20, 2017, and arrive in Nice on May 3, 2017, stopping at ports that include Barcelona, Valletta, Amalfi and Sorrento.
Before the maiden voyage, there will also be an Easter voyage, departing Monte Carlo on April 10 for an eight-day debut sailing, taking in destinations including Porto Mahon, Livorno and Portofino, arriving in Monte Carlo on April 18.
Finally, Seabourn released a rendering of the exterior of its newest ship, Seabourn Encore, which is set to launch in December 2016. Seabourn Encore, which will have its inaugural voyage in January 2017, will build on the line's Odyssey-class ships, maintaining a guest-to-staff ratio close to one-to-one. A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will join the fleet in 2018.
Seabourn Encore is being fashioned by famous hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany. The ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will have a private veranda.
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