Regent Seven Seas Cruises Celebrates Keel Laying for New Ship

It’s a maritime tradition that dates back more than two thousand years. And recently, at the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, Regent Seven Seas Cruises carried on what is believed to have been started by the ancient Romans; affixing gold coins onto the keel of the 750-passenger Seven Seas Splendor. In ancient times, coins were placed at the foot of the main mast.

Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and shipyard Director Giovanni Stecconi commemorated the occasion by placing three coins onto the keel of the ship.

The three coins shown in the photo are:

• Ancient Roman Empire Coin, featuring Neptune, God of the Sea. The coin was minted during the reign of Hadrian (117 to 138 AD) and commemorates the ship being built in Italy and the origin of the coin tradition.
• Spanish Gold “Escudo” Coin from the 1700s, commemorating Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural voyage on February 7, 2020, taking guests on an unforgettable 14-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona, Spain to Miami. This Spanish Escudo will signify good luck on her first official voyage.
• A Commemorative Coin, etched with the date of the keel laying ceremony, illustrating the partnership of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Fincantieri.

Along with the keel laying ceremony and the symbolic gold coins, guests were also able to take a first look at two full-size suite models that will be identical to those aboard the new Seven Seas Splendor.

“Seven Seas Explorer has earned remarkable acclaim since debuting in 2016 as the most luxurious ship ever built. Now, her sister Seven Seas Splendor builds upon the success of that lauded ship as it strives to perfect uncompromised luxury on the seas,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “In our pursuit to exceed guest expectations, we are creating a work of art, from bow to stern. Wherever you turn on Seven Seas Splendor, you will be surrounded by elegance, comfort and hospitality.”

During the ceremony, the first two of 210 blocks that will comprise the approximately 55,000 gross ton vessel were lifted into the dry dock. This officially marked the start of the ship’s assembly in the Ancona shipyard.

Touring the Suites

Keel laying ceremony guests were able to take a tour of full-size models of the Concierge and Penthouse suites at the Fincantieri shipyard, representing a majority of the suites on board Seven Seas Splendor.

Seven Seas Splendor is an all-suite, all-balcony ship. The new ship will have 375 suites ranging from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite, to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite. With a private in-suite spa with steam room, a custom heated spa on a private balcony, and ceramic-heated lounge beds, the Regent Suite also comes with a butler and car and driver awaiting excursions in every port.

Inaugural Europe itineraries for 2020 will be announced on July 12, 2018.

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