Regent Seven Seas Navigator Now Sails as Avora Residences

Have you ever dreamed of living full-time on a cruise ship? A new company called Avora Residences is making that dream a reality. They just bought the well-known Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

A Familiar Ship Gets a New Life

The Seven Seas Navigator is no stranger to luxury cruising. By January 2028, though, it will have a completely new identity. The ship will relaunch as the Avora Lumina — a full-time floating home for people who want to live at sea long-term.

This isn’t just a name change. The ship will go through a major makeover before its debut. The goal is to turn it into a true residential community on the water.

What Makes This Different From a Regular Cruise?

Avora Lumina isn’t designed for week-long vacations. It’s built for people who want to make the ship their permanent home. Think of it less like a cruise ship and more like a luxury apartment building that travels the world.

Mikael Petterson, the founder of Avora Residences, explained the vision clearly: “Avora Lumina represents the next evolution — purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience.”

The Ship’s Big Journey

Once it launches from Lisbon, Portugal, the Avora Lumina has big plans. The ship will spend three years sailing around the entire globe. Residents will visit more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across all seven continents.

The ship will stay in port for up to five days at a time. That gives residents a real chance to explore each destination. It’s a far cry from a typical cruise ship’s quick port stops.

Honoring the Ship’s Legacy

Avora plans to keep much of what made the Navigator great. They’re working with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on a long-term operational agreement. Many of the ship’s existing systems, standards, and vendor relationships will stay in place.

CEO Kathy Villalba put it this way: “Navigator has a soul — built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews, and trusted relationships. We intend to honor that legacy while transforming the ship into a true long-term residential platform.”

Her company’s approach is straightforward: “Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption.”

What Will the Residences Look Like?

The living spaces will range from about 300 to 1,173 square feet. Each residence will include premium finishes, ocean views, and options for personalization. These aren’t your typical cruise ship cabins.

Petterson was direct about that point: “They are designed as floating homes — primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time.”

Common areas will also be redesigned. Plans include reimagined shared spaces built for everyday living and a dedicated business center with global connectivity.

Two Ways to Own a Residence

Avora Residences offers two ownership options:

• Life-of-Ship Ownership — Prices range from about $545,000 to $4.2 million across 242 private residences.
• Five-Year Ownership Program — Starting at around $219,600 for long-term access with a smaller commitment.

Residents Help Shape the Future

One of the most interesting parts of this concept is what happens after the first world voyage. President Chris Cox explained: “After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model.”

That kind of input is rare in the travel world. It turns residents into true stakeholders in the ship’s future.

The Bottom Line

Residential cruising is a small but growing corner of the travel world. Avora Lumina sits right in the middle of that space — more upscale than Villa Vie Residences but more accessible than The World, the best-known residential ship. Whether it appeals to full-time travelers or retirees looking for adventure, it’s a fascinating concept worth watching.