The Seven Seas Explorer is taking the cruise industry to a whole new level—one that sails high above the market turmoil or shifting geopolitics dominating today’s headlines. Indeed, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio has dubbed it “a trophy to the one-percenters.”
The $450 million Italian-built megaship is the first cruise liner by Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s high-end Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand in 13 years. Del Rio intended it to be the most luxurious cruise ship ever and it makes a strong claim for that title.
To achieve that lofty aspiration, Rio says the key was simple: no cutting corners on the 750-passenger, all-suite vessel.
The company paid top dollar for top talent—even recruiting world-class chefs—which has resulted in a dining experience that lets you start the day with a self-serve caviar station.
The ship’s aesthetics were also a priority. Paintings hanging on the walls range from the likes of Chagall to Picasso. $500,000 was spent on a three-ton sculpture made from hand-cast bronze located outside the ship’s Pacific Rim restaurant.
One suite touted by Rio, known as the Regent Suite, comes with a 24-hour butler, an on-shore limousine service, and a guide in every port. The room itself, which boasts an impressive 4,433-square-feet, is equipped with a $500,000 Steinway piano and $150,000 Savoir No. 1 mattress. It may well be the best sleep you’ve ever had—as long as you can stay above water with the $10,000 per night price tag.
For more details on the Seven Seas Explorer, click here.
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