Regent Seven Seas' Immersive Overnights Taps Into Younger Travelers

Forbes

15-05-2025

In 2023, an estimated 31.7 million people cruised worldwide (according to Cruise Lines International), with forecasts predicting this number will grow to around 40 million cruise passengers by 2028.
But what is the enduring allure of the classic cruise? For many aficionados, it offers a step back to a bygone, golden era of travel: days spent at sea with nowhere to rush to; looked after by a fleet of staff, with elevated food and entertainment on tap. For many, however, it is all about the thrill of discovery: the fact that in just one holiday you can soak up a variety of destinations, with the sweet anticipation of arriving in a new port every few days.
Render of the new Seven Seas Prestige, which sets sail in 2026.
(Credit RSSC)
One thing is clear—the cruise industry continues to innovate. Next year, new mega-luxury ships, such as Explora Journeys' Explora III and Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, continue to push boundaries. Meanwhile, regarded as one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world, Regent Seven Seas (RSSC) is set to announce its latest and most luxurious ship to date. Launching next month Seven Seas Prestige will offer its inaugural sailings for 2026. Hosting up to only 822 guests, Seven Seas Prestige boasts one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry, as well as 11 dining experiences and unlimited shore excursions in every port of call.
The new vessel, Regent's first new ship class in 10 years, is an elevated version of RSSC's classic ship, Seven Seas Splendor, which offers all-suite, all-balcony living. Known for its exacting standards and detailing, the ship has one of the highest guest-to-crew ratios in the industry, with 542 crew members for 750 guests. What's more, the brand's all-inclusive ethos, means that premium drinks, selected shore visits and dining are all included in the price with no hidden extras.
Seven Seas Splendor features all-balcony suites.
(Credit: RSSC)
Adding to its wider offering, RSSC has also introduced new Immersive Overnights itineraries, giving a twist to what it sees as the future of cruising—where invention inevitably will be the key to attracting a new tranche of explorers. Available throughout Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asia sailings, the Immersive Overnights concept puts a new spin on in-port stays, with travellers able to see another—nocturnal—side to each destination they've arrived in. In short, unique evening shoreside experiences mean that each overnight call becomes an integral and memorable part of the journey.
Discover Immersive Overnights itineraries on board Seven Seas Splendor.
(Credit: Photographicframe Art Studio)
New for this year is the Sunset Over Tuscany sailing, a 12-night trip on board Seven Seas Mariner, offering multiple days visiting destinations such as Valletta in Malta; Tuscany in Italy; and Provence in France. The cruise will allow guests the chance for even greater exploration of some of the Mediterranean's most culturally-rich destinations with evening shore excursions on offer, such as an authentic dinner at a Tuscan villa and sunset tours around the city of Florence. A selection of private tours also adds behind-the-scenes opportunities at some of the destinations' most sought after sites.
Seven Seas Splendor leaving the shores of Miami.
(Credit: RSSC)
While cruise passenger numbers are steadily rising, data is showing—surprisingly perhaps—that the age of passengers is getting lower. Published in May last year, the State of the Cruise Industry Report, by the Cruise Lines International Association, reveals that: 'The future of cruise is the younger generation, with Millennials the most enthusiastic about planning a cruise holiday.' Reversing the stereotype that the average cruise passenger is a 'silver traveler' above the age of 70, the report also showed that in fact, '46 is now the average age of a cruise traveler, with 36% being under the age of 40.'
A JP Morgan Research report, published in June 2024, also revealed similar findings: 'J.P. Morgan Research estimates the cruise industry will capture ~3.8% of the $1.9T global vacation market by 2028. While Baby Boomers once formed the core consumer base for the cruise industry, an increasing number of younger travelers and first-time passengers are now coming on board.'
The pool deck on board Seven Seas Splendor.
(Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET [phone])
With this in mind, the Regent Seven Seas' Flair, Flavor and Culture cruise, which offers the new Immersive Nights after-hours' experiences across iconic Mediterranean stops, is the perfect option for younger and multi-generational travelers. The sailing with Seven Seas Splendor features a 10-night itinerary from Monte Carlo to Salerno in Italy, Kusadasi in Turkiye and Athens in Greece. Along the way, are excursions that allow you to soak up local culture later in the day and after nightfall—from exploring Turkish rural life with a local meal in the village of Caferli to driving along the breathtaking Amalfi coast, stopping off for an aperitivo in Positano and enjoying a cookery class in the town of Amalfi.
The Pantheon in Athens is one of the excursions you can do as part of the Immersive Nights offering.
(Credit: BBB)
Highlights include exploring Athens' Acropolis and the Pantheon; while a call at Kusadasi, on the western shores of Turkey, brings a number of out-of-hours group and private tours taking passengers under the skin of some of the country's most interesting historic sites. Included are the ancient ruins at Ephesus and Sirince Village, an Ottoman-era settlement (recognized as one of the World's Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO).
'We are incredibly excited to offer such a diverse selection of travel experiences to enrich our unique Immersive Overnights collection, as well as adding a completely new itinerary for guests to enjoy,' said Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 'The collection features an overnight stay and multiple days in every single port of call, allowing discerning travelers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in Europe and Asia's rich history and vibrant cultures, all while reveling in spacious all-suite accommodations and personalised service onboard 'The World's Most Luxurious Fleet'.'
Compass Rose restaurant is one of many offerings on board Seven Seas Splendor.
(Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET [phone])
On board Seven Seas Spendor, meanwhile, there's even more activities for all ages—from a Padel tennis court to an infinity-edge plunge pool; a putting green to a jogging track. On offer are lectures from destination experts, local wine tastings and dance classes. Each night, there's also West End-style entertainment in the state-of-the-art, two-tier Constellation Theatre and live music across a number of the ship's bars. While, for quieter moments, you can also retreat to The Study, which resembles a private library with its extensive collection of books, or head to the Serene Spa, a tranquil space where you can treat yourself to a massage or blow dry. Well-thought-out corners of the ship include a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen, where you can book in for cookery classes, such as 'Treasures of the Aegean', which are adapted to the cuisine of each port of call, and the Card Room, for poker tournaments and evenings of board games.
The Regent Seven Seas' refined aesthetic also falls in line with the trend of the increased number of younger, design-savvy passengers coming aboard. Colours are chic and muted, with the décor oozing a quiet opulence. This plays out particularly in the Observation Lounge, located at the bow on board Seven Seas Splendor. This all-glass fronted bar and lounge, on Deck 11, was designed by Studio Dado and the large space offers expansive ocean views and a pastel colour palette inspired by an English garden. Specially commissioned art, by Gorman Studios, incorporates hand painted English roses and flowers on glass screens to mimic the look of porcelain, while in the centre of the room is a whimsical chandelier has been created from an abstract pergola, with blooms of handmade flowers in milky, clear and white glass.
The apartment-like living room in the Regent Suite.
(Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET [phone])
Meanwhile, located on the 14th deck is the showpiece Regent Suite, which features unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship's bow from the wraparound veranda and a glass-enclosed solarium, offering a 'Captain's view' as the ship arrives in each port. Stretching across 4,443 square feet, the suite is one of the largest ever constructed on a luxury cruise ship. Not only is it home to its own spa, with sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, it also has a custom Steinway Grand Maroque piano, a dedicated butler, a personal car and driver in every port and a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus mattress and bed, worth over $200,000. The suite is also home to an original work of art by Picasso.
The Regent Suite's bathroom makes its own splash.
(Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET [phone])
In fact, art is an important element of the ship, with a 300-piece art collection sourced from artists and galleries from around the world. A second Picasso—a lithograph—is found in Prime 7, the ship's classic American Steakhouse restaurant. You'll catch sight of it as you enter for an evening meal in its opulent dining room.
As the sun dips over the ocean, the ship's seven premium restaurants become alive and buzzy with diners dressed for the occasion. Pacific Rim has dramatic interiors with a dragon art installation at the entrance. Tables are lit by low-hanging, black brocade lampshades. Go here for Pan-Asian dishes, including dry-ice sashimi, sushi platters and Thai curries. Another highlight is the Art Deco-style Chartreuse for elegant French dishes—think garlic escargots and veal rack loin. Also on offer is Italian dining at Sette Mari and customisable Mediterranean menus at Compass Rose.
The dragon art installation at Pacific Rim.
(Credit: STEPHEN BEAUDET [phone])
Best of all, for travelers who are passionate about food, are Regent's gourmet explorer tours, which gives guests the opportunity to experience the culinary culture of the various destinations they are visiting. From expert tours of local markets to wine-tasting at sun-kissed wine estates—this not only ticks the food tourism trend, but allows you to truly take a bite out of each place you visit—no matter what age you are.