Regent to Cut Capacity on Explorer Class Ships by 10 Percent

Regent to Cut Capacity on Explorer Class Ships by 10 Percent

Regent’s Explorer-class ships will feature improved crew- and space-to-guest ratios following their upcoming refits.

According to the company’s website, passengers will take advantage of more space and more personalized service following the updates announced in late July.

The Seven Seas Explorer, the Seven Seas Splendor and the Seven Seas Grandeur are set to undergo drydocks between late 2027 and late 2028.

Described by the company as a “transformative reimagining of select onboard accommodations,” the project will reduce the vessels’ overall capacity to 688 passengers.

With larger suites replacing smaller staterooms, the ships will see nearly a 10 percent drop in their cabin and guest count.

Regent said the crew-to-guest ratio will change from 1:1.3 to 1:1.2, allowing for more attentive and personal service.

Guest-to-space ratio will have a larger upgrade, going from 1:74 to 1:80, which Regent said provides more room for every onboard experience.

Following the changes, the ships will also offer what Regent called the largest entry-level suites, spanning between 38 and 43 square meters.

The company said the enhanced accommodations were designed for comfort and effortless livability, “offering more room to relax, entertain and settle into life at sea.”

Other updates include the debut of a new category, Horizon Penthouse Suite, and the addition of three extra Distinctive Suites on each ship.

The Splendor will be the first ship to debut the enhancements, offering its reimagined suites starting on December 6, 2027.

The Explorer and the Grandeur follow suit in 2028, introducing the upgrades on May 22 and November 13, respectively.

Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the Explorer-class vessels are currently the newest ships in Regent’s fleet and entered service between 2016 and 2023.

In addition to refurbishing its Explorer-class ships, the company is introducing a new ship class later this year with the debut of the Seven Seas Prestige. The 822-guest vessel will be followed by sisters in 2030, 2033 and 2036.

Madeira Receives Double Nomination for 2026 World Cruise Awards

Madeira Receives Double Nomination for 2026 World Cruise Awards

Madeira Ports has announced that it has received a double nomination for the World Cruise Awards, marking the fifth consecutive year that the international awards program has recognized the destination.

“These nominations are an important international recognition of the work that has been carried out in Madeira to develop an increasingly sustainable, high-quality and competitive cruise tourism sector,” said Jose Manuel Rodrigues, regional secretary for economy, who oversees the Madeira Ports Administration (APRAM, S.A.).

He added that the double nomination further strengthens Madeira’s reputation as one of the world’s leading cruise destinations.

For Paula Cabaco, president of APRAM, the nominations “reflect the commitment and dedication” of the company’s employees, as well as all the professionals who make up Madeira’s cruise tourism value chain.

“Being shortlisted for these awards also highlights APRAM’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to continuously enhance the experience offered to both passengers and crew,” added Cabaco.

“More than an institutional recognition, these nominations are an honor for Madeira and for the Madeiran people, whose hospitality makes every cruise call a truly memorable experience.”

The nominations follow the destination winning “Europe’s Best Cruise Destination” in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and being named “World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability” in 2024.

Madeira is among the finalists in both categories, the ports said in a press release.

In the category of “Europe’s Best Cruise Destination,” Madeira is competing alongside Athens, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Nice, Oslo, Rome and Southampton.

For the title of “World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability,” the Port of Funchal is shortlisted alongside the cruise terminals of Steinwerder, Flam, Kai Tak, Montreal, Copenhagen, Kiel, Valletta and Victoria.

Voting is free and open to the public and takes place online through the World Cruise Awards website until August 21.

The winners of the 2026 edition will be announced on October 14 during the annual gala, which this year will take place in Jamaica.

Madeira stated that it has already won the title of “Europe’s Leading Island Destination” on twelve occasions.

Oosterdam Sets Sail for HAL’s Solar Eclipse Voyage

Oosterdam Sets Sail for HAL’s Solar Eclipse Voyage

The Oosterdam departed from Lisbon on Sunday to kick off Holland America Line’s “Mediterranean Solar Eclipse” cruise.

Sailing from Portugal to Greece, the 13-night voyage is scheduled to sail to six destinations in the region before ending in Piraeus later this month.

Guests will visit ports in Spain, France, Italy and Montenegro, including Alicante, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia, Bari and Kotor. The itinerary is also highlighted by an overnight visit to the port of Barcelona.

As part of the company’s lineup of themed eclipse cruises, the sailing will also feature special programming focused on the natural phenomenon.

The activities will be hosted by Professor Adam Burgasser, an award-winning professor of physics at the University of California.

Highlights of the enrichment program include talks on the latest astrophysics research, as well as the connections between astronomy and Mediterranean history.

Holland America said that guests will also have a rare opportunity to witness a sunset eclipse with the ship positioned off the Spanish coast on August 12, 2026.

The company will also offer themed lectures, Q&A sessions and tips on how to make the most of their eclipse viewing.

In addition to the Oosterdam, the Zuiderdam and the Nieuw Statendam are also offering special eclipse sailings.

The latter was the first to start its themed cruise, departing from the English port of Dover on June 24, 2026.

As part of a 28-day itinerary to Northern Europe and the Arctic, the vessel will be positioned off the coast of Iceland in the eclipse’s path of totality.

The Zuiderdam is also offering an eclipse cruise in Northern Europe after departing from Boston for a 35-night cruise on July 18, 2026.

Like its fleetmate, the 1,900-passenger ship will be positioned off the coast of Iceland for the phenomenon.