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.

Marella Expands Drinks Range with 18 Non-Alcoholic Options

Marella Expands Drinks Range with 18 Non-Alcoholic Options

Marella Cruises has announced that it is offering 18 new alcohol-free cocktails, six 0 percent ABV spirits, four 0 percent wines, as well as non-alcoholic beer and cider alternatives.

Luke Saunders, food and drink development manager at Marella Cruises, said: “We are pleased to be expanding our non-alcoholic drinks menus onboard across our ships.”

“After listening to customer feedback and reviewing the gaps in our menu, we want to enhance a customer’s experience onboard and cater to those who would prefer a non-alcoholic alternative,” added Saunders.

“We are looking forward to our new and returning customers trying out 0 percent cocktails for when they are next onboard.”

From August 2026, all guests sailing on Marella Cruises will be able to enjoy an expanded range of non-alcoholic drinks as part of the line’s All-Inclusive offering, the company said, while guests upgrading to Premium All-Inclusive will also have access to a selection of 0 percent ABV spirits and alcohol-free cocktails.

The expanded range includes 0 percent red, white, rosé and sparkling wine, Heineken 0 percent and Somersby 0 percent cider, Marella said in a press release.

The company will also introduce gluten-free Estrella beer to its All-Inclusive drinks offering.

Customers on the Premium All Inclusive package can enjoy six 0 percent ABV spirits, including Lyre’s:

  • London Dry Gin
  • American Malt Bourbon
  • White Cane Rum
  • Agave Blanco Tequila, and
  • Coffee Originale and Lyre’s Italian Spritz.

The expanded range also includes 18 crafted alcohol-free cocktails, including:

  • “Grapefruit Refresher” — includes Lyre’s London Dry with pink grapefruit and soda
  • “Nojito” — Lyre’s White Cane with mint, lime and soda
  • “Summer Sour” — includes Lyre’s London Dry with lemon, soda, mint and basil, and
  • “Gentle Fashioned” — Lyre’s American Malt with bitters and orange peel.

The enhanced non-alcoholic drinks will be a part of the offering onboard all Marella’s ships available across the fleet from August 2026.