Tag Archives: travelling

Avora Residences Acquires Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator

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Avora Residences Acquires Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator

Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The vessel will debut in January 2028 as Avora Lumina, serving as the flagship of Avora’s residential platform designed specifically for long-term living at sea, the company said in a statement.

“Residential cruising has proven its viability,” said Mikael Petterson, Founder of Avora Residences as well as Villa Vie. “Avora Lumina represents the next evolution — purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience.”

The transaction builds on the proven residential cruising model and strategically positions Avora between Villa Vie Residences’ contemporary residential cruise offerings and The World, according to a statement from Avora.

The ship was acquired on a nine-year charter deal with a nominal purchase option, according to a press release. It also creates a long-term operational agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), according to a press release.

NCLH had previously had an arrangement to sell the Navigator to Crescent Seas, in addition to an Oceania ship, with the deal falling through.

As part of this relationship, Avora plans to preserve the operational DNA of Seven Seas Navigator wherever possible, maintaining established systems, standards and key vendor and service relationships that have defined the ship.

“Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption,” said Kathy Villalba, Co-Founder & CEO of Avora Residences. “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.”

Ahead of its 2028 launch, Avora Lumina will undergo a full residential conversion. Planned upgrades include personalization and residential enhancements, reimagined common spaces optimized for long-term living, a dedicated business and global connectivity center designed to support extended voyages.

Residences range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet and will feature premium finishes, expansive ocean views, and opportunities for personalization.

“These are not cruise cabins,” Petterson said. “They are designed as floating homes — primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time.”

The Avora Lumina intends to launch from Lisbon, Portugal, embarking on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across seven continents.
The ship will remain in port for up to five days at a time.

“We are building a resident-driven global platform,” said Chris Cox, President of Avora Residences. “After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model.”

Avora Residences will offer two ownership pathways:

• Life-of-Ship Ownership, with pricing ranging from approximately $545,000 to $4.2 million across 242 private residences
• Five-Year Ownership Program, starting at approximately $219,600, offering long-term residential access with a lower overall commitment.

Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

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Viking Orders Expedition Ships, More Ocean Ship Options

Viking is continuing its growth track as the company announced it had entered into a deal to build two expedition ships for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

The two expedition ships will join the current Viking expedition fleet, the 378-guest Polaris and Octantis. The new ships will be sister vessels and be built in Italy.

At the same time, the company said it had entered into option agreements for two additional ocean ships for delivery in 2034, with an exercise date of July 30, 2028.

Viking Newbuild Orderbook:

  • Viking Mira: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Libra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2026, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Astrea: 54,300 tons, Built in 2027, 998 passengers.
  • Viking Lyra: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2028, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2029, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
  • New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2030; TBD passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2030, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2031, 998 passengers.
  • New Expedition Ship Order: TBD, Built in 2031; TBD passengers.

Viking Newbuild Options:

  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2032, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2033, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.
  • Unnamed: 54,300 tons, Built in 2034, 998 passengers.

Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

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Stornoway Port Set for Major 2026 Cruise Season

Stornoway Port is preparing to welcome 89 cruise ship calls during the 2026 season, reinforcing its growing prominence as one of Scotland’s premier cruise destinations, according to a press release.

The season is expected to bring approximately 60,000 passengers to the Outer Hebrides, contributing an estimated £7.8 million to the local economy.

“The 2026 cruise season represents another major milestone for Stornoway Port, with 89 scheduled calls highlighting the continued growth in demand from international cruise operators,” said Kirsty Hutchison, cruise and marketing manager at Stornoway Port.

“The return of high-profile vessels such as Queen Anne, alongside visits from MSC Preziosa and Carnival Legend, demonstrates the strength of Stornoway’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

Among the headline arrivals in 2026 are globally recognized vessels. These include the MSC Preziosa, the Carnival Legend and Cunard’s newest flagship, the Queen Anne, which will return to Stornoway following its successful maiden visit in 2025.

The MSC Preziosa and the Carnival Legend will each bring substantial visitor numbers to the island.

Their inclusion in the schedule demonstrates sustained confidence in Stornoway’s facilities, particularly the £59 million Deep Water Terminal, which has significantly expanded the port’s ability to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships.

Hutchison said the Deep Water Terminal continues to transform what the port can offer, strengthening its ability to accommodate larger vessels and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The port is progressing plans for the next phase of development at the terminal, alongside the ongoing development of Arnish Road, to further build capacity and resilience across the estate, she said.