Princess Charlene Of Monaco Christens Seven Seas Explorer
by James Shillinglaw /Seven Seas Explorer crew members line the rails during the ship’s christening ceremony.
Princess Charlene of Monaco cut the red velvet ribbon that sent a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne against the hull of the new Seven Seas Explorer yesterday, as she officially named the new vessel in an evening ceremony in Monte Carlo. Billed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises as “the most luxurious ship ever built,” the ship is the line’s first new vessel since Seven Seas Voyager entered service in 2003.
The gala outdoor christening ceremony featured speeches by Regent Seven Seas president and COO Jason Montague as well as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and CEO Frank Del Rio, who personally helped to create the ship’s signature culinary offerings, overall design and extensive art collection. The ceremony also featured a 40-minute performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Princess Charlene of Monaco, who served as godmother to Seven Seas Explorer, delivered the traditional maritime blessing.
“Tonight we celebrate the realization of our vision,” Del Rio said, as Seven Seas Explorer “sets a new benchmark for luxury vacations and lays the foundation from which Regent Seven Seas Cruises will continue to build. We have already begun a massive $125 million refurbishment effort to ensure every ship in our fleet matches the luxury standard found on Explorer, and will introduce a sister ship in 2020.”
The luxury liner’s maiden voyage will take place July 20, 2016, and the ship will spend its inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.
“Our guests have waited patiently for over a decade for a new Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship, and once they sail Seven Seas Explorer I’m confident they will agree it was well worth the wait,” Montague said.