Seven Seas Navigator to Become Luxury Residential Ship by 2026

The Regent Seven Seas Navigator, an iconic 490-guest luxury ship, will transition from Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Crescent Seas in late 2026, marking a notable shift in the travel industry. After serving Regent’s fleet for over 25 years, the vessel will be converted into a high-end residential cruise ship under a $230 million agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). This move signals a new era of living at sea, driven by Crescent Seas, part of Miami-based Crescent Heights, a global developer of luxury properties.

Seven Seas Navigator’s Transition to Crescent Seas

Originally launched in 1999, the Seven Seas Navigator has long been cherished by Regent guests for its intimate atmosphere and far-reaching itineraries. Its final cruise under Regent’s banner is scheduled for October 2, 2026, traveling from Istanbul, Turkey, to Alexandria, Egypt. Afterward, the ship will undergo a $50 million refurbishment to become Crescent Seas’ inaugural luxury residential vessel. Regent characterized the Navigator’s departure as part of a broader operational realignment, allowing the fleet to concentrate on two new Prestige-class ships slated to debut in 2026 and 2030.

Crescent Seas Vision for Luxury Residences at Sea

Russell W. Galbut, a founding partner of Crescent Heights and former chairman of NCLH, heads Crescent Seas. His ambition is to design exclusive, yacht-like residential cruise ships that merge high-end living with worldwide exploration. Galbut emphasized that travelers frequently expressed a wish for more permanent lifestyles at sea, spurring the development of this innovative model.

Under the Navigator’s transformation plan, Crescent Seas will create 210 residences priced between $750,000 and $8 million, with floor plans ranging from 350 to 2,000 square feet. The ship will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, complemented by white-glove butler service, unlimited Starlink internet access, and refined hospitality services managed by Apollo Group, the vessel’s former operator.

Redefining Residential Cruising

Extended two- to three-day stays in both popular and remote locales—such as French Polynesia, the Faroe Islands, and Madagascar—will set the Navigator apart from the typical cruise itinerary. The vessel’s new features will include co-working spaces, a podcast recording studio, seven specialty dining venues, and a garden lounge showcasing hydroponic plants. Crescent Seas has enlisted top-tier design firms like Lissoni & Partners, MAWD, and Journey to refresh the ship’s interiors, blending modern luxury with its maritime roots. Notably, the company plans to retain the Navigator’s established crew for the first decade of operations, aiming to ensure consistent, high-quality service.

Industry Implications and the Growing Luxury Cruise Segment

The Navigator’s conversion highlights the cruise industry’s increasing focus on ultra-luxury and specialized experiences. While the concept of residential cruising is relatively uncommon—examples include The World, Residences at Sea, and Villa Vie Residences—Crescent Seas seeks to stand out in this expanding arena. Rising interest in upscale cruise offerings, such as those from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and new endeavors by Four Seasons, underscores the trend.

Crescent Seas also intends to introduce four additional residential cruise ships over the next five years, each mirroring the Navigator’s approach of high-end amenities and extended itineraries. The Navigator is slated to make its residential debut with Crescent Seas in December 2026, serving as a pilot project for what the company hopes will redefine luxury living at sea. Concurrently, Regent and NCLH are prioritizing fleet growth and innovation. Regent’s upcoming Seven Seas Prestige, debuting in 2026, will replace the Navigator with a larger, more technologically advanced option that demonstrates the brand’s commitment to remaining competitive in an evolving market.

The transformation of the Seven Seas Navigator is part of a broader industry shift toward exclusivity and sustainability, as companies explore new ways to cater to changing traveler preferences. Whether this residential cruising model achieves massive appeal remains to be seen, but it undeniably shows the cruise sector’s flexibility and readiness to adapt in a rapidly evolving market.

What is Crescent Seas, and how is it changing the cruise industry?

Crescent Seas is a new luxury residential cruise brand established by Crescent Heights, a noted developer of premium real estate. Its flagship undertaking involves remodeling the Navigator into a luxury residence vessel that offers extended, immersive itineraries and the chance for travelers to live at sea on a permanent or long-term basis.

When will the Seven Seas Navigator begin its new role?

The Navigator’s final Regent voyage will set sail on October 2, 2026. After this journey, the ship is scheduled for a $50 million renovation and will debut under the Crescent Seas banner as a residential cruise vessel in December 2026.

How much do residences aboard the Navigator cost?

Residences range from $750,000 to $8 million, providing one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that vary in size from 350 to 2,000 square feet. These homes come with high-end amenities, including white-glove butler service and reliable Starlink internet access.

What amenities will the Navigator provide for residents?

Alongside devoted butler support and high-speed internet, residents will have access to co-working spaces, a podcast studio, several dining options, a fitness center, and immersive shore experiences designed to make extended time at sea both comfortable and engaging.

What are Crescent Seas’ future plans?

Crescent Seas plans to launch four additional residential cruise ships within the coming five years, each replicating the Navigator’s model of luxury accommodations, distinctive itineraries, and world-class onboard services.