Dispatch from Monaco: The Christening of the Regent Seven Seas Explorer

There’s no better setting than glamorous Monaco to inaugurate the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, billed as the most luxurious ship ever built. (Price tag: $450 million.) In the Principality, Regent pulled out all the stops on a glittering black-tie affair to celebrate the launch of the ship that sets new standards in the industry. Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco christened the Explorer, while world-famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli serenaded the crowd. The soiree was emceed by Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight.

To quote Frank J. Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.: “Monaco is glitz and glamour, epic auto races,

legendary casinos, where 007 orders his martinis shaken not stirred… Monaco can now add the Christening of the Explorer to its long list of accolades.”Decorated with one acre of marble and 2,500 works of original art (including canvases by Picasso and Miro), the Explorer boasts the most balcony space of any cruise ship. On-ship distractions for just 750 guests include the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, multiple gastronomic restaurants, and the cutting-edge Culinary Arts Kitchen, a brand new concept for the brand. And the over-the-top Regent Suite—measuring a whopping 3,875 square feet—is equipped with its very own en-suite spa retreat, a first in the cruising industry

But the Explorer is only the beginning. President Jason Montague announced a $125 million investment in Regent’s other ships, so that by spring 2017, they’ll operate “the world’s most luxurious fleet.”

Stay tuned for more details in a future issue of the magazine.