Aussies already looking to book first Crescent Seas residential cruise ships at up to $15m

• Crescent Seas is the latest in a long line of operators trying to crack the holy grail of residential cruising.
• Owned by a wealthy property developer in Miami with strong links to the cruise industry, it is garnering a lot of interest worldwide.
• Now, its boss says Australians are keen to get aboard.

Crescent Seas, the Miami based residential cruise company which has already acquired Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Insignia from Oceania Cruises and announced a new-build, has revealed that Australians are already negotiating to get aboard.

Russell W. Galbut, Founder and Chairman of Crescent Seas, told Cruise Passenger in an exclusive interview Australians have already expressed interest. The company is planning to open an office in Australia to handle the Asia Pacific region.

Galbut, a wealthy Miami property developer and former Norwegian Cruise Lines chair, announced the new venture at the start of the year, offering passengers the chance to buy units on round-the-world cruises.

Suites on the ships will be turned into units and sold. On Insignia, for instance, they’ll start from between $1.01m and $15 million with a monthly ‘community fee’ of $17,000, not including food and beverages.

Asked about interest from Australia, Galbut said: “Yes, we’ve received interest from clients in Australia who are intrigued by the idea of owning a residence at sea on The Navigator. The concept of combining luxury living with global travel has resonated well.”

He said the company was exploring strategic partnerships and potential representation in the APAC region due to growing interest from clients in Australia and across Asia.

“While we haven’t confirmed the opening of a dedicated office yet, it’s certainly part of our international expansion roadmap as demand continues to build,” he said.

So what’s life like aboard a Crescent Seas ship? “It’s a life of luxury, exploration, and community. Australians will appreciate the freedom to see the world without giving up the familiarity of home, while meeting like-minded travellers from other countries.”

Residents can lease out their units so long as stays are over a month, and relatives can be hosted for as long as they like.

Routes for the first 14 months of each voyage are pre-planned. After that, residents help shape the journey to make it a true community-driven experience. Itineraries span all seven continents, blending the iconic destinations with off-the-grid places one wouldn’t reach on a traditional cruise.  

The apartments can be customised but will be designed by renowned design company MAWD, Journey and Lissoni will spearhead the interiors for residences on The Navigator.

“But there are lots of opportunity for customisation. We want each home to feel like a true reflection of its owner.”

The Navigator, which will take its inaugural journey in late December 2026, will feature 210 private residences ranging from $1.1 million 750,000 to $8 million. In December 2027, The Insignia will launch with 290 residences priced from $750,000 to $12 million.

Will the ships call in on Australia? “Yes, absolutely, we plan to have Australia as part of our global itinerary,” says Galbut.

For more, see the website here.