Ultra luxe cruise line Regent Seven Seas is set to challenge the dominance of hotels and resorts in the holiday market with more overnight stays at top itineraries.

The line, which this week christened the Seven Seas Grandeur at a glittering party in Miami, Florida, has revealed it is planning six 10-day test itineraries with four overnight stays in 2024.

The Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asia will be first to trial the idea, which will revolutionise the cruise offering, allowing ships to rival land tour and hotel operators and meet the demand for immersive experiences.

In Rome, for instance, the move would mean Regent Seven Seas guests could still see the main sites – but stay aboard their all-inclusive ships at a price well below that of the five-star hotel equivalent.

With hotel prices and transport costs rising, Regent sees land tours as the most likely areas of growth as cruise capacity rises in the luxury space.

A night at the Four Seasons Rome would cost US$1884 for bed and breakfast, for instance, whereas a seven-day cruise in the Med in May next year would cost US$1038 a night. The all inclusive cruise on Seven Seas Grandeur, of course, gives guests lunch and dinner, entertainment and a shore excursion.

How the numbers stack up

So seven days at the Four Seasons with only breakfast comes out at $13,188 while the all, inclusive cruise, which also takes guests from Rome to Barcelona, is currently on offer at US$7269.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings President Harry Sommer told guests at the christening this week that he sees hotels and resorts, which own 98 per cent of the holiday market, more of a competitor to cruising and other ship operators.

Head of sales Shawn Tubman said on board Grandeur the idea for the new itineraries came from passenger feedback. Guests said they loved the cruise experience but wanted to see more at major ports.

Regent has also pioneered additional land tour days on itineraries with good success, he said.

New technology moves

The move coincides with technology which will allow a more personalised service in Regent’s specialty restaurants.

Don’t be surprised if waitstaff remember what wine or dish you like best from data stored from your last lunch, dinner or even your last cruise.

As soon as you book, staff will receive a profile of your likes and dislikes, allowing them to quickly offer you your favourites.

This week’s christening of Seven Seas Grandeur brought the line’s fleet up to six. It was marked with a concert starring Tony and Emmy award winner Kristin Chenoweth and the launch of the world’s first Faberge egg at sea called A Journey in Jewels.

With 746 guests served by 548 crew in 373 suites, Seven Seas Grandeur will provide among the highest space and staff to guest ratios in the industry.

She will sail out of Miami before moving to the Mediterranean in the spring of 2024.

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