Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises announced today that they are “embark(ing) on a strong growth phase“, starting with the return of Jason Montague, but not just as the head of Regent Seven Seas, but as the “Chief Luxury Cruise Officer” of both Regent and Oceania. This not only ends the short term of Andrea DeMarco as Regent’s president, but pretty much downgrades Frank Del Rio, Jr., who will now report to Montague, who has come out of a very short (and failed) retirement.
It is of note that there are no plans for a new president of Regent Seven Seas to be named. With Montague’s strong history with Regent and Oceania, it is no wonder. Adding or, better, continuing an additional layer of executives therefore wouldn’t seem to be of any positive value.
According to Harry Sommer, the CEO of Regent and Oceania’s parent, NCL Holdings, “Our goal is not to merge the brands” and they will continue to have separate marketing, sales and call center teams, assuring “We’ll be keeping the two brands unique.” That said, recently there has been more commonality between the brands, so I am interested to see what that means going forward.
Regent Seven Seas will have two new ships delivered by 2029 and Seven Seas Mariner will, after her soon to depart world cruise, undergo “enhancements” later this year, followed by Seven Seas Voyager in 2026. From what I understand, the rather aging – 2001 launched – Seven Seas Mariner is planned for a complete revamp of guest spaces, including suites, dining areas, and public lounges. I would assume something similar for Seven Seas Voyager. The refurbishments won’t bring the ships up to date in all respects, but hopefully with the major investments, the ships will be more than serviceable in the luxury market. (I do, however, have to wonder why the Seven Seas Navigator is not mentioned for refurbishment! It may be that she is not in Regent’s long-term plans.)
Oceania has three newbuilds arriving by 2029, with Oceania Allura arriving this year. Oceania Marina is scheduled to be refurbished in 2026 and Oceania Riviera is due in 2027. (Based on my troubling experience on Oceania Riviera, I am quite pleased that she is on the schedule, though I am not sure how much of a refurbishment is to be done.) Meanwhile the three smaller former R-ships aren’t mentioned but they do seem to be like “the little engine that could” and just keep sailing along with strong itineraries but otherwise hedging their bets to stay in the premium market based upon that and their small size. Wil they all stay in the fleet? I just don’t know.
So, what do I think about this move? Jason Montague is, in my opinion, a very knowledgeable, well-respected, and well-liked individual both within the industry and within the travel agent community. He is definitely more of the old school, “If you treat people right, they will treat you right” kinda guy.
And as much as Frank Del Rio, Sr. put his stamp on these two brands, he wasn’t terribly liked and that, unfortunately, I believe hurt the brands. With his son, Frank Jr. being bequeathed Oceania (Sr.’s “baby”), some of the changes and approaches that I had hoped would come into play have not. I am optimistic that they now will.
It is, of course, of note that in this post-pandemic world, the luxury and premium brands are, for the most part, expanding with Silversea and Explora Journeys also looking for robust futures. These expansions cost a lot of money and those, like Carnival Corp., that don’t have the financial wherewithal, are going to find it very difficult, if not impossible, to compete, no less catch up.
And I don’t mean only in relation to hardware, but diverse itineraries (which require more ships). Over the past years, the premium and luxury cruise industry guests have matured – while demographically getting younger – and become more experienced. The demand is not only for more modern ships, but more previously thought to be exotic destinations. So even if the ships do not have all the bells and whistles, if they are well-maintained and service and cuisine is offered at a luxury level, the luxury traveler will sail to the more unique locations. This, it would seem, to be essential to both the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.
OK, Jason. You’ve taken the helm. Let’s see where you are going to be navigating these two brands!
