Regent Seven Seas Cruises has long been a name synonymous with luxury, offering cruisers an unrivaled cruise experience. Known for its all-inclusive voyages, gourmet dining, and unique itineraries, the cruise line built itself a reputation as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise market. One particular ship in the fleet, the Seven Seas Navigator has become a favorite among Regent fans since its debut. However, in late 2026, this iconic ship will embark on a new chapter as a residential ship offering luxury condos at sea.
The History of the Seven Seas Navigator
The Seven Seas Navigator first set sail on September 7, 1999, as part of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. With a capacity for just 490 guests, this vessel was designed to provide a personalized, high-end experience, complete with spacious suites and exceptional service. Over its 27-year history with Regent, the ship has visited every corner of the globe, earning a special place in the hearts of those who sailed on her – including myself.
I had the privilege of sailing aboard the Navigator on three occasions—in 2007, 2011, and 2012. The Navigator offered a sense of “old school luxury cruising” that few ships could match. Those memories make the news of its departure from the Regent fleet bittersweet, though its next chapter is quite interesting.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently announced that the Seven Seas Navigator will leave its fleet in late 2026, marking the end of an era. The vessel will be handed over to Crescent Seas, as part of a $230 million deal with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Regent’s parent company. While Regent will be losing a ship, they are set to welcome two new Prestige-class vessels to its fleet in 2026 and 2030.
Navigator’s final voyage under the Regent banner will be a farewell cruise departing October 2, 2026, from Istanbul, Turkey, to Alexandria, Egypt.
A New Life as a Residential Ship
So, what’s next for the Seven Seas Navigator? Enter Russell Galbut, a real estate developer and the former chairman of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Through his new company, Crescent Heights, Galbut has secured a long-term lease on the Navigator as part of a $1 billion plan to transform cruise ships into floating luxury condominiums. The Navigator will be the first vessel in this venture, with upgrades planned to convert it into a residential community for those seeking to live on the seas for extended periods.
Galbut, known for developing residential towers in cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, sees this as an evolution of luxury living. Instead of booking a cruise for a week or two, buyers can purchase staterooms on the Navigator and make it their home, enjoying the freedom to travel the world without ever leaving the comfort of their shipboard condo.
Details about the renovations and pricing have not been announced.
Whether this venture is set to be successful is yet to be seen, as post-COVID there have been many startup residential ship ventures that never made it past taking people’s money. The only true successful residential ship is The World, which has been sailing the globe for since 2002.
Am I skeptical that this can be pulled off? Yes.
What This Means for Travelers
For fans of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Navigator’s departure may feel like the end of an era, but it’s also a sign of the times. As Regent shifts its focus to newer, cutting-edge ships, Navigator would simply be out of place with her newer fleetmates.
Whether you’re a past passenger like me, reminiscing about the Navigator’s glory days, or someone intrigued by the idea of owning a condo on the water, this ship’s journey is far from over.