| Oceania, Regent restarts

OVERNIGHT both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises announced their highly anticipated restart plans, with sailings implemented using robust SailSAFE health and safety protocols which will be evolved and refined using the best available science and technology.

Oceania will restart in Aug, with a series of Marina sailings to Scandinavia and Western Europe.

The 1,250 passenger vessel will resume her originally published voyage schedule, starting on 29 Aug out of Copenhagen.

CEO Bob Binder said after the extended cruise pause “the entire Oceania Cruises team is excited to now shift our focus to safely restarting operations and ultimately welcoming back our guests to begin exploring the world once again”.

The remainder of the Oceania fleet will recommence sailing in a phased program, with dates and itineraries to be revealed closer to the sailing dates.

Binder also flagged an “array of truly surprising enhancements to the brand’s already acclaimed culinary experience and onboard service,” under the previously announced OceaniaNEXT enhancement program.

“Our guests have been waiting a long time for this moment…when our guests return we want to not just welcome them back to the Oceania Cruises they remember and cherish, but also to exceed their expectations by elevating the dining experiences and service levels,” Binder said.

A video message celebrating the return of Oceania Cruises operations can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

MEANWHILE Regent Seven Seas Cruises has also announced its return to sailing, with the brand new Seven Seas Splendor set to operate out of the UK from Sep.

The voyage will mark the inaugural season for the vessel, which only completed two cruises with guests on board after its christening in Feb 2020.

Regent CEO Jason Montague said it would be a double celebration.

“With immaculate design, luxurious suites, exquisite cuisine, dynamic entertainment and outstanding personalised service, Seven Seas Splendor was one of the most highly anticipated ships to launch in the history of cruising, and my promise to our loyal and eager guests is that without a doubt she will be worth the wait,” he enthused.

The first Splendor voyage will depart Southampton for an 11- night itinerary visiting Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

She will then transition to explore the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to sail in the Caribbean, with a phased restart planned for the rest of the Regent Seven Seas fleet which remains suspended to 30 Sep.