Seven Seas Splendor™, The New Cruise Ship That Defines Perfected Luxury, To Permanently Feature Stunning $5 Million Curated Fine Art Collection

MIAMI (Dec. 11, 2019) – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, today unveiled details of the breathtaking $5 million art collection to be permanently displayed aboard Seven Seas SplendorTM. Taking nearly two years to curate and commission, the 300-piece collection is sourced from artists and galleries from around the world and will debut when the new ship launches in February 2020.

“Artwork featured on Seven Seas Splendor is one of the most discerningly curated collections of museum- quality 20th and 21st century art on the seas,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., who personally commissioned artwork for the ship. “We created a contemporary fine art collection that transforms each space with thoughtfulness, color and inspired creativity to perfect the ambience of luxury. This is truly a cohesive collection our guests will appreciate, with each piece impeccably displayed in public areas and in guest suites throughout this magnificent ship.”

The collection features works from more than 200 artists across dozens of mediums, including:

Pablo Picasso (Lithograph and Print). Two Picasso works are on display in Prime 7 and in the Regent Suite.
Le Taureau Noir Notre Dame de Vie

Eduardo Arranz-Bravo (Oil on Canvas). Arranz-Bravo’s works are on display in Prime 7 and in the Atrium.
Bull Adub The Worker

Juan Roberto Diago (Mixed Media on Canvas). Diago’s works are on display in Coffee Connection.
Time Warrior Miray

Roberto Matta (Oil on Canvas). Matta’s Ouvrez c’est Nous is on display in the Atrium.
Ouvrez c’est Nous

Wifredo Lam (Gouache, pastel and charcoal on paper load on canvas). Lam’s work is on display in the Regent Suite.

Duncan McClellan (Glass). Two hand-blown glass sculptures capture the focus of conversation in the Observation Lounge with fiery colors and sleek curves.

Joan Miró (Aquatint and Carborundum, Lithographs). Miró’s works are on display in Prime 7.
The Bullfighter Move The Styx

Alexander Krishonov (Bronze Sculpture). Krishonov’s bronze sculpture is on display in Serene Spa & WellnessTM.

Reflecting an extensive and diverse collection featuring modern and classic artists, the works are presented in all areas of Seven Seas Splendor, from restaurants and lounges to hallways and restrooms, complementing the ship’s elegant interior design. Great thought was given to the positioning of the pieces, beyond how they would appear in the space.

For example, there is historical significance of Joan Miró’s The Bullfighter Move on display next to Eduardo Arranz-Bravo’s Bull in Prime 7, the ship’s premier steakhouse. Miró’s and Arranz-Bravo’s work showed at the same prestigious Sala Gaspar Gallery in Spain in 1969, the same year The Bullfighter Move was created. Miró, age 76 at the time, was well-established internationally as one of Spain’s masters. He became more familiar with the talent of 28-year old Arranz-Bravo’s works through this showing, and championed Arranz- Bravo as an emerging artist and helped him rise to worldwide acclaim. Now, their work will be forever displayed next to each other on Seven Seas Splendor.

“We are proud to partner with the array of contemporary artists whose pieces are featured and share their amazing talent with our guests to enjoy,” Del Rio said. “By including their art in the Seven Seas Splendor collection, my hope is more people will become familiar with these wonderful international artists, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to personally meet along the journey of curating this collection.”

An installation that will become an iconic sculpture aboard Seven Seas Splendor is the dramatic mythical dragon rising from under the floor and swirling through the large space up through the ceiling to greet guests in front of Pacific Rim, the ship’s exquisite Pan-Asian restaurant. Holding a supernatural pearl, the cast bronze dragon is an embodiment of good luck in Asian culture. Guests walk through the winding, life- size dragon to enter Pacific Rim.

Dramatic chandeliers, which were commissioned and are also works of art, add to the sophisticated décor. They reflect light in a beautiful balance between drawing attention to their marvelous designs and filling the room with warmth and clarity. These fixtures include:

Atrium Grand Chandelier. The Lasvit Glass art fixture features five rings with 358 clear Bohemian crystal hand-blown glass rods. It took five craftsmen three weeks to carefully install.

Grand Chandelier in Compass Rose Restaurant. With 870 illuminated glass panels, this 6,170-pound chandelier is comprised of stainless steel and hand-blown glass and took three craftsmen 10 days to meticulously install.

In total, there are 216 exquisitely designed crystal chandeliers in restaurants, lounges and in other public spaces on Seven Seas Splendor, with another 119 crystal chandeliers inside the spacious suites and 218 chandeliers illuminating the ship’s corridors.

About Seven Seas Splendor

Seven Seas Splendor is a masterpiece from bow to stern that represents perfected luxury. Currently being built in Ancona, Italy, Seven Seas Splendor will offer her 750 guests the most luxurious accommodations as she sails to the world’s iconic destinations and less-familiar hidden gems.

The all-suite, all-balcony ship features more than 46,000 square-feet of Italian marble – over an acre of marble – and her 375 suites include nearly 52,000 square-feet of balcony space – among the largest balconies at sea. The beautifully appointed suites range from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite.

The Regent Suite sets the tone for Seven Seas Splendor’s 14 other astonishing suite categories in offering the most luxurious accommodations at sea. It features the ultimate comfort of a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat featuring a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area with unlimited spa treatments, unobstructed 270-degree views over Seven Seas Splendor’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda, and a glass-enclosed solarium sitting area on top of the bridge for a Captain’s view to see the world’s most beautiful destinations. Guests in the Regent Suite also enjoy first- class air accommodations, a dedicated personal butler to manage all the details of the guests’ experience, and a personal car with driver and guide in every port.

Seven Seas Splendor will feature a Culinary Arts Kitchen with 18 stations for hands-on gourmet cooking demonstrations presented by master chef instructors, and Serene Spa & WellnessTM, a new globally inspired spa brand created for Seven Seas Splendor offering exclusive treatments that integrate techniques and ingredients from destinations around the world to soothe both the body and mind.

In addition to Pacific Rim, the ship’s exquisite restaurants include Compass Rose, the largest specialty restaurant at sea; Prime 7, an intimate and elegant steakhouse; Chartreuse, featuring classic French fare with a modern twist; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, serving guests authentic Italian specialties and featuring stunning, over-water alcove seating that jets out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views.

During her inaugural 2020 season, Seven Seas Splendor will sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean, helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani.

Crystal River Cruises Named Best in Luxury, Dining & Service in Cruise Critic U.S. & U.K. Editors’ Picks Awards

MIAMI, December 4, 2019 – Continuing to lead as the definitive leader in luxury on Europe’s rivers, Crystal River Cruises has won top honors for luxury, dining and service from the industry experts of Cruise Critic and Cruise Critic U.K. The online cruise guides’ annual Editors’ Picks Awards were announced today, highlighting the fine nuances of the Crystal River Experience that set it apart from all others.

Cruise Critic editors praised the luxury river cruise line noting:

Best for Luxury (River Category) – Cruise Critic U.S.

“Want to feel spoiled on the rivers? Crystal has you covered, with butler service, spacious suites and delicious, round-the-clock dining. Crystal takes the tour element out of river cruising, encouraging passengers to choose-their-own-adventure with sumptuous extras such as indoor fitness pools, meals prepared à la minute, concierge shore excursion service -- flightseeing in Europe! -- and signature events.”

Best Dining (River Category) – Cruise Critic U.S. & U.K.

“Sophisticated dishes, made-to-order meals and an excellent included wine list make Crystal Cruises the perfect choice for foodies. No dining room lines here; on Crystal, there's open seating and plenty of tables for two, allowing passengers to eat on their own schedule. While oenophiles will love splurging for the decadent Vintage Room, casual dining also shines, with delicious burgers and global tapas.”

Best Service – Cruise Critic U.K.

“With 24-hour butler service for every cabin and high crew-to-passenger ratios, Crystal delivers impeccable levels of service. Striking just the right balance between seamless and unobtrusive service that caters to every whim, whilst making passengers feel completely at ease in a relaxing and friendly environment the line delivers on every level. Intuitive staff members quickly learn names and favourite cocktails to make everyone feel extra special.”

Crystal River Cruises will offer the youngest and most spacious fleet sailing the rivers of Europe with sister ships Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel.

“From the moment we set sail, Crystal River Cruises set an entirely new standard of luxury on Europe’s rivers, one that connects guests authentically with the destinations and offers them the renowned personalize service and stylish elegance and excellence they expect from Crystal,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “To earn the acclaim of Cruise Critic experts from both the U.S. and the U.K. is an honor that makes us very proud.”

Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel are the first and only all-suite, all-balcony ships on Europe’s rivers, with all guest suites positioned above the water line. The ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside.

Ashore, guests can choose from more than 200 inclusive Destination Discoveries that are tailored to suit a variety of personal interests and styles. Culinary explorations, cultural connections, active pursuits and personal perspectives with locals are all on offer, as well as complimentary Signature Events on virtually every voyage that include performances and receptions at historically significant castles, museums and other locales.

Crystal Cruises Wins Best Luxury Cruise Line in Annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

MIAMI, December 4, 2019 – Once again winning the highest acclaim from the experts of Cruise Critic, Crystal Cruises has been named Best Luxury Cruise Line in the online cruise guide’s 12th annual Editors’ Picks Awards. The awards are decided by a global panel of industry insiders and travel experts, who praised the renowned service, exceptional dining experiences and spacious and elegant designs found aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

“The Cruise Critic editorial team is extremely well versed in the nuances of cruising that guests around the world care about most when planning their vacations, and we are tremendously proud that they have once again recognized Crystal as the very best for luxury travelers,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “It’s gratifying to know that the hallmarks of the Crystal Experience – personalized service for each guest, superb cuisine, thoughtfully designed spaces – continue to resonate with guests and industry experts alike.”

Cruise Critic’s editors awarded the top honors in luxury to Crystal Cruises based on their comprehensive assessment, mentioning the following highlights:

“Crystal meets the luxury gold standard, with personalized service onboard beautiful ships designed to transport passengers to far-flung destinations. The all-inclusive ships offer spacious staterooms, while knowledgeable butlers and concierges bring service to another level. Excellent open-seating dining, capped by Crystal's partnership with chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the impeccable Umi Uma and Sushi Bar, keeps cruisers coming back time and again.”

Crystal ships are renowned for a superior standard of excellence and elegant design, with nearly all guest accommodations boasting private verandahs, many of them butler-serviced Penthouse and Penthouse Suites, numerous dining venues inspired by the destinations Crystal explores and integrated high-tech amenities streamlining the guest experience throughout the ships.

Sailing voyages of a few nights to epic 100+-night World Cruises, Crystal entices luxury travelers with personalized service and attention to detail; abundant personal and public spaces throughout its ships; superlative luxury and quality; and a bevy of choices that allow guests to customize their perfect Crystal Experience. Global itineraries through 2022 are now available for booking, allowing travelers to plan their grandest vacations far in advance. Guests who do so are also rewarded with compelling value, as Crystal’s Book Now Savings offer thousands off regular cruise fares for those who book early.