The cruise industry rarely stands still, but every so often, a new ship arrives that resets expectations. In 2026, that moment may come with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige, a vessel already being described as the most luxurious cruise ship ever built, thanks in part to a suite carrying a price tag of around £20,000 per night. Set to enter service in December 2026, Seven Seas Prestige will be the first ship in a brand-new class for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a line known for operating at the very top end of the market. The ship will measure roughly 77,000 gross tonnes, making it much larger than Regent's current fleet, yet it will host only 822 passengers - allowing for more space.

Despite being around 40% bigger than Regent's most recent vessels, it will carry only about 100 additional guests, a move that reflects the wider industry trend towards more space per passenger rather than higher capacity.

The most talked-about feature is the ship's top accommodation. As reported by The Telegraph, the largest suite will cover approximately 9,000 square feet, including more than 3,500 square feet of wraparound balcony space. It is designed to sleep up to six guests and includes two bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a private gym and sauna, a walk-in wardrobe and a private lift connected by a floating stone staircase.

While such suites attract attention, they also show how far luxury cruising has evolved. Once associated mainly with formal dining rooms and traditional interiors, today's top-end ships increasingly resemble floating private residences, aimed at travellers who might otherwise opt for five-star resorts or superyachts.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises itself occupies a distinctive niche. The line operates an all-suite fleet and markets itself on an all-inclusive model, with fares typically covering fine dining, drinks, excursions, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Its ships are smaller than mainstream cruise liners, allowing access to ports that larger vessels cannot reach.

Seven Seas Prestige will not remain a one-off. A sister ship is already scheduled to follow in 2029, suggesting that this new class will shape Regent's future for years to come.

Whether it becomes the definitive symbol of cruise luxury remains to be seen, but its arrival in 2026 is already sparking debate about just how extravagant life at sea can become.