Inside Regent’s Record Year: Space, Service, and the Suite That Shocked Even Them
Demand for Regent’s most luxurious accommodations has never been higher. Wes D’Silva tells advisors what’s behind the boom—and how to sell it.
The Starlight Atrium aboard Seven Seas Prestige. Photo: Courtesy of Regent
At Virtuoso Travel Week, Wes D’Silva was juggling back-to-back meetings, but the Chief Commercial Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises didn’t mind. For a man who spent most of his 15 years with the brand in revenue management, being in front of the trade is still “a little different”—and, as he puts it, a lot of fun.
That fresh perspective comes at a moment when Regent is seeing record demand, debuting a new ship class, and drawing in travelers who once swore they’d never set foot on a cruise ship. In a conversation with Luxury Travel Report, D’Silva shares where the line is winning—and how advisors can turn that momentum into bookings.
On the Growing Importance of Space and Personalization
Two priorities dominate the luxury cruise conversation right now: more space and more personalization. Regent is doubling down on both with the 2026 debut of Seven Seas Prestige. At 850 guests, the ship is 40% larger than the line’s Explorer-class vessels yet carries just 10 additional passengers, resulting in one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the industry. Even the entry-level suite comes in at 441 square feet with a walk-in closet.
For D’Silva, though, the hardware is only the first step. “Hardware and inclusions might get guests onboard the first time,” he tells LTR. “But it’s how we make them feel that brings them back.” Regent’s model—unlimited shore excursions, fine dining, premium drinks, valet laundry, and more—allows many guests to disembark with a zero balance on their folio, eliminating the constant sense of spending.
On Converting the First-Time Cruiser
While Regent still skews toward repeat guests, first-timer numbers are climbing thanks to greater capacity and targeted advisor education. The challenge is breaking down outdated perceptions.
“For luxury FIT clients used to hotels, it’s about showing the value proposition and breaking the myth that a cruise means 5,000 people in line for the elevator,” D’Silva says. Side-by-side comparisons of a Regent voyage with an equivalent land-based itinerary often reveal closer pricing than clients expect, with added advantages such as private balconies and included airfare.
On Itineraries That Mimic the Hotel Experience
For clients reluctant to give up extended time in port, Regent’s “immersive overnight” voyages offer at least two days in every port, with one overnight. “It eliminates one of the biggest hurdles for hotel guests—feeling rushed,” says D’Silva. Japan remains a perennial bestseller, while longer sailings such as a 32-night circumnavigation of Australia are seeing strong demand.
On Ultra-Luxury Demand
The reimagined Regent Suite aboard Seven Seas Prestige—nearly 9,000 square feet with a private car and driver in every port—was priced at roughly $25,000 per night and sold out its inaugural season on day one.
“We thought they’d be popular,” D’Silva admits. “But even at a $25,000 price point per night, we had some cautiousness. First day, sold out. And honestly, a few of our partners told us, ‘I think you underpriced that.’”
Demand isn’t limited to the top suite. “There’s a reason we talk about the largest suites—they sell headlines,” he says. “But they also sell first. Prestige will raise the bar in ultra-luxury cruising across all categories.”
On Destination Favorites
D’Silva points to Alaska for its mix of untouched beauty, adventure activities, and wildlife “you truly have to see by cruise.” Northern Europe offers cultural depth in ports like Bruges, Copenhagen, and Oslo, with the added appeal of long summer days.
On the Advisor Opportunity
With record suite sell-outs, growing first-time interest, and itineraries designed to mimic the hotel experience, Regent is positioned for a strong run. “The luxury traveler is expanding,” D’Silva says. “If you can match them to the right experience, whether that’s 32 nights around Australia or a week in Alaska, Regent has the product—and the space—to deliver.”
