Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, marking a meaningful expansion of the residential cruise category into a new premium tier. The vessel will debut in January 2028 as Avora Lumina, serving as the flagship of Avora’s residential platform designed specifically for long-term living at sea.
“Residential cruising has proven its viability,” said Mikael Petterson, Founder of Avora Residences. “Avora Lumina represents the next evolution – purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience.”
The transaction builds on the proven residential cruising model and strategically positions Avora between Villa Vie Residences’ contemporary residential cruise offerings and The World’s ultra-high-net-worth maritime estates. Avora Residences was founded by Mikael Petterson, the creator of Villa Vie Residences and the only operator to successfully execute a modern residential cruise program at scale.
Before the acquisition by Avora, the Seven Seas Navigator was at the center of a different residential vision. Regent Seven Seas Cruises had originally sold the vessel to Crescent Seas, an exclusive startup led by Russell W. Galbut. Scheduled to set sail in December 2026, Crescent Seas planned to redefine the art of world travel by converting the ship into a private oasis of 210 luxury suites ranging from $750,000 to $8 million. The ship was slated to leave the Regent fleet in October 2026 to undergo an extensive $50 million refurbishment.
However, in a significant strategic shift, Crescent Seas terminated its charter agreements for the Seven Seas Navigator and the Oceania Insignia. This decision was driven by feedback from High-Net-Worth buyers who desired larger, more customizable residences than the existing ship configurations could provide. Crescent Seas pivoted its focus to a custom-built new vessel named Ocean, leaving the Seven Seas Navigator to remain briefly with Regent
A Legacy Continued
The nine-year charter with a nominal purchase option arrangement establishes a long-term operational relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, providing continuity and stability of the most experienced maritime operating organizations in the world.
As part of this relationship, Avora plans to preserve the operational DNA of Seven Seas Navigator wherever possible, maintaining established systems, standards, and key vendor and service relationships that have defined the vessel’s performance and reputation over decades of global service. This approach ensures operational consistency while allowing Avora to thoughtfully residentialize the onboard experience.
“Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption,” said Kathy Villalba, Co-Founder & CEO of Avora Residences. “Navigator has a soul – built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews, and trusted relationships. We intend to honor that legacy while transforming the ship into a true long-term residential platform.”
A Purpose-Built Residential Transformation
Ahead of its 2028 launch, Avora Lumina will undergo a full residential conversion. Planned upgrades include personalization and residential enhancements, reimagined common spaces optimized for long-term living, a dedicated business and global connectivity center designed to support extended voyages.
Residences range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet and will feature premium finishes, expansive ocean views, and opportunities for personalization. “These are not cruise cabins,” Petterson said. “They are designed as floating homes — primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time.”
A Rare Platform in the Global Fleet
With its size and configuration, Avora Lumina occupies a distinctive position within the global passenger fleet. The ship is small enough to access intimate ports and navigate waterways unavailable to larger vessels, while still offering full residential-scale amenities. The vessel is also polar-certified, enabling travel to remote destinations including Antarctica and the Northeast Passage.
Three-Year Continuous Global Circumnavigation
Avora Lumina intends to launch from Lisbon, Portugal, embarking on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across seven continents. Unlike traditional cruise itineraries, the ship will remain in port for up to five days at a time, prioritizing depth of experience and cultural immersion over rapid port turnover. Following the inaugural circumnavigation, residents will have structured input into future itineraries.
“We are building a resident-driven global platform,” said Chris Cox, President of Avora Residences. “After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model.”
Ownership Structure and Pricing
Avora Residences will offer two ownership pathways:
- Life-of-Ship Ownership, with pricing ranging from approximately $545,000 to $4.2 million across 242 private residences
- Five-Year Ownership Program, starting at approximately $219,600, offering long-term residential access with a lower overall commitment
Pricing is positioned to compete with traditional home ownership in major global cities, while offering the added benefit of global mobility within a fully serviced residential environment.
Elevating Cuisine to the Highest Standards
A central pillar of Avora Lumina‘s journey will be its culinary program. Avora plans to introduce destination-inspired dining concepts that reflect the regions visited throughout their global exploration. Rotating seasonal menus, elevated wine programs, chef-led tastings, and locally sourced ingredients – made possible through extended port stays – will define the onboard dining experience.
Pictures courtesy of Avora Residences.
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