In a bold and strategic move, Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently gathered 30 top consortia and travel advisors in Pebble Beach, Calif., for a face-to-face summit. This Regent Elevate Council Elite Summit provided Regent President Andrea DeMarco with valuable insights on the brand’s strengths and weaknesses. While DeMarco left the meeting feeling confident about Regent’s position as the leading ultraluxury cruise line, she is keenly aware of the increasing competition within the luxury cruise market. With luxury hotel brands venturing into the cruise industry, Regent must find ways to maintain its competitive edge in the face of new challenges.
One of the key discussion points at the summit was Regent’s shore excursions. Despite the inherent challenges of coordinating with tour operators, advisors emphasized the demand for more exclusive excursion options. While Regent currently offers included shore excursions as part of its pricing strategy, luxury travelers are willing to pay extra for unique and personalized experiences. Alex Sharpe, president and CEO of Signature Travel Network, highlighted the growing popularity of upgraded shore excursions among luxury guests. He emphasized the need for Regent to expand its offerings to cater to the increasing interest in exclusive experiences.
DeMarco and her team are exploring new ways to enhance the dining experiences on Regent cruises. Inspired by the success of Celebrity Cruises’ private excursions that included unique activities like pickleball, Regent is looking to introduce creative and memorable dining options for its guests. DeMarco’s vision includes offering dining experiences at Michelin-star restaurants in ports of call, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the onboard experience. By focusing on innovation and exclusivity, Regent aims to set itself apart in a competitive market.
The summit meeting was part of Regent Elevate, a travel partner program launched by the cruise line to provide advisors with valuable insights, support, and growth opportunities. The program includes initiatives such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises University, which offers additional courses and bonuses to advisors. In addition, Regent Connect, a co-branded AI tool, allows advisors to personalize their marketing efforts and connect with clients through a dedicated platform. The line is also incentivizing advisors with a chance to win a 2025 cruise for themselves and a guest, encouraging bookings and engagement within the program.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is navigating a rapidly evolving luxury cruise market with confidence and innovation. By prioritizing in-person connections, exclusive shore excursions, and unique dining experiences, the cruise line is positioning itself as a leader in the ultraluxury segment. Through programs like Regent Elevate, Regent is empowering its travel partners to thrive in a competitive landscape and deliver exceptional experiences to luxury travelers. The future of luxury cruising looks bright for Regent Seven Seas Cruises as it continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences.