Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) will mark the retirement of Seven Seas Navigator with a Farewell Season of three commemorative voyages between August and October 2026.
Seven Seas Navigator has been part of the fleet since 1999.
The Farewell Season will include onboard events such as panel discussions, auctions of memorabilia, dinners, and guest appearances. The final voyage will depart on October 2, 2026, hosted by chief commercial officer Wes D’Silva, and will also coincide with the retirement of cruise director Ray Solaire, who has served for 18 years with RSSC.
Other sailings in the Farewell Season include an Epicurean Spotlight Voyage led by the company’s executive culinary team, headed by Bernhard Klotz, vice president food and beverage, and a Reunion Cruise with former crew members including captain John McNeil and Davor Josipovic, general manager. Mark Conroy, founding president from 1992 to 2013, will also join the Reunion Cruise.
Solaire, originally from Blackpool, England, joined the cruise industry as a performer and later became a cruise director in 1975. He has been with RSSC since 2007.
Seven Seas Navigator, refurbished in 2019, accommodates 496 guests with 365 crew members. It has 248 suites, four bars and lounges, and several dining venues including Compass Rose, Prime 7, and Sette Mari at La Veranda. The Farewell Season will feature commemorative gifts, culinary events, and entertainment.
The three sailings begin with Iberian Indulgence, a 12-night voyage from Paris (Le Havre) to Barcelona on August 12, 2026, which will focus on food and wine events led by the company’s culinary team. The second, Miro to Michelangelo, is a nine-night voyage round trip from Barcelona departing on August 24, 2026, which will bring back former crew and executives for panel discussions, dinners, and events.
The Farewell Season concludes with A Mythical Sojourn, a 14-night sailing from Istanbul to Rome (Civitavecchia) on October 2, 2026. Hosted by D’Silva, this final voyage will include an auction of ship memorabilia to benefit the crew fund and will feature Solaire’s last performance.
“From the inaugural voyage in 1999, Seven Seas Navigator has embodied the timeless luxury and personalised service that defines Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer, RSSC. “As we celebrate her remarkable journey, we are equally proud to honour Ray Solaire, a treasured member of the Regent family, whose legacy will sail on for both guests and crew.”
“Seven Seas Navigator holds a very special place in my heart,” shared Solaire. “More than just a ship, Seven Seas Navigator is home to countless memories and lifelong friends. I can’t think of a better goodbye than to celebrate this chapter alongside our wonderful team and loyal guests who’ve made the journey so meaningful.”
Kassab brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. He was previously general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, where he oversaw the hotel’s opening and operations. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles with Marriott International, managing luxury brands across Asia-Pacific and overseeing operations in Singapore, Malaysia and the Maldives.
In 2023, he joined Minor Hotels as cluster general manager, overseeing Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the launch of Avani+ Fares Maldives, and the introduction of NH and NH Collection brands in the Maldives, leading signature experiences while driving sales and revenue strategies.
