Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises under a nine-year charter with a nominal purchase option. The 496-guest vessel will be reborn as Avora Lumina and is scheduled to launch in January 2028 as the flagship of our residential platform, purpose-built for long-term living at sea.
The acquisition marks a deliberate step into a new premium tier for residential cruising. Avora sits between contemporary residential cruise offerings and ultra-high-net-worth maritime estates—a space designed for residents who want full-scale residential comfort, expedition capability, and a more refined, long-duration experience.
Mikael Petterson, Founder of Avora Residences, said: "Residential cruising has proven its viability. Avora Lumina represents the next evolution—purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability, and a more refined residential experience."
Rather than starting from a blank hull, we are building on a ship with a proven operational history. The arrangement with Norwegian Cruise Line provides continuity and access to one of the world's most experienced maritime operating organizations. We plan to preserve the operational DNA of Seven Seas Navigator where possible—maintaining established systems, standards, and key vendor relationships—while thoughtfully converting the ship into a true long-term residential platform.
Kathy Villalba, Co-Founder & CEO of Avora Residences, said: "Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption. 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."
Ahead of its 2028 debut, Avora Lumina will undergo a full residential conversion. Residences will range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet, with premium finishes, expansive ocean views, and room for personalization. Common spaces will be reimagined for long-term living, and a dedicated business and global connectivity center will support residents on extended voyages. These are not cruise cabins; they are designed as floating homes—primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time.
The ship's size and configuration give it a distinct place in the global fleet: small enough to reach intimate ports and waterways closed to larger vessels, yet equipped with full residential-scale amenities. The vessel is polar-certified, enabling travel to remote destinations including Antarctica and the Northeast Passage.
Avora Lumina will launch from Lisbon, Portugal, on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across seven continents. Port stays will extend up to five days where it matters, emphasizing depth of experience and cultural immersion over rapid turnover. After the inaugural circumnavigation, residents will have structured input into future itineraries.
Chris Cox, President of Avora Residences, said: "We are building a resident-driven global platform. After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model."
Sales for Avora Lumina are now open. Ownership pathways include our Five-Year Ownership Program and Life-of-Ship Ownership across 242 private residences. For more information, visit AvoraResidences.com.