Regent, Oceania double down on Australia as others pull back

As some cruise lines reduce their presence in Australian waters, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises are taking a different tack – expanding their investment in the region and reinforcing their long-term commitment.

Speaking at the opening of NCLH’s new Sydney office last night,  Senior Vice President International & Consumer Sales for Regent and Oceania Steve Odell made the company’s position clear.

“There’s a lot of talk. We’ve been talking to the media the last few days about how ships are leaving these waters and the capacity is dropping. That’s not happening in our company and it’s not happening in luxury” he said.

Far from retreating, Regent and Oceania are instead bringing in some of their most luxurious ships. “This year we will have Riviera here. We’ll have the Seven Seas Explorer here for Regent. We’ll have the Seven Seas Mariner,” Odell pointed out.

“It’s a big investment of high quality ships that will bring our high end guests to the region but also serve our more older guests that like to travel more locally.”

Odell described the Australian market as crucial, in more ways than one. “We’re very heavily invested in this region not only as the source market – it’s our third largest source market for the two brands that I look after – but also as a destination” he said.

Another of the highlights for this year will be the arrival of Oceania Vista, one of the cruise line’s newer ships, in local waters with the vessel calling at Sydney Harbour as part of its world cruise in April. “About 60% of the guests are taking the full world cruise of 180 days, so that’s going to be a really exciting time for us,” he added.

While the industry navigates shifting tides, Odell set out a clear and future-focused strategy for the two brands. “The luxury division of the business is going through quite a revolution,” he said. “We’re building already. We’ve announced six new ships for Oceania and Regent to be delivered up until 2035.”

He also thanked trade partners for their role in supporting the brands’ continued growth. “It’s about partnership. We don’t get anything done without great relationships” he said.

Lead image: Steve Odell, Regent Seven Seas/Oceania Cruises; Lisa Pile, Regent Seven Seas; and James Sitters, Oceania Cruises.