Crescent Seas Expands Ultra-Luxury Residential Cruise Fleet with Second Ship

The luxury residential cruise brand Crescent Seas, fresh to the industry and already making waves, is gearing up to expand its fleet. In a significant announcement, the brand revealed its acquisition of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, a 700-guest vessel that will undergo an extravagant $50 million renovation before joining the Crescent Seas fleet in late 2027. This move comes just weeks after Crescent Seas introduced itself to the market, marking its ambition to redefine luxury travel at sea. Transforming Insignia into Ultra-Luxury Residences Originally built in 1998 for Renaissance Cruises, Insignia has seen multiple transformations over the years. Following its service under Oceania Cruises and a brief lease to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the ship will now receive a stem-to-stern overhaul, creating 290 ultra-luxury residences priced between $650,000 and a staggering $10 million. The revamped Insignia promises to offer residents exclusive services, from private butlers to gourmet dining, ensuring a lifestyle of unmatched elegance and comfort. Crescent Seas’ Growing Fleet Insignia is not the only ship to join Crescent Seas’ growing family. The company announced in early March that it would begin operating Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator in December 2026. The Navigator, a 490-guest ship, will similarly undergo a $50 million renovation, offering 210 residences priced between $750,000 and $8 million. Crescent Seas has set its sights on a five-ship fleet, each offering luxury residential accommodations and global itineraries featuring extended port stays of up to five days. “Imagine travelling the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own home,” said Marisa Galbut, president of Crescent Seas. “Our ownership model allows families to share once-in-a-lifetime experiences seamlessly, while embracing the freedom of remote work and exploration.” Competition in the Residential Cruise Market Crescent Seas’ vision of ultra-luxury cruising puts it in competition with other residential cruise operators like Villa Vie Residences, whose flagship Villa Vie Odyssey offers continuous around-the-world cruises. However, Crescent Seas aims to outshine its rivals by delivering a higher calibre of opulence and services. A Legacy of Partnership and Expansion Interestingly, Crescent Seas maintains ties with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which owns both Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The founder and chairman of Crescent Seas, Russell W. Galbut, is a former chairman of NCLH. Although the exact terms of Crescent Seas’ agreements with NCLH remain undisclosed, the deals are reportedly part of a $230 million investment, ensuring smooth transitions for the vessels. Meanwhile, NCLH is prepared to fill the gaps left by Insignia and Seven Seas Navigator with new ships. Oceania Cruises has two 86,000-gross ton vessels in the pipeline, set to debut in 2027 and 2029, while Regent Seven Seas Cruises expects two smaller ships to join its fleet in 2026 and 2029. The Future of Crescent Seas As Crescent Seas works to assemble its five-ship fleet, it is clear that the company is committed to pioneering a new era of residential cruising. With high-end renovations, exclusive services, and a focus on extended global itineraries, Crescent Seas is positioning itself as the leader in ultra-luxury life at sea. For those dreaming of owning a floating residence, Crescent Seas offers the chance to combine the comforts of home with the adventure of world exploration—a lifestyle few can resist.