• Retirement at sea is the dream of many Australian cruisers.
• Now another contender has entered the race, this time with a luxury Regent ship.
• Crescent Seas says it will spend $75 million to upgrade Seven Seas Navigator.

The wave of opulent “residences at sea” out to redefine retirement at sea living has been joined by a new contender, a US real estate development company working with Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Crescent Seas, a venture by one of America’s leading property developers, Crescent Heights, has announced its entry into the burgeoning market of residential cruising. It will launch next year with a ship from the Regent Seven Seas line.  

The Navigator: A Luxury Apartment on the Ocean

Crescent Seas’ inaugural ship, Navigator, formerly owned by ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas, is undergoing a substantial A$75 million refurbishment to transform it into an exclusive residential community.  

The Navigator will house 210 residences, with prices ranging from approximately $1.1 million to $12 million, depending on the size and appointment of the unit. These aren’t your typical cruise ship cabins; expect high-end finishes and spacious layouts crafted by top-tier design firms Lissoni & Partners, Journey and MAWD.  

Russell-Galbut-Managing-Principal-Crescent-Heights-and-Harry-Sommer-President-CEO-Norwegian-Cruise-Line-

What to expect on board

Life onboard the Navigator claims to be one of indulgence and convenience. There will be white-glove butlers attending to your every need. Stay connected with Starlink internet, allowing you to work remotely, keep in touch with family, or simply stream your favourite shows.  

The itineraries are designed for immersive travel, with extended stays of two to three days in each port, allowing residents ample time to explore destinations. The line promises you can wake up in Monte Carlo one day and explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus the next!  

“After spending so much time on the seas, we noticed that travellers yearned for more. People on the ships kept telling us they wanted to live this luxurious lifestyle. So, we decided to select ships with the right configurations to convert to the most magnificent cruising yachts,” says Russell W. Galbut, a founding partner of Crescent Heights, who is leading the Crescent Seas venture.  

Marisa Galbut, President of Crescent Seas, highlighted the allure of the destinations, stating, “Residents will venture to exotic parts of the world to explore places like French Polynesia, the Faroe Islands and Madagascar.”  

A Growing Trend: Life Estates at Sea

Crescent Seas is not alone in this innovative approach to luxury living. The concept of residential cruising gained prominence with “The World”, launched in 2002. This pioneering vessel offers residents the opportunity to own apartments and travel the globe continuously.  

Ross Packer and a number of other Australians have apartments on board The World, which remains the most successful in this sector of the cruise industry.

While The World remains a unique offering, other players are entering the market with chequered success. Villa Vie Residences is sailing now, but had a bumpy start with many delays. Storylines is another company offering residential voyages, with its ship, MV Narrative, currently under construction in Croatia.  

Is residential cruising for you?

For cashed-up Australian retirees seeking a life of adventure without sacrificing the comforts of home, these residential cruises present an enticing option.

However, this lifestyle comes with a premium price tag. In addition to the initial purchase price of the residence, there are ongoing costs to consider, such as homeowner association fees, which cover onboard services, maintenance, and port charges.  

Crescent Seas plans to expand its fleet, with four more luxury residence ships expected to be announced over the next five years. This signals a strong belief in the growing demand for this unique lifestyle.  

As Russell W. Galbut explains, “With most of the earth’s surface covered by water, it only felt right to use our 50 years of development expertise on land, to create the most magical residences at sea. Why vacation to just one gateway city when you can be at home and live in all the greatest gateway cities around the globe?”.  

For Australians dreaming of a retirement less ordinary, the opportunity to call a luxury ship home and explore the world is becoming a possibility.

Some choose to take long back-to-back cruises on standard ships. See our story here.

Key details:

• Ship: The Navigator (Crescent Seas)
• Residences: 210
• Price Range: A$1.1 million – A$12 million (approximate)
• Maiden Voyage: December 2026
• Other Residences at Sea: The World, MV Narrative (Storylines)
• Sales Open: April 9 (Miami)
• Find out more here

Be cautious

Cruise Passenger has reported on a number of these ventures and advises readers to be cautious before investing, and take legal and professional advice.

Related Posts

• 

  Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled not just a new ship, Seven Seas Prestige, but…

• 

  Regent Seven Sea Cruises is giving you a taste of elevated elegance with their new…