Three Special Voyages to Celebrate Seven Seas Navigator’s Final Season and Cruise Director Ray Solaire’s 50-Year Career

(IN SHORT) Regent Seven Seas Cruises will bid farewell to its iconic Seven Seas Navigator in a three-voyage Farewell Season from August to October 2026, culminating in the ship’s final sailing on October 2. The commemorative season will also mark the retirement of legendary cruise director Ray Solaire after 50 years at sea, 18 of them with Regent. Each voyage will feature themed events, tributes, surprise appearances, and exclusive experiences, from a culinary-focused journey across Spain and Portugal to a reunion cruise with former Regent leaders, and finally a farewell voyage from Istanbul to Rome. Regent leaders have praised the ship’s 27-year legacy and Solaire’s remarkable contributions, with the season promising a celebration of luxury travel, cherished memories, and the brand’s hallmark hospitality.

(NEWS) MIAMI, 2025-Aug-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced an emotional farewell to its much-loved ship, the Seven Seas Navigator, with a special “Farewell Season” scheduled from August to October 2026. The season will feature three themed voyages celebrating the vessel’s 27-year legacy as part of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet® and honoring the retirement of legendary cruise director Ray Solaire after 50 years at sea. The commemorative sailings will include gala dinners, tribute events, auctions of ship memorabilia, surprise guest appearances, themed trivia, panel discussions, and special onboard entertainment.

The season begins on August 12, 2026, with Iberian Indulgence, a 12-night Epicurean Spotlight Voyage from Paris (Le Havre) to Barcelona. This culinary journey will be hosted by Regent’s top gastronomic team, including Bernhard Klotz, Wolfgang Maier, and other acclaimed culinary leaders, featuring exclusive food and wine experiences both on shore and onboard. On August 24, 2026, Miro to Michelangelo will depart from Barcelona for a 9-night Reunion Cruise, bringing back some of Regent’s most celebrated figures, including Captain John McNeil, General Manager Davor Josipovic, and founding president Mark Conroy, with a programme of panels, themed dinners, and friendly competitions.

The final voyage, A Mythical Sojourn, departs October 2, 2026, from Istanbul to Rome (Civitavecchia) and will be hosted by Regent’s Chief Commercial Officer Wes D’Silva. This sailing will not only mark the Seven Seas Navigator’s farewell but also serve as Ray Solaire’s final curtain call, joined by fellow entertainer Olivia Marquis. Guests can expect a glamorous Gala Night, heartfelt tributes, and an auction benefiting the crew fund.

First joining Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2007, Ray Solaire has been a beloved figure both on stage and among guests, known for his humor, charm, and showmanship honed through a career in stage, screen, and sea. His retirement will be celebrated as an integral part of the Farewell Season. Regent executives, including Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague, praised both the vessel’s long-standing role in defining the brand’s luxury experience and Solaire’s invaluable contributions over nearly two decades.

Refurbished in 2019, Seven Seas Navigator offers all-suite accommodations, four bars and lounges, multiple dining venues, and a guest-to-crew ratio that underscores its commitment to personalized service. As with all Regent voyages, the Farewell Season cruises will include unlimited shore excursions, gourmet dining, fine wines and premium spirits, entertainment, Wi-Fi, valet laundry, and other luxury amenities.