CRESCENT Seas has relinquished its charter for two outgoing NCLH ships (CW 04 Apr), instead saying it is focusing on plans for its newbuild, with the line pointing to “far exceeded expectations” for its residential cruise line concept.
Plans for Crescent were announced in Mar by former cruise executive Russel Galbut (CW 24 Mar), with the cruise line to take on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Insignia on long-term charters.
A month later, Crescent announced plans for its first newbuild, called Ocean (render pictured), with around 300 units of salable inventory, due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2031.
Crescent would have received Navigator in Oct 2026, which was even set to be refurbished, as part of a transformation announced just last month (CW 07 Oct).
However these plans now appear to have been abandoned following conversations with potential buyers, which made it clear that demand is moving toward larger, more customisable residences, the cruise line said.
“In the six months since launching Crescent Seas, the brand captured extraordinary interest from individuals around the world,” a spokesperson for the cruise line said.
Crescent had ambitious plans, saying it planned to launch five ships over the next five years, however it is unclear whether this strategy has also been discarded.
Those who paid a deposit on the first two ships will get full refunds and priority access to Ocean, the cruise line said.
CW has reached out to Crescent and NCLH for comment. MS
