A new luxury residential cruise ship, Lumina, is set to launch in January 2027, offering suites priced up to $4.2 million (£3 million). The vessel, developed by Avora Residences—a sister company to Villa Vie—has already sold approximately 15 percent of its cabins.
Learning from Past Challenges
Avora Residences is the sister company to Villa Vie, which operates the Odyssey residential ship currently on a continuous world cruise. The Odyssey experienced a delayed departure in October 2024 due to last-minute repairs and paperwork. Mikael Petterson, founder of both Villa Vie Residences and Avora Residences, assures that lessons have been learned for Lumina, describing the difference as “night and day.”
Petterson explained that the ship purchased for Odyssey in 2023 had been idle for two years during the pandemic, and the extent of required work was unknown until launch. For Lumina, Avora is acquiring the ready-to-operate Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas, which will be transformed into Lumina. “The ship is in immaculate condition; we are literally taking the keys to a perfectly running ship,” Petterson said. “We have two full years to market and plan this ship, and we don’t foresee any delays.”
Luxury Features and Pricing
While Odyssey targets a contemporary market similar to MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean, Lumina will cater to the luxury segment, akin to Regent Seven Seas. Cabin prices start at $545,000 (£400,000), with an option for a five-year ownership plan requiring a 40 percent down payment. Owners also pay a monthly maintenance fee starting at $8,500 (£6,200), covering food and utilities.
The flagship Lumina Suite, priced at $4.2 million (£3 million), boasts a full living and dining room with a bar and chandelier, a separate king bedroom with walk-in closet, marble bathrooms, and a wraparound balcony with teak flooring. The ship will be operated by Regent Seven Seas until entering dry dock in December 2027 for a hotel refit, including new carpets. Cabins can be combined for additional space.
Onboard Amenities and Itinerary
Planned changes include converting the casino into a business centre with offices, a conference room, and private workspaces. The gym will be expanded. The three existing restaurants will be retained but adapted to reflect local cuisine along the itinerary. With 250 cabins, Lumina is expected to host around 375 residents, maintaining a one-to-one crew-to-passenger ratio. Petterson reports that 35 to 40 suites have already been purchased.
The ship is scheduled to depart from Lisbon in January 2028, heading to the United States for a grand celebration alongside Odyssey, then sailing to the Caribbean and Alaska. Like Odyssey, Lumina will embark on a world cruise at a slower pace, taking two and a half to three years. Entertainment will feature local performers reflecting each destination.
“We are expecting huge demand,” Petterson added. “We have proved the concept with Villa Vie on a contemporary basis, and we look forward to building on that in the luxury market.”
