Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with plans to relaunch the vessel as Avora Lumina in January 2028. The ship will serve as the flagship of Avora's residential cruise platform, aimed at long-term living at sea.
The acquisition includes a nine-year charter with a nominal purchase option arrangement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Avora Residences was founded by Mikael Petterson, who also created Villa Vie Residences.
"Residential cruising has proven its viability," said Petterson. "Avora Lumina represents the next evolution — purpose-built for long-duration global living, expedition capability and a more refined residential experience."
Ahead of its launch, the vessel will undergo a full residential conversion, including reimagined common spaces, a business and global connectivity center and residence personalization enhancements. Residences range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet.
"These are not cruise cabins," Petterson added. "They are designed as floating homes — primary residences that travel with their owners for years at a time."
Kathy Villalba, co-founder and CEO of Avora Residences, said the company intends to preserve the operational continuity of the Navigator:
"Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption. Navigator has a soul — built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews and trusted relationships. We intend to honor that legacy while transforming the ship into a true long-term residential platform."
The polar-certified vessel is sized to access smaller ports and remote destinations, including Antarctica and the Northeast Passage. Avora Lumina is set to depart from Lisbon, Portugal on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation covering more than 140 countries and over 400 destinations across seven continents. The ship will spend up to five days at a time in port. Following the inaugural voyage, residents will have input into future routes.
"We are building a resident-driven global platform," said Chris Cox, president of Avora Residences. "After the first circumnavigation, owners will help shape where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the residential cruise model."
The culinary program will feature destination-inspired menus, rotating seasonal offerings, elevated wine programs and regionally-sourced ingredients.
Two ownership options are available: a life-of-ship ownership across 242 private residences priced from approximately $545,000 to $4.2 million, and a five-year ownership program starting at approximately $219,600. Sales are now open.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Avora Residences. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
