Regent Seven Seas Cruises Moving Ships to Port of Miami

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Moving Ships to Port of Miami
By Theresa Norton Masek

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is moving its ships to the Port of Miami, where its sister company, Oceania Cruises, operates, parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings announced on Thursday.

Regent, which now operates out of Port Everglades, will move in fall 2012. Oceania has been headquartered at the Port of Miami since its start-up in 2003. The combined brands of Regent Seven Seas and Oceania will account for more than 30 ship calls annually.

Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, said relocating Regent Seven Seas to the Port of Miami was a logical move due to the popularity of Miami as a cruise homeport and the increased international airlift at Miami International Airport. “We are looking forward to making Miami -- with its international appeal -- headquarters for both of our cruise brands,” Del Rio said, adding that “we are appreciative to Port Everglades for its years of excellent service to our valued guests.”

Both Oceania and Regent ships will berth at the port’s newly renovated Cruise Terminal J. The Port of Miami has invested nearly $3 million on facility renovations and dockside improvements. “We are in the process of upgrading Terminal J into a ‘boutique’ facility to cater to the mid-size ships that serve the upscale market,” said Bill Johnson, director for the Port of Miami.