With new ships set to join the Oceania and Regent Seven Seas fleets and more cruise passengers travelling for longer, cruise lines are looking to capitalise on the growth potential in this region says Lisa Pile, vp sales and gm Asia Pacific for Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“We’ve got nine new ships [coming] between the two brands—five Sonta class ships and four Prestige class ships between 2026 and 2037…additional ships mean extra diversity in our itineraries and also our deployment. So hopefully we’ll see some more of our ships come down to this part of the world.”
Oceania Vista and Oceania Riviera are set to visit Australasia this season, she says, with Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer coming down this year, followed by Seven Seas Navigator in early 2027 and the inaugural arrival of Seven Seas Splendor. 
NCLH global luxury brand ambassador Steve Odell and Lisa Pile vp sales and gm Asia Pacific for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are pictured at last week’s CLIA Cruise360 in Sydney.
. . . Oceania
Speaking on Oceania, Pile says the first of five new Sonata ships will join the fleet in Sep 2027, representing a new era for the cruise line. Oceania’s leaning into a boutique hotel feel, says Pile.
“We’re going much more down that much more residential feel, larger suites, more suite types, additional dining options. Bigger footprints allow you to do more… [people] want more al fresco dining, they want relaxed dining, they want more places people can gather.”
. . . Aurelia
“We’ve also just completely redesigned Nautica, and it’s going to be called the Aurelia, a ship that’s completely dedicated to longer voyages. So world cruising and grand voyages,” says Pile.
The ship will sail two world voyages and three grand voyages, which have been released and are selling well, adds Pile. “Kiwis will love it. I love this ship. It’s been specifically designed for long-aboard cruises, with 179 suites and only 59 staterooms.
. . . Committed
Pile says New Zealand as a source market continues to be strong for the two cruise lines, but highlights the need for advisors to feel comfortable selling the product, because ‘cruise is complex’.
“Our trade partners are wonderful, they really support us…We are very proactive when it comes to not only educating our trade, but trying to get those who don’t sell cruise introduced to selling cruise, because we need to keep feeding that funnel to grow our business.”
While the average age for the cruise pax still sits at around 60, Pile says those travellers are more active and want to see and do more than a 60 year-old did15 years ago.
