Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed two new open-air areas coming to its ship Seven Seas Prestige: the Solara Sports Deck and the Solara Pool Deck, both debuting this December. It's the first time the luxury line has given guests a dedicated sports deck, and the details suggest Regent is betting that well-heeled travellers want to be active at sea, not just reclined by a window.
Headlining the sports deck is a competition-sized court that switches between padel and pickleball — the first of its kind in Regent's fleet and a nod to how quickly both racquet sports have taken off on land. Around it, there's an 18-hole putting green for golfers, a designated area for sunrise and sunset yoga, and a set of digital gaming experiences for when the weather (or the competition) turns sour.
The pool deck has been rethought too. Instead of a modest shipboard plunge pool, guests get a larger, resort-style pool with whirlpool spas alongside, plus new dining and bar concepts positioned around it — so lunch, a swim and a sundowner can happen in one stretch of deck rather than a trek across the ship.
For context: Seven Seas Prestige is Regent's newest vessel, and the line sits firmly at the top end of cruising, where fares typically include flights, shore excursions, drinks and dining. Adding padel and pickleball is a notable move for a brand whose ships have traditionally leaned on space, suites and service rather than activity programming. If this December debut is a success, expect the model to spread across the fleet.
Why it matters: if you're weighing a luxury cruise for late 2026 or 2027, the on-deck offering is becoming a real differentiator. Racquet-sport fans no longer need to choose between a cruise holiday and their weekly game, and the resort-style pool plus elevated bar and dining options push the ship closer to a land-based luxury resort experience — just one that changes country every day. Travellers who book early on a new ship tend to get the best suite choice and pricing, so it's worth watching when Regent opens the first Prestige sailings for these itineraries.
