Regent’s Conroy talks newbuilds

**Ally** · 12-13-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Mark Conroy, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, spent a good part of today meeting with shipyard representatives at his line’s Fort Lauderdale office.

Regent has been discussing newbuilds for some time and, even with new ownership looming, it’s pretty much ‘business as usual,’ Conroy said. If anything, the company’s acquisition by growth-oriented Apollo Management gives a boost to Regent’s plans.

The deal is expected to close in late January so the priority is transferring operations from the Carlson Companies to Apollo’s Prestige Cruise Holdings. After that, Conroy hopes a ship contract can be inked.

‘My guess is the earliest we would be able to place an order would be mid-year for delivery in late 2010 or, more likely, early 2011,’ the Regent chief told Seatrade Insider.

With new sister company Oceania Cruises already building at Fincantieri, that could mean an edge for the Italians and cost savings for Regent if the company adopts a similar ship platform. But Conroy is talking with all the major European builders.

The current focus is on honing designs. After being involved in building the first eight Renaissance ships, Royal Viking Sun and four vessels for Regent, Conroy said, ‘The better specs you have initially, the better you are at getting the price you want and the quality of ship you want.’

Regent recently conducted focus group sessions with customers, and crew feedback is also sought. As the design work continues, Conroy hopes the dollar will strengthen before it’s time to go to contract.

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