A new residential cruise line startup is wasting no time or expense in a bid to launch on time.
New business Crescent Seas recently set a tentative launch date of 2026 and has already inked an agreement to acquire a second ship.
Crescent Seas is the brainchild of Russell Galbut, who is a former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chairman.
Galbut last month announced a deal to take possession of the luxury vessel Seven Seas Navigator and convert it into a residential cruise ship.
He has gone back to his old firm again to take over the NCLH brand Oceania Cruises’ Insignia ship from 2027.
Crescent Seas is aiming for a fleet of at least three converted ships and potentially one newbuild.
It plans to convert Insignia into a residential ship with luxury condos, while NCLH will continue to own the vessel.
The 30,000 gross ton Insignia was originally built in 1998 for Renaissance Cruises.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania, confirmed the “bittersweet news” in a note to the cruise line’s loyalty members.
We are “sad to see Insignia depart the fleet.” Oceania is planning future “Farewell Tour” events for Insignia.
Ship to Undergo $50 Million Interior Overhaul
Insignia is set for a comprehensive $50 million refurbishment, which will turn the ship’s current 333 staterooms into 290 residences.
The new residences will be available to buy starting at $650,000 to up to $10 million.
Ship services will include a private butler service, Starlink Wi-Fi, and gourmet dining.
Marisa Galbut, president of Crescent Seas, said: “With our ownership model, families can share once-in-a-lifetime experiences seamlessly.
Forget the hassle of planning vacations—embrace the freedom of remote work while exploring the world.”
Insignia’s inaugural voyage is scheduled for the New Year 2027/2028.
The first ship is set to enter service a year earlier in December 2026, and sales for this open next week.
A feature of Crescent Seas’ voyages will be extended time spent in ports, with typically at least two to three days and up to five days in a single destination.
