Avora Residences acquires Seven Seas Navigator and announces launch of Avora Lumina | News
Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, meaningfully expanding the residential cruise category to a new premium level. The ship will debut in January 2028 as Avora Lumina and will serve as the flagship of Avora’s residential platform specifically designed for long-term living at sea.
“Residential cruising has proven its viability,” says Mikael Petterson, founder of Avora Residences. “Avora Lumina represents the next evolution – purpose-built for long-term life on Earth, expedition capabilities and a more refined living experience.”
The transaction builds on the proven residential cruise model and strategically positions Avora between Villa Vie Residences’ contemporary residential cruise offering and the world’s high-net-worth maritime estates. Avora Residences was founded by Mikael Petterson, creator of Villa Vie Residences and the only operator to successfully implement a modern residential cruise program at scale.
A legacy continued
The nine-year charter with a nominal purchase option arrangement establishes a long-term operating relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, providing continuity and stability to the world’s most experienced maritime operating organizations.
As part of this relationship, Avora intends to maintain Seven Seas Navigator’s operational DNA wherever possible, maintaining established systems, standards and key supplier and service relationships that have defined the ship’s performance and reputation over decades of global service. This approach ensures operational consistency and allows Avora to carefully house the onboard experience.
“Our philosophy is evolution, not disruption,” said Kathy Villalba, co-founder and CEO of Avora Residences. “Navigator has a soul – built through years of disciplined operations, experienced crews and trusted relationships. We plan to honor that legacy and transform the ship into a true long-term living platform.”
A purposeful residential transformation
Ahead of its launch in 2028, Avora Lumina will undergo a complete residential transformation. Planned upgrades include personalization and home improvements, redesigned common areas optimized for long-term living, and a dedicated business and global connectivity center designed to support longer journeys.
The homes range from approximately 300 to 1,173 square feet and feature premium finishes, expansive ocean views and options for personalization. “These are not cruise cabins,” Petterson said. “They are designed as floating homes – primary homes that last for years with their owners.”
A rare platform in the global fleet
With its size and configuration, Avora Lumina occupies a distinctive position within the global passenger fleet. The ship is small enough to access intimate ports and navigate waterways unavailable to larger vessels, while still offering full residential-scale amenities. The ship is also Arctic certified, allowing travel to remote destinations including Antarctica and the Northeast Passage.
Three years of continuous global circumnavigation
Avora Lumina plans to launch from Lisbon, Portugal, and embark on a three-year continuous global circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and more than 400 destinations on seven continents. Unlike traditional cruise itineraries, the ship will remain in port for a maximum of five days at a time, prioritizing in-depth experience and cultural immersion over a quick port turn. After the inaugural circumnavigation, residents will have structured input into future itineraries.
“We are building a resident-driven global platform,” said Chris Cox, president of Avora Residences. “After the first circumnavigation, owners will help determine where Lumina sails next. That fundamentally changes the model of residential cruising.”
Ownership structure and prices
Avora Residences offers two ownership routes:
Life-of-Ship ownership, with prices ranging from approximately $545,000 to $4.2 million for 242 private homes
Five-year ownership program, starting at approximately $219,600, providing long-term access to housing with a lower total commitment
Prices are positioned to compete with traditional home ownership in major global cities, while offering the added benefit of global mobility within a fully serviced residential environment.
Lifting the kitchen to the highest standards
A central pillar of Avora Lumina’s journey will be its culinary program. Avora plans to introduce destination-inspired dining concepts that reflect the regions visited during their global exploration. Changing seasonal menus, refined wine programs, chef-led tastings and locally sourced ingredients – made possible by extended stays in port – will define the onboard dining experience.
Sales for Avora Lumina are now open. Potential owners can learn more and request information by visiting AvoraResidences.com.
