Apollo Management, the investment group, purchased Regent Seven Seas Cruises from Carlson Cos. for $1 billion, with deal finished in February 2008. Apollo Investments also own Oceania Cruises and 50% of Norwegian Cruise Line. Carlson retains ownership of the master Regent brand, along with the operations of Regent Hotels & Resorts around the world.

Following the purchase, Apollo made public their plans to order a new ship for Regent. The new ship is planned to be of similar dimensions and capacity as the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, but with larger accommodations and expanded public spaces. The planned delivery time for the ship is in 2011.