Beginning in the fall of 2012, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which now operates out of Port Everglades, will join its sister company, Oceania Cruises, at the Port of Miami. Oceania has been headquartered at the Port of Miami since the upscale cruise line's start up in 2003. The combined brands of Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises will account for more than 30 ship calls annually.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez applauded the new agreement with Prestige.

"The cruise ship business represents a critical segment of our tourism industry, which contributes millions of dollars to the local economy," Gimenez said. "We welcome the award-winning Regent Seven Seas vessels as the latest addition to our fleet."

Frank Del Rio, Chairman and CEO of Prestige Cruise Holdings, said relocating Regent Seven Seas to the Port of Miami was a logical move due to the popularity of Miami as a homeport for cruise passengers from around the world and the increased international airlift offered at Miami International Airport.

"We are looking forward to making Miami - with its international appeal - headquarters for both of our cruise brands," Del Rio said. "Miami, an exciting and sophisticated international city, is a destination of choice for travelers in the premium and ultra-luxury segments of the marketplace."

Del Rio said Regent Seven Seas will operate at Port Everglades for one more year before moving to Miami adding that "we are appreciative to Port Everglades for its years of excellent service to our valued guests."
 
Bill Johnson, Director for the Port of Miami, said Regent Seven Seas will bring a new high-end brand to the Port's already distinguished fleet.

"For cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and other exciting destinations, the Port of Miami has long been the industry leader offering a wide variety of vacation choices from high-end to family oriented cruises that are suited for all budgets," Johnson said. "With the introduction of Regent Seven Seas, we are looking forward to growing the ultra-luxury market at our Port."

Both Oceania and Regent ships will berth at the Port's newly renovated Cruise Terminal J. The Port of Miami has invested nearly $3 million on facility renovations and dockside improvements.

"We are in the process of upgrading Terminal J into a "boutique" facility to cater to the mid-size ships that serve the upscale market," Johnson said.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, who chairs the County Commission's Economic Development and Social Services Committee that oversees the Port, joined County Commission Chair Joe Martinez in welcoming Regent Seven Seas to Miami-Dade County.

"Regent Seven Seas will enhance Miami's leadership position in the cruise industry," Martinez said. "Regent's relocation to the Port of Miami adds another valuable brand to our roster of fine ships."

Sosa said, "We are thrilled to welcome Regent to our County and look forward to rolling out the red carpet for Regent Seven Seas and its passengers."

For additional information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises visit http://www.rssc.com.

About Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world's most inclusive luxury cruise line. Fares include all-suite accommodations, round-trip air, highly personalized service, acclaimed cuisine, fine wines and spirits, sightseeing excursions in every port, a pre-cruise luxury hotel package and gratuities. Three award-winning, all-suite vessels, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, and Seven Seas Navigator, are among the most spacious at sea and visit more than 300 destinations around the globe.

About Prestige Cruise Holdings
Prestige Cruise Holdings is the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Formed in 2007 to manage select assets in Apollo Management's cruise investment portfolio, PCH is led by Chairman and CEO Frank Del Rio, the founder of Oceania Cruises. PCH is the market leader in the upper-premium and luxury segments of the cruise industry with nearly 5,200 berths between the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to approximately 6,400 berths by 2012.

About the Port of Miami
The Port of Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world, handling a record 4.33 million passengers in the 2010 calendar year. Miami is home to some of the world's most distinguished cruise lines with prices to fit all budgets and offering an array of exciting  three and four day itineraries to the Caribbean, to much longer voyages to Central America, South America and Europe.  For additional information, please visit the Port of Miami website at www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami.