Explorer’s first cruise saw the ship depart from Trieste for a voyage around Italy, Croatia and Greece, using Regent’s multi-layered SailSafe heath and safety programme.

It is the second of Regent’s ships to return to service after the line’s newest vessel, Seven Seas Splendor, started its inaugural season in September.

Jason Montague, president and chief executive of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: “It’s truly amazing to be back onboard Seven Seas Explorer, and it is fantastic to see our guests being treated to the unrivalled Regent experience once again.

“Our crew has done an outstanding job in preparing for the ship’s return, with the service so seamless it is as if we were never away.”

Explorer will continue to cruise in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to Miami for a season in the Caribbean from mid-November until March 2022.

Regent’s phased return to service will see Seven Seas Mariner restart cruises on 18 December, followed by Seven Seas Navigator on 6 January 2022, both from Miami.

The final ship to restart operations will Seven Seas Voyager, which is to resume itineraries on 15 February 2022 from Barcelona.