The line’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced the news last week, citing “record-breaking booking volumes” for the Seven Seas Explorer, for the decision, despite the ship not having yet launched.

Explorer, which is the first new-build for the line in 14 years, is set to launch in July 2016, with its new sister ship now expected to be delivered in 2020.

NCL Holdings said the new vessel would “retain many of the high-end features and amenities that have led to Seven Seas Explorer being hailed as the most luxurious ship ever built.”

This will include a new class of “ultra-luxurious suite that will debut on Seven Seas Explorer”

It added that more details for the new ship would be announced at a later date.

Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said: “When we began conceptualizing Seven Seas Explorer a little over four years ago, we knew from the onset that she would be something special and make an immediate and lasting impression in the marketplace.

“We expect that the positive impact on earnings and impressive return on investment from Seven Seas Explorer will be significant and that her sister vessel will make a similar contribution.” 

Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises added: “We knew immediately from the overwhelmingly positive response… from travel partners and past guests that Seven Seas Explorer was going to resonate with guests searching for the ultimate in luxury travel.

“The extraordinary demand generated by Seven Seas Explorer, including record-breaking booking volumes, reinforced our decision to expand our fleet with an additional ship that mirrors the same incredibly high standards of luxury."