Regent Seven Seas Cruises has resumed sailing with its new ship Seven Seas Splendor departing from Southampton.

The voyage is believed to be the first to carry international travellers on a UK cruise since the voluntary pause in operations began in March 2020.

Ports of call on the inaugural journey include Edinburgh, Belfast, and Liverpool. An enhanced health and safety programme is in place, with all guests and crew fully vaccinated.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and CEO Jason Montague said: “This cruise represents yet another huge step forward as we return to luxury travel.

“I am so excited for our guests who have waited patiently, and for our crew and team members across our global offices who have worked so hard to get to this moment.

“The Regent family is finally reunited, and we are delighted to provide our guests with the unrivalled Regent experience with every luxury included, while sailing the world, once more.”

Commodores – guests who have sailed with Regent Seven Seas Cruises for more 2,000 nights – have been on board Seven Seas Splendor.

Commodore member Margaret Nathan said: “It was so wonderful to see the crew after being away from our Regent family for so long. This inaugural cruise has been an incredibly special way to experience such a beautiful ship.”

Seven Seas Splendor will return to Southampton on 22 September, before departing for a 14-night voyage to Barcelona.

In October and November, the ship will visit the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic for a season in the Caribbean.

The next ship in the fleet to resume sailing will be Seven Seas Explorer in October 2021 from Italy. Seven Seas Mariner will return in December 2021, cruising from Miami, while Seven Seas Voyager is scheduled to operate from February 2022 from Barcelona, Spain.

In addition, Seven Seas Grandeur will make its inaugural journey in 2023.