Luxury cruising has long excelled at the art of doing very little. A leisurely lunch, an afternoon by the pool and an uninterrupted view of the horizon can make a compelling case for leaving the world behind. But for travelers who prefer to mix relaxation with a little friendly competition, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is introducing a new reason to head outdoors.
The Solara Sports Deck, aboard the forthcoming Seven Seas Prestige, brings together court sports, putting, yoga and sociable games in a thoughtfully designed open-air setting. Rather than treating recreation as an afterthought, Regent has given it a dedicated identity, creating a space that reflects the changing ways luxury travelers want to spend their time at sea.
The ship is scheduled to debut in December 2026, introducing Regent’s first new ship class in a decade. The Solara Sports Deck is one of the new vessel’s distinctive outdoor features, alongside the separate Solara Pool Deck.
For guests who enjoy keeping active between destinations, it promises a different perspective on life aboard an ultra-luxury cruise ship.
The Solara Sports Deck: A New Way to Play at Sea
Located on Deck 14, the Solara Sports Deck is Regent’s first formally named sports deck. Its design, developed in partnership with SMC Architects, aims to combine active recreation with the polished aesthetic expected of the cruise line.
The concept is important. A sports area on a luxury ship needs to offer more than equipment and open space. It should feel like somewhere guests genuinely want to spend time, whether they arrive with a competitive streak, a casual interest in games or simply a desire to enjoy the fresh air.
Regent’s plans incorporate architectural framing, landscaped planters, decorative details and integrated areas for relaxation. LED perimeter lighting will also allow the space to take on a different atmosphere after dark.
The result is intended to feel less like a conventional sports facility and more like an extension of the ship’s wider outdoor living environment. The deck is also planned to remain open 24 hours a day, giving guests flexibility over when they use it.
That flexibility suits the rhythm of a cruise particularly well. An energetic start to the morning need not compete with a leisurely afternoon, while a game after dinner can be just as appealing as one before lunch.
Padel and pickleball above the waves
Two of the headline attractions are a competition-sized padel and pickleball court.
Both sports have become increasingly popular with travelers looking for an activity that combines movement with a social element. Padel, played with solid rackets on an enclosed court, rewards quick reactions and teamwork. Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, making it an accessible option for players with different levels of experience.
Bringing both to the Solara Sports Deck gives guests a choice between trying something new and enjoying a familiar favorite. Couples might arrange a relaxed match, while friends travelling together could make a game part of their daily routine.
There is also something particularly appealing about playing outdoors at sea. Instead of a fixed view of neighboring courts or city buildings, the setting is the open ocean, with the changing light and passing coastline providing a natural backdrop.
For travelers visiting destinations such as Barcelona, Monte Carlo or Palma de Mallorca, a morning game could offer a welcome contrast to a day spent exploring historic streets, museums and waterfront promenades.
The court facilities are a notable part of the design, but the broader idea is just as interesting: activity becomes another way to enjoy the ship, rather than simply a diversion from the itinerary.
An 18-hole putting green with an ocean view
Golf enthusiasts will also find an 18-hole putting green on the Solara Sports Deck.
Putting offers a different pace from the court sports. It is an opportunity to concentrate, refine technique and enjoy a little friendly rivalry without committing to a full round of golf. Guests can practice their short game or simply enjoy an informal challenge with fellow travelers.
For many luxury cruise passengers, this sort of facility adds value precisely because it is easy to fit around the rest of the day. There is no need to organize a lengthy outing or build an entire shore day around an activity. A few holes can sit comfortably between breakfast and an afternoon ashore.
The setting is part of the appeal, too. Imagine practicing a putt while the ship approaches a Mediterranean port, or taking a leisurely turn on the green during a sea day when there is no particular reason to hurry.
For travelers who enjoy golf-inspired holidays but do not want every trip to revolve around a course, the Solara Sports Deck offers a more relaxed alternative.
Yoga at sunrise and sunset
Not every activity needs a scoreboard. One of the more distinctive additions to the Solara Sports Deck is a dedicated area for sunrise and sunset yoga, a first for Regent’s fleet according to the published announcement.
The timing gives the experience its appeal. Early morning brings cooler air and a quieter atmosphere, while sunset offers a chance to slow down as the light changes across the sea.
Yoga can also provide a useful counterpoint to the busy days that often accompany a port-intensive itinerary. Walking through Rome, discovering the architecture of Athens or exploring the historic quarters of Istanbul can involve hours on your feet. A gentle stretch or mindful session on board offers another way to balance exploration with time for yourself.
The planned yoga area also broadens the deck’s appeal beyond guests interested in competitive sports. It makes room for a quieter kind of activity, where the emphasis is on movement, breathing and taking in the surroundings.
Specific class schedules and availability should be checked against Regent’s confirmed onboard program as the ship enters service.
Games that bring people together
The Solara Sports Deck is not solely about fitness. A collection of games adds a more playful dimension, making the space suitable for travelers who prefer a little amusement to a structured workout.
Planned features include digital shuffleboard tables, mini-bowling, chess, Baggo — a beanbag-toss game also known as cornhole — and covered table tennis. The digital shuffleboard system is another first for Regent, according to the announcement.
These activities may sound simple, but they often become the source of a cruise’s most memorable informal moments. A quick game can turn into an impromptu tournament; a casual introduction can lead to familiar faces at dinner later that evening.
They also suit multigenerational groups and mixed-interest parties. One guest might prefer pickleball, another might gravitate towards chess, while someone else is happy to join in with shuffleboard. Everyone has a way to participate without the day having to revolve around one person’s preferred activity.
That variety feels particularly appropriate on a ship designed for extended periods at sea as well as destination-focused itineraries.
How the Solara Sports Deck fits into the wider ship
The sports deck is one element of the outdoor experience planned for Seven Seas Prestige. The separate Solara Pool Deck, on Deck 12, will feature a 48-by-29-foot swimming pool, two whirlpools, tiered sunbathing areas, the Solara Pool Grill and a pool bar.
The distinction between the two spaces is useful. The pool deck is geared towards swimming, sunbathing and relaxed dining, while the Solara Sports Deck gives active leisure its own setting.
Together, they offer different ways to spend time outdoors without leaving the ship. A guest could begin the day with yoga, try a game of pickleball, spend the afternoon by the pool and finish with a drink as the evening settles in.
This is also part of a wider investment in the onboard experience. Seven Seas Prestige is introducing a new ship class for Regent, with additional developments in accommodation, dining and wellness. The Solara Sports Deck should therefore be understood as one piece of a larger design vision, rather than an isolated new amenity.
A new dimension to luxury cruising
The appeal of the Solara Sports Deck lies in its range. It accommodates the guest who wants to start the day with movement, the golfer who enjoys a putting challenge, the couple who prefer an informal game and the traveler who simply wants to stretch outdoors as the sun rises.
It also reflects a more expansive view of luxury. Comfort remains central, but a memorable voyage can include opportunities to learn, play, move and connect with other people, alongside the quieter pleasures of a suite, a long lunch or a day spent discovering somewhere new.
With Seven Seas Prestige scheduled to debut in December 2026, the Solara Sports Deck is a new feature to watch for travelers considering Regent’s forthcoming ship. Its combination of court sports, putting, yoga and games gives the outdoor spaces a distinct identity — one that could make sea days every bit as engaging as days spent ashore.
For anyone considering a Regent voyage, the question is no longer simply what the ship offers when it is time to relax. It is also how many different ways there will be to enjoy the hours between destinations.
Call us at 888-717-5074 and speak to our luxury cruise specialists to explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the new Seven Seas Prestige. We can help you compare itineraries and find a voyage that suits your travel plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Solara Sports Deck on Regent Seven Seas Cruises?
A: The Solara Sports Deck is a dedicated outdoor recreation area aboard Seven Seas Prestige, featuring court sports, a putting green, a yoga area and a variety of games.
Q: Which sports are available on the Solara Sports Deck?
A: Planned facilities include a competition-sized padel and pickleball court and an 18-hole putting green. The deck will also feature an area for sunrise and sunset yoga.
Q: Where is the Solara Sports Deck located?
A: The Solara Sports Deck is located on Deck 14 of Seven Seas Prestige, near the top of the ship.
Q: When will the Solara Sports Deck open?
A: The Solara Sports Deck is scheduled to debut with Seven Seas Prestige in December 2026. Its opening will coincide with the ship’s introduction to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet.
Q: Is the Solara Sports Deck different from the Solara Pool Deck?
A: Yes. The Solara Sports Deck focuses on sports, games and outdoor wellness. The separate Solara Pool Deck features the main swimming pool, whirlpools, sunbathing areas, a pool grill and a bar.
Q: Can guests use the Solara Sports Deck at any time?
A: The announced plan is for the deck to be open 24 hours a day. Specific activities, classes and equipment access may be subject to onboard arrangements, so guests should check the confirmed program once the ship enters service.
