Regent Seven Seas Cruises President Mark Conroy, speaking at the Ensemble Travel Group conference in Las Vegas on Oct. 20, said his line is in talks with a European shipyard to build a new ship.

If Regent Seven Seas ends up placing the order, the ship would most likely be delivered sometime in 2014, according to Conroy.

The vessel would be approximately 50,000 gross registered tons and carry 700 passengers, similar in size to Regent Seven Seas’ three current ships.

Currently Regent Seven Seas fleet consists of three ships including the 490-passenger seven Seas Navigator, the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner and the 700-passenger Seven Seas Voyager.

 The line has not introduced a new ship since 2003, when Seven Seas Voyager made its debut. In contrast, Regent Seven Seas’ sister company, Oceania, introduced the Oceania Marina earlier this year and will launch the twin Oceania Riviera next spring.

Both Regent Seven Seas and Oceania are part of Prestige Cruise Holdings, chaired by Frank Del Rio, which itself is owned by Apollo Capital.

Conroy said 2010 and 2011 have been the best years ever for Regent Seven Seas. The company last year eliminated most NCFs (non-commissionable fares) and also included the majority of shore excursions in its fares, effectively increasing commissions for agents.