By Anne Kalosh.
Seabourn Orders Two New Expedition Ships
Seabourn became the latest line to order new ships for luxurious expedition cruising. The pair of 23,000-gross-ton vessels will each carry up to 264 passengers in 132 veranda suites. The first ship is due in June 2021 and the second in May 2022.
Seabourn has been sailing some expedition-style programs for five years with its regular fleet. Now the line makes a full-hearted commitment to expedition cruising with these dedicated ships.
They’ll sport an innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveler, and will include many features that have made the Seabourn brand so appealing plus new elements.
For example, two submarines will be carried on board, along with a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiacs, to operate as part of the highly successful “Ventures by Seabourn.” These expert-led adventurous excursions are offered in select destinations around the world.
“Ventures by Seabourn” excursions have been highly successful. Here, kayaking in Alaska. * Photo: Seabourn
The 170-meter/558-foot ships will add capacity for Seabourn in Antarctica, the Arctic and other far-flung destinations while meeting Polar Class 6 standards.
“It’s been amazing to watch the growth of our expedition-style experiences since our first sailing to Antarctica in 2013 through today, where we now offer the “Ventures by Seabourn” program in a number of desirable destinations around the world,” said Robin West, vice president of expedition operations and planning for Seabourn.
Seabourn began operating in Antarctica in 2013. * Photo: Seabourn
The line signed a letter of intent with a new partnership between shipbuilders T. Mariotti in Genoa, Italy, and Netherlands-based international shipyard group Damen. They will collaborate on the construction under the Mariotti Damen Cruise banner.
The order is a breakthrough in the cruise sector for Damen, a seasoned international shipyard group that has been marketing an all-weather luxury new build design. T. Mariotti has a strong relationship with Seabourn, having built SEABOURN ODYSSEY (2009), SEABOURN SOJOURN (2010) and SEABOURN QUEST (2011).
Design and service details for the new ships are to be announced beginning later this year. Itinerary specifics and booking availability will be released in early 2019. The first ship is planned to sail in the Arctic in late summer 2021, with a full season in Antarctica to follow.
Don’t miss a post, subscribe to QuirkyCruise.com HERE for monthly updates!
© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.
© Masthead photo by Richard White, all rights protected.
HEIDI SARNA
