Ultra luxury cruise line Seabourn is adding two new expedition ships to their five-strong fleet, in yet another indication of the strength of adventure journeys.
Silversea, recently bought by Royal Caribbean, French luxury line Ponant and Hertigruten are all increasing their expedition fleets to meet demand.
Seabourn’s new vessels will include many of the features and amenities found on their existing ships, but they will be built to a brand-new design offering a host of exciting new features. They are expected to clock in at around 168 metres and 23,000 gross tons.
The ships, which will meet PC6 Polar Class standards, will add capacity for Seabourn in Antarctica, the Arctic and other exotic destinations. Constructed exclusively for expedition travel, they will feature amenities designed to deliver unique experiences. Each ship will carry two submarines for underwater exploration, as well as kayaks and 24 Zodiacs to facilitate the Ventures by Seabourn program.
Despite offering the adventure cruise experience, the new ships will meet Seabourn’s famous luxury standards in their 132 oceanfront veranda suites, which accommodate up to 264 guests.
The first delivery is expected in June 2021 and the second in May 2022, but details about itineraries and booking availability will be released early next year. The first ship is currently set for a late-summer sailing in the Arctic in mid-2021, with a winter season in Antarctica to follow.
Onboard crew will include expedition teams of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and Zodiac experts, part of the Seabourn Conversations program which provides insights into the history, ecology and culture of their destinations.
The vessels will be built as part of a collaboration between leading Italian luxury cruise shipbuilding company T. Mariotti and Dutch Damen Shipyards Group under the joint name Mariotti Damen Cruise.
