By
Alice Chambers |
Albatros Expeditions has debuted its newest vessel Ocean Albatros, which will operate in the Arctic for its first season.
The ship departed on its maiden voyage on 15 June from Tromsø to Longyearbyen in Norway.
“The vessel was delivered to us on 10 June and we have been onboard for the past few days,” said Søren Rasmussen, founder and chairman of Albatros Expeditions. “It looks like the vessel is absolutely perfect for these conditions – very stable and performs great. We are just preparing to welcome our first guests onboard and I look forward to hearing what they think of Ocean Albatros, but I have very high expectations.”
Like sister ship Ocean Victory, the new Ocean Albatros was developed and designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions to reduce the operator’s carbon footprint and minimise environmental impact through its X-Bow hull design, which adheres to Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 standards. Its dynamic positioning systems and zero-speed stabilisers also help to reduce fuel consumption.
The vessel features cabins furnished in a Scandinavian style, as well as a panorama sauna, open-air Jacuzzis, 360-degree outside decks and hydraulic observation platforms. It will also have its own expedition team onboard to host immersive and educational experiences for guests and to teach them about the importance of sustainable tourism.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ocean Albatros and embark on new voyages this Arctic season,” said Greg Carter, chief commercial officer of Albatros Expeditions. “With the new vessel’s eco-efficient technology, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that our dedicated and passionate team will provide, and the superior comfort that the Ocean Albatros affords our passengers, we are confident that we are offering our guests an adventure of a lifetime, while also ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable region.”
The ship will now operate on Arctic itineraries to destinations including Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland.