By
Rebecca Gibson |
Seabourn has signed a letter of intent for two new ultra-luxury expedition cruise vessels to be built by Mariotti Damen Cruise, a new joint venture between Italian shipbuilding company T. Mariotti and Damen Shipyards Group.
The new partnership will bring together T.Mariotti’s expertise in building luxury cruise vessels and Damen’s experience of working in different sectors across the maritime industry.
“We are very pleased to work together with Damen on the construction of newbuild cruise vessels as both Mariotti and Damen share a common vision of the future of the cruise industry,” said Marco Ghiglione, managing director of T. Mariotti. “This long-term partnership will offer our current and prospective clients access to a comprehensive suite of shipbuilding services and capabilities in terms of high quality, sustainable vessels demanded by the cruise industry of tomorrow.”
The joint venture is also part of Damen’s plan to move into the cruise market.
“We are very honoured by this collaboration,” said Andrea Trevisan, senior vice president of Damen’s Sales and Marketing Cruise division. “The combination of T. Mariotti luxury cruise shipbuilding’s experience of long standing with the high-class facilities of Damen Shipyards Group represents a unique synergy in the cruise industry. Our partnership brings together two proud family businesses, both of which enjoy a reputation for shipbuilding excellence.”
Purpose-built for adventure, both newbuilds will be built to Polar Class 6 standards and have an ‘innovative design’ that combines many of Seabourn’s signature features with new onboard offerings that are designed specifically for expedition experiences. Highlights will include 132 oceanfront veranda suites for up to 264 guests, as well as two submarines, kayaks and 24 Zodiac inflatable boats, which will take guests on excursions as part of the Ventures by Seabourn.
“This is a ground-breaking moment for Seabourn and for luxury travellers, who will now find a new standard of authentic, yet luxurious, expedition adventures in new and amazing destinations few people will ever see,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “The combination of immersive experience, fine accommodations and sumptuous amenities offered by these new ships builds on the success of our current product and further demonstrates our leadership as innovators as we continue offering the finest ultra-luxury cruises available.”
The first of the 170-metre, 23,000gt vessels is expected to be delivered in June 2021, while the second is scheduled for a May 2022 debut. Together, the vessels will expand Seabourn’s capacity in Antarctica, the Arctic and other remote destinations around the world. Each voyage will be accompanied by experienced expedition teams that comprise wilderness experts, scientists, historians and Zodiac operators. The teams, which are part of the Seabourn Conversations programme, will provide guests with in-depth insights into the history, ecology and culture of the places the vessels visit via both informal discussions and formal presentations.
“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 programme in a number of desirable destinations around the world,” said Robin West, vice president of Expedition Operations and Planning for Seabourn. “A year ago, we started developing the concept for this next chapter of our expedition story with dedicated ships built to take luxury travellers to the most coveted places on the planet and they will be thrilled to see these remote destinations in Seabourn style.”
Seabourn will reveal design and service details for the new ships later this year.