Seabourn has completed the ice model testing of the new expedition ship ‘Seabourn Venture’s’ PC-6 rated hull.
Completed at a large indoor testing basin at Aker Arctic in Finland, the tests provide a proven and effective means of ensuring ‘Seabourn Venture’s’ hull design will perform as intended in the ice conditions it may encounter, the company said.
A ship rated to PC-6 Polar Class standards is capable of summer & autumn operation in ice conditions in Antarctica, the Arctic, and other destinations.
“We know that ‘Seabourn Venture’ will deliver on the expedition experiences we’re creating after seeing this series of tests completed,” said Robin West, vice president of Expedition Operations for Seabourn.
“Our team is fully committed to taking luxury expedition travellers to some of the world’s most sought after locations and ‘Seabourn Venture’ is certainly going to be up to the task with its purpose-built design.”
During the ice testing series, a scale model mock-up of the ship’s hull was connected to a test carriage where manoeuvring and operational tests can be conducted, while Seabourn and Carnival Corp team members looked on through viewing windows.
Her keel laying will take place in December and she is scheduled to be delivered in June, 2021, with a second yet-to-be-named sistership due to begin cruising in May, 2022.
The ships are being designed from conception for the ultimate in expedition travel blended with ultra-luxury and personalised service by leading travel experts and seasoned professionals with great depth of experience in expedition, hospitality, and ultra-luxury cruising, Seabourn claimed.
Two custom-built submarines will be carried on board, as will 24 Zodiacs, giving her the flexibility to take all guests on a Zodiac tour at once, should conditions present a small window of opportunity.
Each ship will feature 132 luxurious ocean front veranda suites.
Seabourn has contracted hospitality designer, Adam D Tihany, to develop the design vision for public areas and all categories of guest suites, as well as a bespoke furniture collection.
Both expedition vessels will feature crew that will include well-travelled expedition teams comprised of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and naturalists.
