Seabourn has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to build two new ultra-luxury expedition ships.
They will be constructed by a new partnership between shipbuilders T Mariotti and Damen, who will collaborate on the construction of the vessels under the name Mariotti Damen Cruise.
They will be of a brand new innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveller, and will include many features that have made Seabourn ships so successful, as well as a host of unique features designed to enhance the expedition experience, Seabourn said.
The first delivery is due to be delivered in June, 2021 and the second ship is expected in May, 2022.
The 170 m long, 23,000 gt vessels will add new capacity for Seabourn in Antarctica, the Arctic, and other exotic destinations around the world while meeting PC6 Polar Class standards.
Each will feature 132 luxurious veranda suites, which will be able to accommodate up to 264 guests.
“This is a groundbreaking moment for Seabourn and for luxury travelers, 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, Seabourn President (pictured). “The combination of immersive experience, fine accommodations, and sumptuous amenities offered by these new ships builds on the success of our current product lineup and further demonstrates our leadership as innovators as we continue offering the finest ultra-luxury cruises available.”
Each ship will be fitted with two submarines, to provide views beneath the ocean’s surface. The ships will also be designed to carry kayaks and 24 Zodiac inflatable boats, which have operated as a part of the Ventures by Seabourn programme offered in select destinations around the world.
“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.”
At the same time, T Mariotti and Damen Shipyards Group announced a tie-up to build the ships.
T Mariotti Managing Director, Marco Ghiglione, said: “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. 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.”
Damen Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Cruise, Andrea Trevisan, said: “We are very honoured by this collaboration. 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.”
