SunStone Ships has ordered a fourth ‘Infinity’ series expedition cruise ship.
To be named ‘Ocean Explorer’, she will be built by China’s CMHI yard to an CX103 design featuring the patented X-BOW.
The series has been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions and the group will also supply much of the equipment package with Tilburg and Makinen taking care of the interior design.
The SunStone series represents the first cruise contracts for Ulstein, whose X-BOW was originally developed for excellent seakeeping in rough conditions, but also gives the advantage of more space in the bow areas,which on these vessels, have been used for spacious lounges giving outstanding views.
‘Ocean Explorer’ will be chartered to Vantage Cruise Line. Planned cruises include East Asia, the Mediterranean and Scandinavia.
The ‘Infinity’ class vessels are 104,4 m long and 18,4 m wide. They have a passenger capacity of 130-200, with a crew of between 85-115, small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere, large enough to yield all expected services and facilities, such as jacuzzi, bar and restaurant, boutique, an open-air cinema, gym and spa, Ulstein claimed .
They will be fitted with facilities for outdoor activities, such as biking, kayaking or paddle boarding, plus small tender boats.
The first vessel in this series of a potential 10 vessels, ‘Greg Mortimer’, is due to be delivered in the third quarter of this year.
