Seabourn has signed a Letter of Intent for two new ultra-luxury expedition ships. The agreement marks a new partnership between two shipbuilders, T.Mariotti and Damen. The two will collaborate to build the vessels under the name MARIOTTI DAMEN Cruise.
The two Seabourn ships will feature a new design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition segment. It will include Seabourn's signature features, as well as several new innovations.
The first ship is set for a June 2021 delivery. The second is set for May 2022.
The 23,000 gross ton vessels will be PC6 Polar Class-certified and feature 132 oceanfront veranda suites. They will sail to Antarctica, the Arctic, and other exotic destinations
"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, 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 lineup and further demonstrates our leadership as innovators as we continue offering the finest ultra-luxury cruises available."
The vessels will carry two onboard submarines, as well as kayaks and Zodiac inflatable boats.
"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 program 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 travelers to the most coveted places on the planet and they will be thrilled to see these remote destinations in Seabourn style."
Seabourn will announce initial design and service details for the new ships later in the year. Itineraries and booking availability will be released in early 2019. At present, the first ship is set to sail the Arctic in late summer of 2021, with a winter season to follow in Antarctica.
Crew members will include expedition teams made up of experienced wilderness experts, scientists, historians and Zodiac operators. The experts will also take part in the Seabourn Conversations program, providing insights into the history, ecology, and culture of each destination.
A brand of Carnival Corporation & plc, Seabourn has formed a partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help protect World Heritage sites.
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