Seabourn Announces Construction of Two Luxury Expedition Ships

Seabourn has announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of two new ultra-luxury expedition ships with a new partnership between shipbuilders T. Mariotti and Damen, who will collaborate on the construction of the vessels under a common name, Mariotti Damen Cruise.

The new ships will be a brand-new design and will include many of the same features and amenities found on other Seabourn ships, as well as a host of new experiences. Seabourn will announce design and service details later this year. The first delivery is expected in June 2021 and the second ship is anticipated in May 2022. 

The approximately 550-foot, 23,000 gross ton 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 have 132 oceanfront veranda suites, which will accommodate up to 264 guests.

As vessels built exclusively for expedition travel, the ships will offer amenities designed to deliver unique experiences in remote areas around the world. A new offering will be two submarines carried onboard, providing a view of the world 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 program offered in select destinations around the world. 

Specific details about itineraries and booking availability will be released in early 2019. The first ship is currently planned to sail in the Arctic in late summer 2021, with a full winter season in Antarctica to follow.

Onboard crew will include expedition teams comprised of wilderness experts, scientists, historians and Zodiac operators. These expedition team members are part of the Seabourn Conversations program, providing insights into the history, ecology and culture of the places they visit. Their insights are offered both in complimentary formal presentations on a variety of topics and in more casual conversations over meals or at leisure.

For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.

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