NEW SHIPS! Seabourn to build two luxe new expedition cruisers

NEW SHIPS! Seabourn to build two luxe new expedition cruisers

Start getting excited for the winter of 2021, because new ships are on the horizon!

That’s right, folks, Seabourne has just signed a letter of intent to build two brand-spanking-new ships, and we’re pretty damn excited about it.

The cruise line yesterday announced the letter of intent, along with a new partnership between shipbuilders T.Mariotti and Damen, who will collaborate on the construction of the vessels under the joint name of MARIOTTI DAMEN Cruise.

The new ships will be a brand new innovative design, created specifically for the ultra-luxury expedition traveller, and will include all the features that have made Seabourn ships so successful, plus a ton of unique features designed to enhance the expedition experience. The first ship is expected to be completed by June 2021 and the second ship is anticipated in May 2022. Hooray!

Both ships will be 170 meters and a whopping 23,000 tons, and will add new capacity for Seabourn in Antarctica, the Arctic, and other exotic destinations around the world. Each will feature 132 luxurious oceanfront veranda suites, which will be home for up to 264 guests – you know, so you can see Antarctica in style.

“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.”

As ships built exclusively for expedition travel, there will be amenities designed to deliver an unparalleled experience in some of the most remote areas in the world. But the most exciting bit? Two submarines will be carried onboard. Submarines, people!

The ships will also be designed to carry a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiac inflatable boats, which have already been in operation as a part of the highly successful Ventures by Seabourn program.

“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 design and service details for the new ships beginning later this year, so stay tuned.

Specific deets 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.

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