World's First Floating Resort Scheduled To Set Sail In 2001
The world's first ocean-going luxury resort is scheduled to be afloat late in 2001 now that Bahamas-registered ResidenSea has secured financing and found a builder, company officials said. The vessel for the rich, dubbed The World of ResidenSea, was conceived four years ago by Norwegian cruise magnate Knut Kloster Jr. "After four years of an uphill struggle...we have finally made it," Henning Oeglaend, chairman of the board of ResidenSea, said at a ceremonial contract signing in Oslo with the ship's Norwegian-based builder, Fosen Mek. Verksteder AS. Flagging cruise line share prices, coupled with turmoil in the world financial market over the past few years prompted the firm to cut the size and cost of the ship to 40,000 tons at $350 million from an initial 86,000 tons at $545 million.
New Ships, Management Contract Put Silversea In Good Position
With the construction of new sister ships progressing as scheduled and the recently signed contract to manage the world's first ocean-going luxury residence, Silversea cruises is well poised for growth in the next millennium. The line was founded in 1992 with the concept of offering all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruises to all parts of the world. The first ship, Silver Cloud, debuted in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995. In five years, the line emerged as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise market and is internationally recognized as the world's best small ship cruise line. The company's strong performance has made it possible to expand the fleet after only four years of operation. In May 1998, Silversea signed a contract for two new ships.
Silversea Poised For Growth
With the construction of new sister ships progressing as scheduled and the recently signed contract to manage the world's first ocean-going luxury residence, Silversea Cruises is well poised for growth in the next millennium. The line was founded in 1992 with the concept of offering all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruises to all parts of the world. The first ship, Silver Cloud, debuted in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995. In five years, the line emerged as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise market and is internationally recognized as the world's best small ship cruise line. The company's strong performance has made it possible to expand the fleet after only four years of operation. In May 1998, Silversea signed a contract for two new ships.
