Observation Lounge News

Naval architecture and marine engineering firm Knud E. Hansen has introduced a new 144-meter-long icebreaking expedition cruise vessel design with accommodations for up to 300 passengers in 150 cabins.Designed to achieve a service speed of 17 knots in open water, and with the ability to operate in solid multi-year ice of 1.8m thickness, the vessel has diesel electric propulsion, and two azipod-units, each 7.5 MW. The six generators have a combined power of approximately 23 MW and are fueled by a combination of marine diesel oil (MDO), and natural gas (LNG).

Damen's luxury yacht builder Amels has launched a new 77-meter expedition yacht La Datcha.La Datcha’s emergence from her building hall in the Netherlands this week marks the start of the final stages of her build process before she heads on a global charter itinerary which is set to include heli-skiing in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and dive adventures off Papua New Guinea. This a yacht built for adventure – custom designed to explore the world’s far-reaching destinations without compromising on luxury.

Due to the success of our new Polar Class 6 ship, Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions has ordered a sister ship built by the same manufacturer: M/v Janssonius is scheduled to be completed in October, 2021. She will have the same passenger capacity as Hondius (174), a nearly identical size and design, and will be a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened vessel equivalent to a 1A super ice-class ship.Like Hondius, Janssonius will come equipped with a number of advanced systems and features specifically designed for safe…

The expedition cruise ship market maintains its torrid pace with news that Oceanwide Expeditions has orders another Polar Class 6 ship, following the success of its ship Hondius.Croatian shipyard Brodosplit, the builder of Hondius, won the follow on order for M/V Janssonius, which is scheduled to be completed in October, 2021. The 174-passenger ship will be nearly identical in size and design, complete with a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened vessel equivalent to a 1A super ice-class ship.

Miami-based  SunStone Ships has declared option number two at CMHI shipyard after signing a long-term charter contract with Victory Cruise Line for the vessel, with a total of three newbuilds now under construction at the Chinese yard.A press release from the manager of passenger ships across the globe said that it  originally placed one firm contract and nine options on Ulstein deliveries of expedition cruise vessel designs and equipment packages back in 2017.All ten vessels are part of SunStone Ships’ series of vessels in the ‘INFINITY-class’. With the declaration of the next option, the CMHI (China Merchants Heavy Industry) yard in China will be constructing three expedition cruise vessels based on the Ulstein design.

Marlink has re-established its commitment to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to provide its Sealink services on the fleet of four cruise vessels, plus two new cruise ships which are due to enter operational service in 2019. The contract renewal reflects Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' desire to meet the requirements of the growing market for adventure and expedition cruises, as the ships are now in remote areas that were previously considered inaccessible for cruise ships, such as Arctic and the Antarctic.Marlink’s global Sealink services provide stable…

SunStone Ships, Inc. announced it has finalized an agreement with shipbuilder China Merchants Industry Holdings Co. Ltd. to build a third Infinity class expedition cruise vessel, to be named Ocean Victory. The newbuild is scheduled to be delivered in March 2021.SunStone’s President & CEO, Niels-Erik Lund, commented, “We are pleased with the rapid adoption of the Infinity-class vessels. It seems our European design and technology, combined with lower overall operating costs ticks…

Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of Norwegian Joy, the brand’s 15th ship and the first custom-designed for the Chinese cruise market, from Meyer Werft during an on board ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany. The vessel is due to arrive in China in June. “As Norwegian Cruise Line continues our global growth, Norwegian Joy’s delivery marks a momentous occasion in our company’s history, signifying our official entry into the Chinese cruise market,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.

A new vessel has been designed as a luxury expedition cruise vessel for worldwide operation including Arctic and Antarctic regions for itineraries up to 21 days with 300 passengers aboard. The vessel is designed for unrestricted ocean voyages and strengthened for Ice Class 1A service. According to designers KNUD E. HANSEN A/S, the vessel has been developed to meet and challenge the increasing interest from the market concerning smaller size vessels for specialized and customized cruising and expeditions.

Oceanco delivered the first superyacht of 2015 today, the 291-foot (89 meter) INFINITY. Built under the code name Y710, the yacht features an exterior design by Espen Øino and an interior design by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and David Kleinberg Design Associates. INFINITY is a go-anywhere yacht powered by  twin 4,828hp / 3,600kW MTU engines capable of reaching speeds of 20 knots. The yacht has a master suite that includes a private exterior deck and whirlpool, and can also accommodate 10 guests in 6 guest suites, including 2 VIP cabins.

MSC Cruises recently added a new state-of-the-art liner, the MSC Preziosa, helping the Italian company, truly a family business, attain the status of third largest cruise line in the world. MSC Preziosa is a Fantasia class cruise ship owned and operated by MSC Cruises. It entered service in March 2013 as an enhanced version of its sister ships, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia, and is identical to MSC Divina, which was launched in 2012. Built at the STX shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, MSC Preziosa is the new flagship of MSC Cruises. The new ship gained immediate recognition famous courtesy of its christening by actress Sophia Loren, and was significant as it signified that MSC Cruises is now the third largest cruise line in the world.

Oceania Cruises announced that Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, its trio of R-Class ships, will undergo a transformation starting early next year in what the company said is the largest refurbishment program in its history. The ships will receive a $50 million upgrade in a six-week timeframe that includes the refurbishment of suites, staterooms and select public rooms, some in the colors and décor-style found on the line's newest ships - Marina and Riviera. The ships' top accommodations…

The cruise vessel to be delivered in autumn 2004 for Birka Line had to day its keel laid at Aker Finnyards in Rauma. The vessel will be named Birka Paradise. The name reflects the vessel´s concept, the pattern of a Caribbean luxury cruiser. Next year a dip in the pool and lunch under palm trees in an exotic atmosphere is possible also in the Baltic! Over 50 of the 3500 suggestions received in the name contest arranged last summer proposed “Birka Paradise”. The new vessel is a full-blooded cruiser without car decks. It will be 177 m long and 28 m wide comprising eleven decks, five of which are dedicated to passenger accommodation: there are cabins and suites for in all 1,800 passengers.

Holland America Line (HAL) announced a revised delivery schedule of ships from Fincantieri-Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A. 1,848 passenger ms Zuiderdam will be delivered Nov. 15, 2002 and sail on its maiden voyage Dec. Ft. Lauderdale. June 2003. to Holland America Line in April 2004 and October 2005. build option, if exercised, will be delivered in May 2006. assigned to a sister company, Cunard Line. yard has been transferred to Cunard. units of Carnival Corporation. not dramatically impact HAL's plans for new vessels," said A. chairman and CEO, Holland America Line. leader in premium cruising. guests with panoramic sea views. spacious accommodation categories. verandahs. signature Waterford Crystal installation in the ship's atrium. Lido Restaurant service. observation lounge.

Cunard Line's parent company, Carnival Corporation, has signed a letter of intent with Italian shipyard Fincantieri for the construction of a new 1,968-passenger liner to serve the British market. line's much anticipated Queen Mary 2. year, to play a more significant role in the growing British cruise market. Panamax standards so it can be deployed on a variety of worldwide itineraries. passengers expected to sail in 2002. Pamela Conover, Cunard's president and chief operating officer. inclement weather. uniquely tower 10 decks high on both sides of the vessel. suites offering private balconies. Sterling. passengers in upper-level staterooms. and the ship also will employ the Azipod propulsion, which enhances operating efficiencies and environmental benefits. 668-passenger Caronia.

Derecktor Shipyards was given the notice of intent to award by the State of Alaska the contract for the construction of the first two passenger/vehicle high-speed ferries for its Marine Highway System. The NGA design presented by Derecktor competed in a bid race that lasted several months and ended with the notice of intent to award going to Derecktor Shipyards. This project, funded by the Federal Government, allows the State of Alaska to link Sitka to Juneau with fast modern boats, capable of a comfortable one-day round trip. The Alaska Marine Highway System has been operating year-round since 1963, with regularly scheduled passenger and vehicle service to 32 communities in Alaska. It carries over 300,000 passengers every year.

Following successful sea trials, Austal’s latest cruise yacht, the 36 passenger “True North” has been handed over to its owner and operator, North Star Cruises Australia. Several high-profile promotional events for local media were held whilst the vessel was in Fremantle, including a visit from rock music legend, Sting. North Star Cruises Australia Director, Craig Howson commented “True North appears to have captured the imagination of the luxury adventure cruise market. We are thrilled with the early response of both passengers and industry alike. We are particularly thrilled with the current level of enquiry and everyone at North Star is looking forward to a very successful year”.

Cruise West will refurbish and upgrade the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown in fall 2007. Four Balcony category cabins will be created that will include private teak-floored balconies with enough room for a café table and chairs for two. Numerous additional upgrades will be completed throughout the ship, including redecoration and renovation of public corridors, lobby areas, and the panoramic Observation Lounge, the ship’s Living Room. Updates will be completed in November and December, just in time for the first Sea of Cortés Holiday cruise departing December 22, 2007. The combined cost of all renovations is approximately $2m. The four Balcony cabins located on the sun deck will undergo a remodel that includes a new layout and the addition of queen beds…

Cunard Line will name its new 85,000-ton cruise ship Queen Victoria, in dedication to the British cruise market. The new ship, which is scheduled to enter service in 2005, will be the second largest Cunard ship carrying 1,968 passengers. Together with the current flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Queen Mary 2, the Cunard fleet will include three Queens for the first time. Currently being built at Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, Queen Victoria will enter service in the company’s 165th anniversary and will operate round-trip Southampton cruises to the Mediterranean, Canaries, Northern Europe as well as cruises to the Caribbean. The vessel will feature a covered wrap-around promenade deck, a forward-facing observation lounge, and a large Lido pool with a retractable magrodome.

Cunard Line celebrates a milestone tomorrow when a prefabricated section of the keel will be lowered into the building dock of Queen Victoria at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The second largest ship ever built by the line is scheduled to enter service in April 2005, 15 months after Queen Mary 2. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will join the most famous ship in the world - Queen Elizabeth 2 - as part of the Cunard fleet. The first ship for Cunard built in Italy, Queen Victoria is being constructed at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice. To date, the company has built more than 7,000 vessels, including many for Cunard's parent Carnival Corp.

Guido Perla, Chairman of Guido Perla and Associates, announced the delivery of the M/V Stikine, a 197-ft. passenger-vehicle ferry, to Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) for its new northern route between Prince of Wales Island’s Coffman Cove, Wrangell, and Petersburg terminals in Southeast Alaska. “GPA provided the construction engineering for the first IFA ferry, M/V Prince of Wales in 2001, and, ultimately, was hired as the owners’ naval architect for the design development for the similar M/V Stikine. GPA continued to act as the owner’s representative throughout vessel construction at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes, WA. The GPA team enhanced the ferry’s design by upgrading the passenger deck layout…