Schlagwort: Expeditionsschiff

Pressemitteilung

Im Rahmen einer offiziellen Übergabezeremonie in der Werft T. Mariotti in Genua hat Seabourn am 31. Juli 2023 ihr neues Expeditionsschiff, die Seabourn Pursuit, übernommen. Sie ist das zweite speziell gebaute Luxus-Expeditionsschiff von Seabourn und das neueste Expeditionsschiff in der Branche. Ihr Schwesterschiff, die Seabourn Venture, wurde 2022 in Dienst gestellt.

Natalya Leahy, Präsidentin von Seabourn: „Es ist für mich eine große Ehre, diesen besonderen Moment, in dem wir die Seabourn Pursuit in unsere Flotte übernehmen, mit der gesamten Seabourn-Familie zu teilen. Durch die bemerkenswerte Handwerkskunst des Mariotti-Teams, das großzügige Raumangebot und den unverkennbar eleganten Stil von Tihany Design setzt die Seabourn Pursuit neue Maßstäbe für Expeditionsreisen der Ultra-Luxusklasse. Wir sind Mariotti und Tihany Design sehr dankbar für ihre Expertise bei der Gestaltung und Verwirklichung unseres Traums für uns und für unsere Gäste.“

Leahy fügt hinzu, dass die hochmoderne Seabourn Pursuit die perfekte Kombination aus Luxus und Expedition bietet. „Die Seabourn Pursuit kombiniert das Beste aus zwei Welten: Die unverkennbare und luxuriöse Welt von Seabourn und die Welt der Entdeckungen und Abenteuer. Das Schiff ist für anspruchsvolle Gäste konzipiert, die nach außergewöhnlichen Erfahrungen suchen. Sie werden Seabourns luxuriösen Stil und den intuitiven, persönlichen Service genießen, während die Seabourn Pursuit sie zu beeindruckenden Zielen auf der ganzen Welt bringt, die nur wenige Menschen bereisen.“

„Heute, ein Jahr nach der Auslieferung der Seabourn Venture, sind wir sehr glücklich, ihr Schwesterschiff, die Seabourn Pursuit, fertiggestellt und ausgeliefert zu haben“, sagt Marco Ghiglione, Geschäftsführer von T. Mariotti. „Wir sind stolz darauf, dieses herausragende Ultra-Luxus-Expeditionsschiff für Seabourn, eine der führenden Kreuzfahrtreedereien auf dem Luxusmarkt, gebaut zu haben. Dies ist ein weiteres wichtiges Meisterwerk für den italienischen Schiffbau und beweist erneut, dass unsere Führungsposition in diesem Sektor gut gefestigt ist. Dank Seabourn, sowie allen an dieser Reise beteiligten Personen, Lloyd’s Register und der Handschrift von Adam Tihany ist hier ein neues Expeditionsjuwel entstanden.“

Yachtähnliches Expeditions-Erlebnis

Die Seabourn Pursuit bietet das gleiche luxuriöse, yachtähnliche Erlebnis, das Reisende von Seabourn gewohnt sind, ergänzt durch eine Ausrüstung, die ein umfangreiches Angebot an Expeditionsaktivitäten ermöglicht. Dazu gehören unter anderem zwei U-Boote für bis zu sechs Passagiere. Alle Expeditionen werden von einem erfahrenen 24-köpfigen Expeditionsteam aus Wissenschaftlern und Naturforschern geleitet. Die Seabourn Pursuit wurde nach den Standards der PC6-Polarklasse gebaut und verfügt über eine Fülle an moderner Hardware und Technologie, die den globalen Einsatz und die Fähigkeiten des Schiffes erweitern. Mit einer Decksfläche von fast 30.000 Quadratmetern bietet die Seabourn Pursuit ganz besondere Details. Dazu gehören Gästebereiche im Innen- und Außenbereich mit einer Sicht von fast 270 Grad sowie eine 4K-GSS-Cineflex-Kamera am Mast der Constellation Lounge, die Bilder aus meilenweiter Entfernung auf Monitore im ganzen Schiff und den Suiten überträgt.

Darüber hinaus bietet die Seabourn Pursuit, wie auch die anderen Schiffe der Seabourn-Flotte, viel Platz pro Passagier, acht Restaurants mit Gourmetküche und luxuriöse Suiten, darunter zwei Duplex Wintergarden-Suiten.

In-Dienststellung am 12. August 2023

Die Seabourn Pursuit wird am 12. August 2023 in Dienst gestellt, und sie wird zunächst fünf Reisen im Mittelmeer unternehmen, gefolgt von zwei Reisen über den Atlantik und durch die Karibik. Am 10. Oktober 2023 wird sie in Barbados eintreffen, um zu ihren ersten Expeditionsreisen aufbrechen, die die Gäste in entlegene Winkel der Erde führen. Bis Ende März 2024 wird sie die Küsten Südamerikas, den Amazonas und die Antarktis erkunden.

Nach ihrer ersten Antarktis-Saison folgen Warmwasser-Expeditionen durch den Südpazifik und nach Australien, wo sie zwischen Juni und August 2024 die Kimberley-Region im Northern Territory und Westaustralien anlaufen wird.

Für weitere Informationen: www.seabourn.com.

Text: PM Seabourn

Kurs Antarktis

3. März 2023

von an Bord - Redaktion

Auf keinem anderen Kontinent ist es so kalt, so stürmisch, so schwierig zu überleben. Und doch ist die Antarktis eine der faszinierendsten Gegenden dieses Planeten – mit einer majestätischen Schönheit und einer unglaublichen Tierwelt. Michael Wolf ließ sich während der Fahrt mit der Silver Endeavour von dieser Destination beeindrucken.

Scheinbar betont unauffällig schlendert der kleine Pinguin durch die Kolonie, vorbei an brütenden Artgenossen. Und doch… jedes Mal, wenn er an einem der Nester vorbeikommt, versucht er mal so eben, eines von den kleinen Steinchen, die um die Brutstätte aufgehäuft sind, mit einem schnellen Schnabelstoß mitgehen zu lassen.

Doch der Gangster im schwarzen Frack hat heute keine Chance: Überall erntete er nur verärgerte Drohgebärden und Schreie – die Community kennt da keinen Spaß. Die kleinen Steine sind hier schwer zu finden, sagt unser Expeditions-Guide. Da ist es eben einfacher, welche zu klauen. Klingt menschlich. Auch große Vögel wie die dunklen Raubmöwen sind Feinde – sie stehlen Pinguinbabys ebenso wie Eier, ein Drama, denn damit ist auch die „Jahresproduktion“ im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes gestorben – nur ein Ei wird in einem Jahr gelegt. Eine kleine Szene aus dem täglichen Leben in der Antarktis.

Die wahrscheinlich in diesen Zeiten bequemste Möglichkeit, an dieses Ende der Welt zu reisen, heißt Antarctica Bridge, die direkte Flugverbindung vom südamerikanischen zum antarktischen Kontinent oder zur Anlegestelle am äußersten Südzipfel Chiles, in Puerto Williams. Eine Anbindung, die die Luxusreederei Silversea Cruises derzeit exklusiv als festen Bestandteil einer Antarktis-Kreuzfahrt anbietet.

In einem privaten Abflugterminal nahe des Internationalen Flughafens von Santiago de Chile wird eingecheckt, der Eingang und Abflugbereich sind drapiert mit Silversea-Fahnen. Der Flugkapitän hat solide Erfahrung mit antarktischen Gegebenheiten. Denn jahrelang war er dort Chef einer Militärbasis, flog bei den verschiedensten Wetterbedingungen. Für diesen Charterflug gibt es Business Class-Konfiguration, also mit einem freien Mittelplatz. Das Essen auf diesem vierstündigen Flug überrascht mit sehr guter lokaler chilenischer Küche wie traditionellem Fleisch-Stew mit frischen Gemüse und einer Mousse von Beeren aus Patagonien. Und mit den guten chilenischen Weinen ist auch die Stimmung im Flieger blendend, getoppt nur noch durch den phantastischen Blick auf schneebedeckte Vulkane und spektakuläre Landschaften. Der Flug endet in Puerto Williams, der „südlichsten Stadt der Welt“. Vom kleinen Flugplatz aus sieht man bereits die Silver Endeavour am Pier liegen, das Zentrum des kleinen Städtchens mit seinen Holzhäusern ist in Fußweite erreichbar….

…. Lesen Sie weiter in der aktuellen AN BORD.

Bildergalerie Silver Endeavour

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Bildergalerie Antarktis – Destinationen

Swan Hellenic announces SH Diana floated out of dry dock and on schedule for Spring maiden season

26. Januar 2023

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

Newest and largest ship in iconic cruise pioneer’s new fleet set for extraordinary Spring explorations of the Med

Swan Hellenic today announced that SH Diana, the newest and largest ship in its ultramodern 5-star fleet, was floated out of dry dock at Helsinki Shipyard this Monday 23^rd January.

SH Diana’s fitting out is now already under way, leaving her comfortably on schedule for her maiden cruise, “Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors”, which will be leaving Palermo in Italy for Lisbon in Portugal on 15 April. Diana will then make her way up the West Atlantic seaboard of Europe for explorations of the Arctic.

Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic Limited, said: „We are delighted with the construction progress and quality of SH Diana, a Polar Class PC6 vessel with state-of-the-art ship technology and sustainability that will enter service as planned in April. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard her to experience our cultural expedition cruises with the first-time option of choosing between shore exploration by tender boat as well as expedition zodiac.”

Kim Salmi, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard, „With exemplary co-operation between our personnel, owners representatives and our multiple contractors and suppliers, SH Diana has reached maturity for this milestone and was floated out. Works will now continue with intense commissioning phase, preparing her for passengers in April.“

SH DIANA Fact Sheet

Construction

Exterior design:	McFarlane ShipDesign
Interior Design:	Tillberg Design of Sweden
Builder:	Helsinki Shipyard OY
Year of build:	December 2022

Review

Class:	Polar ice-class expedition ship (PC6)
Classification:	Lloyds Register
Registered:	PANAMA

Accommodation

Capacity:	192 guests and 141 staff
Guest staterooms & suites:	96 including 11 suites (80% with large panoramic balconies)
Crew staterooms:	73

Dimensions

Decks:	9
Length:	125 m
Beam:	23 m
Max Draft:	5.45 m
Gross tonnage:	12,100 GRT

Engines

Engine Type:	Hybrid Diesel Electric – 4x Medium speed
Propulsion:	4.6 MW
Generators:	690V/1760 kV
Cruising speed:	14.5 knots
Maximum speed:	15.5 knots

Expedition Equipment

Expedition team:	12
Zodiacs:	15 (11 Mk 5 and 4 Mk 6)
Tender Boats:	2 (48 guests each)
Kayaks:	8

Safety

Notations:	Polar Class PC6, Safe return to port (SRtP)
Endurance:	40 days / 8000 nautical miles
Lifeboats:	2 fully enclosed

Text: PM Swan Hellenic / Helsinki Shipyard Oy

Silversea Cruises Sponsors New Physical Education Activity Room for Children in Puerto Williams, Chile

16. November 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

The leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line strengthens its partnership with Puerto Williams by investing in the local community

Silversea Cruises®, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has bolstered its investment in the community of Puerto Williams, Chile, by sponsoring a physical education integration programme for disabled children at the Puerto Williams School in the remote Chilean town. Silversea commissioned and donated the new mobility equipment as part of its comprehensive destination programme, which aims to foster positive long-term relationships and champion local communities in the destinations to which the cruise line sails.

Governor Jorge Flies; Nicolás Pivcevic, DAP Antarctic Airways; Barbara Muckermann, CCO und CMO bei Silversea; Captain Niklas Peterstam; Felicity Aston, Patin der „Silver Endeavour“; Conrad Combrink (Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management bei Silversea) und Bürgermeister Patricio Fernández Alarcón. Foto: Silversea Cruises

“An important gateway to Antarctica, Puerto Williams is a key destination for Silversea, and it is always our goal to positively impact the local communities we visit,” said Conrad Combrink, Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management for Silversea Cruises. “Building this facility is just the first step in our commitment to supporting the social needs of Puerto Williams. As the only cruise line to be operating out of Puerto Williams, providing a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica for our guests, we are working hand-in-hand with local leaders and grassroots operators to not only showcase Puerto Williams in the most authentic way possible to our guests, but also to care for the needs of the community. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Jorge Flies; Delegada Presidencial María Luisa Muñoz; the Mayor of Puerto Williams, Patricio Fernández Alarcón; the Yagan Community; and the entire population of Puerto Williams for their continued support and partnership.”

Silversea has also donated four Zodiacs to the Cedena Nautical School in Puerto Williams, a non-profit organisation dedicated to training and educating children and young people in nautical sports—a first step for many locals to learn the basic skills needed for a career in the expedition industry.

On November 15, Silversea held a blessing ceremony for its new ship Silver Endeavour℠ at the Cape Horn Sub-Antarctic Center in Puerto Williams. Silversea Executives, Chilean tourism officials, local leaders, and clergy members attended the ceremony.

One of the world’s most advanced and luxurious expedition vessels, Silver Endeavour will welcome guests in Antarctica from November 21, 2022, broadening ultra-luxury cruising’s most diverse polar offering. Travelling aboard Silver Endeavour in her inaugural season—on voyages that range from five to 20 days and include Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise sailings, an extended ‘Deep South’ expedition, a 10-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage, and more—Silversea’s guests will journey in the cruise line’s trademark level of comfort, while enjoying some of the most immersive, personalised experiences available in Antarctica.

Text: PM Silversea Cruises

SILVERSEA® OFFICIALLY WELCOMES SILVER ENDEAVOUR TO FLEET, STRENGTHENING ITS LEADERSHIP IN ULTRA-LUXURY AND EXPEDITION CRUISING

18. Juli 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

One of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships, Silver Endeavour is designed specifically to take travellers to both Polar Regions

Pressemitteilung

Silversea Cruises® today welcomes Silver Endeavour^SM to its fleet—one of the world’s most luxurious expedition ships. The fifth expedition ship in its fleet of 11, Silver Endeavour strengthens Silversea’s position as the leader in ultra-luxury expedition cruising, broadening the industry’s most diverse polar offering for guests’ enjoyment. Designed specifically to take travellers to the world’s most remote destinations, including both Polar Regions, Silver Endeavour will enter service in November 2022, replacing Silver Explorer from the 2022/2023 Antarctica season—including the ship’s highly popular Antarctica Bridge sailings.

“One of the most luxurious expedition ships afloat, Silver Endeavour will accelerate our strategy of growth, enriching our offering to unprecedented levels and reaffirming our position as the leading ultra-luxury expedition cruise line,” said Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea Cruises. “The expedition cruising industry is poised to resume accelerated growth, driven by demand among high-end, affluent customers for travel to remote and hard-to-access destinations. Silver Endeavour will strengthen our polar offering, further diversifying our broad-ranging product. With the ongoing support of Royal Caribbean Group, we are enhancing the cruise experience for our guests, unlocking the world’s most rewarding destinations in a way that only Silversea can.”

“To honour the spirit of expedition travel, we have renamed the ship Silver Endeavour—paying testament to one of history’s most famous vessels,” said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “Aboard Silver Endeavour, travellers will channel the same sense of discovery that guided pioneering explorers, such as James Cook, in bygone eras.”

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, Silver Endeavour is designed for polar exploration. Shecarries state-of-the-art amenities, with an industry-leading Zodiac-to-guest ratio; kayaks; and cutting-edge navigation and exploration technology, including a remote gimbal camera system, which can capture high-quality images from 5km, among other amenities. She will maintain Silversea’s trademark level of luxury, with a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:1.

Spread over eight public decks, the all-suite Silver Endeavour offers guests the most spacious accommodations in expedition cruising, upholding Silversea’s trademark level of comfort; multiple restaurants, bars and lounges; an expansive spa; a two-storied solarium with a swimming pool and whirlpool; and an array of indoor and outdoor observation areas. She fosters an intimate onboard atmosphere, enabling guests to discover destinations like Antarctica in depth, with great interaction between travellers and Silversea’s expedition experts.

As part of the ongoing RCL Cares program, Royal Caribbean Group will protect the deposits of guests who were originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and make a new booking on one of the Group’s global brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

“We are delighted to offer an additional incentive to all guests who were booked on the former Endeavor to experience the Silversea difference. They are invited to sail on any Silversea ship from our beautiful fleet of 11”, said Roberto Martinoli.

To the extent the Crystal Endeavor guests do not receive their deposits back from Crystal or other sources, the Royal Caribbean Group will refund any amount paid on their new booking up to the amount of their lost deposits from Crystal. Complete terms of the offer will be provided on www.silversea.com soon.

The cruise line wishes to welcome Endeavor’s former crew to the Silversea family, where they will receive priority. For more information, please visit crewcareer.silversea.com.

Bookings for Silver Endeavour open immediately. Guests can book their voyage aboard Silver Endeavour for the upcoming Antarctica season under Silver Explorer. View Silver Endeavour’sinaugural season here. Silversea’s website will reflect the change of ship in the coming weeks.

Text: PM Silversea Cruises

Swan Hellenic’s second ship, SH Vega, sets sail for Arctic after Naming Ceremony

11. Juli 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

The cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s second purpose-designed expedition cruise ship is now on her way to Tromsø for an 11-day maiden Arctic cruise departing the 20^th of July.

Today, Monday the 11th of July 2021, Swan Hellenic announced that the Naming Ceremony of its second ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Vega, had taken place at Helsinki Shipyard. The ship is now on her way to Norway and her first cultural expedition cruise of the Arctic, an 11-day exploration of the Svalbard Archipelago, departing Tromsø on the 20th of July 2022.

The purpose-designed new vessel was named by Patrizia Zito née Passalacqua, wife of Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito, in the presence of Helsinki Shipyard Senior Management, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world.

Patrizia Zito tauft „SH VEGA“ in Helsinki.

SH Vega is the second in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for premium discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Vega features a 5-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC5 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 113 m, the 10,600-ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

SH Vega, like her twin sister SH Minerva, has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles. Preparations have been made to implement battery technology which would also make it possible to operate silently. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 152 guests in 76 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Vega is operated by an onboard team of 120 to provide the highest levels of personal service.

Soon after the ceremony, she set sail from Helsinki to Tromsø, Norway, for a season of maiden cruises exploring the magic of the Arctic, from the Svalbard Peninsula and Iceland’s landscapes of ice and fire to Greenland’s dramatic majesty, the Northwest Passage and the wilds of Northern Canada. Then, come late Autumn, she’ll make her way down the U.S. East Coast over 12 days, taking in everything from New York, Norfolk and Charleston to Miami. From November, she’ll be offering a range of 11 to 21-day cultural expedition cruises of Antarctica through until March 2023, when she sails up the West Coast of Africa to the Canary Islands and Western Europe, also immersing guests in the Celtic lands of Britain and Ireland on the way to her second Arctic season. This will end with a crossing from Greenland to Nova Scotia, followed by the Caribbean and then Brazil in October 2023.

SH Vega sailed from Helsinki in the expert hands of industry veterans Captain Tuomo Leskinen and Hotel Director Philipp Reutener, who created the acclaimed Swan Hellenic onboard experience on SH Minerva and will ensure the same distinctive high standards are consistently maintained on her sister ship.

Executive Chef Avhier Singh brings experience in high-end hotels and cruise companies. But even more importantly, he also comes across from SH Minerva, where he brought to life the varied menus of freshly cooked delicacies that include original Italian and Asian fusion dishes created for the iconic company by award-winning Consultant Chefs Andrea Ribaldone and Sang Keun Oh.

After the Naming Ceremony, Helsinki Shipyard Project Manager Jonas Packalén commented: “This is a proud day for us all. SH Vega is every bit as beautiful and elegant as her twin sister! We wish her and her crew fair winds and following seas, with special thanks to everyone involved in the project for their unstinting dedication!”

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito added: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Helsinki for their superb work in creating this wonderful new ship. We are delighted with the quality of their work, creating another unique presence on the waves, and very much look forward to taking her first guests to see what others don’t, exploring the Arctic in exceptional comfort and style.”

SH Minerva and SH Vega will be joined early next year by the slightly larger SH Diana, which is already under construction at Helsinki Shipyard.

Text: PM Swan Hellenic

Crystal Endeavor zu Silversea

14. Juni 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Nach Medienberichten wird das neue Expeditionsschiff von Crystal Cruises, die CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR, von Silversea Cruises übernommen.

Näheres in Kürze.

SH Diana is name of Swan Hellenic’s third and largest bespoke expedition cruise ship

6. April 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer reveals name while reporting strong progress on construction of third next-generation ship

Today, Thursday the 6th of April 2022, Swan Hellenic announced that construction of its third and largest next-generation ship was proceeding smoothly at Helsinki Shipyard, with more than half the structure already assembled and all but two blocks now delivered. Crowning the announcement was news revealing her name – SH Diana – in the classic Swan Hellenic tradition.

The elegant new ship is a next-generation polar expedition vessel, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Diana will feature a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC 6 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. Although the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, the 125 m long, 12,100 GRT expedition vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing panoramic 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana will be operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide exceptional personal service. Cutting edge hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, the on-board amenities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic sauna, gym, library, expedition laboratory and observation lounge for lectures by seasoned expedition leaders and leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. World-class gourmet cuisine, local specialities and healthy dining will be offered in the panoramic restaurant, club lounge and pool bar, as well as through full room service.

In addition, SH Diana builds on the outstanding facilities of her sister ships, offering a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, more suites and 2 tenders, which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. Expedition day trips are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.

Aptly named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana will take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches in early 2023, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.

About Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic was relaunched in July 2020 to proudly continue the spirit of cultural expedition cruising the company pioneered in the 1950s. Building on its British roots, the new company has a global cultural cruising outlook dedicated to providing guests with the opportunity to ‘see what others don’t’.

Swan Hellenic’s purpose-built ships feature elegant Scandi-design interiors, extensive outdoor spaces and dedicated expedition facilities. SH Minerva and SH Vega, two new 5-star Polar Code PC 5 expedition cruise ships with ice-strengthened hulls, respectively launched in December 2021 and arriving in September 2022, each accommodate 152 guests in 76 spacious suites and staterooms, the majority with large balconies. A slightly larger PC 6 ice-class vessel accommodating 192 guests in the same distinctive comfort and style in 96 staterooms and suites will be arriving in early 2023.

All three ships feature 3 dining venues – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool bar & Grill – and are being built in full compliance with SOLAS Safe Return to Port requirements. Dedicated to guests with a passion for adventure and cultural exploration, the company’s meticulously planned itineraries explore the wild landscapes, wildlife, peoples and unique cultures of the world’s less travelled regions.

The crews each include a team of 12 seasoned expedition guides, expert speakers and lecturers, for a total complement of 120 and 140 persons respectively, offering outstanding staff-to-guest ratios to deliver the highest standards of attentive personal service.

Headquartered in Cyprus with offices in London, Dusseldorf, Monaco, Fort Lauderdale (serving the North America market), Hong Kong (serving Greater China and South-East Asia), Sydney (serving Australia-New Zealand) and Copenhagen (serving Scandinavia and Iceland), as well as partnerships serving India and Japan, Swan Hellenic supports the travel trade with specialist local partners to provide customers with expert personal service worldwide.

Text: PM Swan Hellenic

SUNSTONE SHIPS ANNOUNCED KEEL LAYING CEREMONY ON THE SIXTH INFINITY-CLASS VESSEL OCEAN ALBATROS ON JANUARY 20TH, 2022.

25. Januar 2022

von an Bord - Redaktion

Pressemitteilung

SunStone Ships, the world’s largest tonnage provider to the
expedition cruise industry, announces the successful keel laying of the OCEAN ALBATROS, the sixth vessel in their series of INFINITY CLASS new-builds.

The INFINITY series is the product of a unique collaboration between European design and
technology and Chinese shipbuilding efficiency resulting in an expedition cruise vessel with
innovative features, top-class stability, and high operating efficiency.
The Keel Laying Ceremony of the OCEAN ALBATROS (CMHI 196-6) took place at China Merchant Heavy Industries in Haimen, China. The vessel will be on year-round charter to the Danish travel company Albatros Expeditions, who is also the charterer of SunStone’s OCEAN VICTORY and OCEAN ATLANTIC.

SunStone’s Chairman, Niels-Erik Lund, commented: “We are very pleased that even with the very difficult situation with the COVID Pandemic, our INFINITY new building series is moving forward at a satisfactory pace. Having three INFINITY vessels in operation, taking delivery of the next two INFINITY vessels in spring of 2022, and now the keel laying of the sixth vessel, is a very satisfactory accomplishment.”

INFINITY Class Vessels are 104 meters long, and 18 meters wide, having a draft of 5.1 meters. They feature a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port, Dynamic Positioning and zero speed stabilizers. The Vessels are featuring the X-Bow® by Ulstein Design & Solutions. They are small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere and yet large enough to yield all expected services and facilities such as a swimming pool, bar and restaurants, lounges, boutique, gym and spa.

Three INFINITY Class new-builds, the GREG MORTIMER, the OCEAN EXPLORER, and the OCEAN VICTORY, have already been delivered and are now in operation. The SYLVIA EARLE with be delivered in March 2022, followed by the OCEAN ODYSSEY in April 2022. The OCEAN ALBATROS will be delivered in March 2023. All vessels ordered have long-term charter agreements in place.

Text: PM SunStone Ships

„SH Minerva“ auf erster Reise

9. Dezember 2021

von an Bord - Redaktion

Das neue Expeditionskreuzfahrtschiff SH Minerva ist auf dem Weg in den Süden. Das Flaggschiff des Veranstalters Swan Hellenic hat auf der ersten Etappe der Überführung in den Südatlantik einen Zwischenstopp in Deutschland eingelegt. Am 5. Dezember machte die SH Minerva zuerst in Kiel am Kreuzfahrtterminal fest. Dort wurden mehrere Lastwagenladungen mit Ausrüstung für das Schiff geladen. Außerdem stiegen Crewmitglieder und Techniker zu.

Foto: Oliver Asmussen/Oceanliner-Pictures.com

Nach sechs Stunden Liegezeit in Kiel ging es in der Nacht zum 6. Dezember weiter durch den Nord-Ostsee-Kanal nach Brunsbüttel, wo die Kraftstofftanks für die Fahrt in den Süden gefüllt wurden. Einen letzten Stopp gab es dann noch am 6. Dezember in Cuxhaven, wo wiederum Ausrüstung und eine Tankwagenladung mit Urea für die Katalysatoren des Schiffes geladen wurden.

„Der Besuch in Kiel war ein technischer Stopp für die Übernahme der Ausrüstung“, so John Will, Sprecher für den Veranstalter Swan Hellenic in Deutschland. Die Vorbereitungen für die Jungfernfahrt in Ushuaia liefen auf Hochtouren.

Die Überfahrt nutzen die Techniker von der Helsinki Shipyard und der Reederei aber noch für die Endausrüstung. So muss das Oberdeck des Schiffes in den wärmeren Gefilden des Südatlantiks fertiggestellt werden. In Finnland gab es seit Anfang November einen massiven Wintereinbruch mit Temperaturen im zweistelligen Minusbereich, weshalb viele Außenarbeiten nicht an der Pier in Helsinki erfolgen konnten.

Das Material für die Arbeiten hat die vom finnischen Kapitän Tuoma Leskinen geführte Crew in vier Containern auf das Überdeck gestellt und dort fest verzurrt. Bei der Übernahme des Schiffes am 2. Dezember lobte Swan Hellenic-Chef Andrea Zito die Qualität der Werft.

Das traditionsreiche Unternehmen in Helsinki knüpft an eine lange Tradition im Kreuzfahrtschiffbau an. Im Baudock der Werft entstanden alle acht Kreuzfahrtschiffe der „Fantasy“-Klasse der Carnival Cruise Line. Außerdem wurden dort Kreuzfahrer für Costa und Eisbrecher sowie polar-Tanker für russische Auftraggeber gebaut.

Mit der SH Minerva gab es jetzt erstmals ein exklusives Kreuzfahrtschiff für Polarregionen. Das 10700 BRZ große Schiff ist 113 Meter lang und verfügt über einen dieselelektrischen Antrieb mit einer Hybrid-Funktion. So kann die SH Minerva auch aus einem bordeigenen Batteriepaket komplett ohne Emissionen betrieben werden.

Die 76 Kabinen sind für nur 152 Passagiere ausgelegt. Diese kleine Passagierzahl soll ein besonderes Reisegefühl in familiärer Atmosphäre erlauben.

Die SH Minerva wird in der nächsten Zeit auch nur wirklich abgelegene Ziele ansteuern. Nach dem Winter in der Antarktis stehen Ziele im Pazifik sowie an der Küste Russlands an der Beringstraße auf dem Programm. Dabei stehen auch Ziele auf dem Routing, die bislang militärische Sperrbereiche Russlands waren.

In Helsinki wird inzwischen an dem Schwesterschiff SH Vega gearbeitet, das im Frühsommer die Werft verlassen wird. Ein drittes Schiff mit einem leicht vergrößerten Rumpf soll zum Ende des Jahres 2022 folgen. FB

Aktuelle Pressemitteilung von Swan Hellenic: Expeditions-Neubau »SH Minerva« mit Kurs Antarktis