Carnival’s Yachts of Seabourn orders third ultra luxury ship

A year after The Yachts of Seabourn announced that it would build two new, ultra luxury ships, advance booking activity for the first, Seabourn Odyssey, has led to the line’s decision to exercise the option for another. The third sister ship will be built by T. Mariotti S.p.A. of Genoa, Italy for delivery in summer, 2011. Seabourn, a division of Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc, has agreed to the project at a cost of EUR 200 mln.

Seabourn Odyssey will debut in June of 2009. Bookings for its maiden season are being accepted from this week, after a successful advance booking period reserved for past guests of the line. The second ship is scheduled to enter service in the summer of 2010.

“Our decision to order a third new ship is based partly on the enthusiasm we have already seen for our new ship design,” explained Seabourn’s president and CEO, Pamela Conover. “That enthusiasm, combined with research indicating a continuing robust expansion in demand for ultra luxury cruising in general, convinces us that we have the right formula at the right time,” she continued.

The new, 32,000-GRT ships will accommodate just 450 guests in 225 luxury suites, 90% of which will offer private verandas. The ships are designed to achieve a balance between Seabourn’s small-ship signatures, such as its highly personalized service, fine dining and exceptional delivery of destinations, with the added spaciousness, features and amenities that a larger ship will allow.

The new ships will maintain all-inclusive policies such as complimentary open bars, open-seating dining and a myriad of thoughtful touches the company calls its Signature Delights.
The ships will be powered by diesel-generated electricity and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 19 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability and two stabilizers. The ships will also be “green ships” employing advanced wastewater treatment technology.
For information on Seabourn cruise vacations, visit the website at http://www.seabourn.com .