In a statement the Carnival Corp affiliate confirmedthat the 40,350-gt vessel will be based on the Seabourn Odyssey-class of shipsbut will boast an additional deck and other upgrades.
Upon delivery in the second-half of 2016, aprojection issued by Fincantieri, the cruiseship will be capable of accommodating604 guests in 302 suites equipped with their own verandas.
As we reported, Seabourn inked a letter of intent withthe Italian shipbuilder late last year in anticipation of replacing capacity thatwill be lost with the sale of the 10,000-gt Seabourn Pride (built 1988),Seabourn Spirit (built 1989) and Seabourn Legend (built 1992).
Today, the Carnival offshoot was quick to point out that itstill intends to hand over the keys of these three vessels to Xanterra Parks and Resorts, theowner of Windstar Cruises, in April 2014, April 2015 and May 2015,respectively.
After sealing Seabourn’s order Fincantieri chief GiuseppeBono noted his company is now constructing cruiseships for all of the majoroperators of tonnage in the ultra-luxury segment of the market, which has seen whathe described as “strong investments” over the last 12 months.
At last check its backlog also included orders fromthe likes of Viking Ocean Cruises, Prestige Cruise and Carnival Cruise Lines,which is behind more than half of the projects. According to UBS, eight of theyard’s newbuildings are due for delivery between 2014 and 2016.
In addition to Seabourn’s fleet, Carnival Corpcontrols over 100 cruiseships that trade under brands like Aida Cruises,Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Crociere, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, IberojetCruceros, P&O Australia, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises.
