Mystery lady, the 'Ocean Explorer' on seatrial, photo by Ulstein sea trial team.

Successful seatrials of expedition cruise vessels

In the first week of February 2021 the expedition cruise vessels 'Ocean Explorer' and 'Ocean Victory', customised versions of the ULSTEIN CX103 designs, completed their sea trials. Both vessels are under construction at CMHI in China. All equipment and systems have successfully been tested at sea.
  • The view from the staircase in the bow part of the Ocean Explorer
  • The Ulstein sea trial team onboard the expedition cruise vessel Ocean Explorer
  • A designer's illustration of the Ocean Victory expedition cruise vessel.
  • Ocean Explorer, vessel number 4 in the INFINITY class.

These next-generation expedition cruise vessels are now back to the yard for their final polishing.

The 'Ocean Victory', number three in the INFINITY series of expedition cruise vessels for SunStone Ships, has been chartered out to Albatros Expeditions for Antarctica journeys in the winter season and to American Queen Steamboat Co., through its sister company Victory Cruise Lines, for Alaska cruises in the summer.

Ocean Victory, ULSTEIN CX103 design, chartered by Albatros Expeditions.

The 'Ocean Victory' offers 93 suites. She differs from the first vessel in this series, the 'Greg Mortimer', by having an infinity pool installed, and the bridge wings have been replaced by two observation platforms.

The 'Ocean Explorer' is vessel number four, and will be operated by Vantage Cruise Line. Like her sister vessels in this series, she is carrying the patented Ulstein feature, the ULSTEIN X-BOW®. The 'Ocean Explorer' has a chic arrangement in the bow area where the deck has been lifted and an arch-like lounge is created in front of the bow. This lounge is equipped with glass windows in the bow part, providing 270-degree views. Sea animals playing in front of the vessel can be observed directly by the passengers in the lounge.

Short film taken by Ulstein sea trial team of the 'Ocean Explorer':

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With over a century of shipbuilding heritage, Ulstein is a vital part of the Norwegian maritime cluster, synonymous with innovation in ship design and the engineering that follows. From offshore vessels navigating the harshest seas to expedition cruise vessels exploring the polar regions, the company has consistently proven its ability to deliver advanced, reliable platforms. 

This experience forms the backbone as Ulstein now develops concepts for standardised naval vessels for the Royal Norwegian Navy. The ships will meet the Navy’s need for advanced, reliable and efficient vessel platforms.

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