![Passenger Vessel News Roundup | February 8 – Australian cruise boat and ferry deliveries, a new inland commuter vessel for Russia and more](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F230208-PV-VOAD1.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
A wilderness expedition vessel and a catamaran ferry have entered service in Australia as new cruise ships are launched in Italy and Finland. Construction begins on a new ferry that will serve some of Russia's inland commuter routes. Finally, a Swiss-Saudi joint venture has placed an order for an ultra-luxury cruise ship.
Cruise vessel enters service in Australia's Tasmanian wilderness
On Board, an expedition cruise vessel operator in the Australian state of Tasmania, recently took delivery of a new boutique liveaboard cruise vessel.
Built by Richardson Devine Marine of Tasmania, the aluminium-hulled Odalisque III can host up to 12 guests in six stylish and flexible cabins.
The upper deck features three large guest cabins, a wheelhouse lounge and dining area as well as an outdoor dining and viewing area. The main deck features four cabins, a large indoor dining area, an outdoor viewing platform, and a galley.
The vessel will sail on its maiden voyage by transiting the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
New commuter ferry to serve Australia's Redland Bay
Australian transport company the Kelsian Group, via its SeaLink operating arm, has commenced sailings of a newbuild catamaran ferry designed to provide commuter services in Redland Bay off Queensland.
The vessel has been named Talwurrapin after the Quandamooka Jandai translation of "Redland Bay." Construction was undertaken by Brisbane shipyard Norman R. Wright and Sons.
The ferry measures 24 metres long and is fitted with a Simrad radar.
Swan Hellenic's newest expedition ship hits the water
UK operator Swan Hellenic's newest expedition ship, the 192-passenger SH Diana, was recently launched at the facilities of Finnish builder Helsinki Shipyard.
Swan Hellenic said the newbuilding is slightly larger than earlier sister ships SH Vega and SH Minerva and will offer guests the option to explore the shoreline by tender or by inflatable boat.
The vessel is now undergoing fitting out. It is scheduled to depart on its maiden cruise on April 15.
Construction underway on 54-passenger ferry for Russia's inland routes
Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation has laid the keel of a new passenger ferry designed for inland sailings.
Upon completion, the vessel will have an LOA of 24.8 metres, a draught of only 0.5 metres, and seating for up to 54 passengers and two crewmembers. A design speed of 40 knots can be achieved even at full load.
The ferry will be named Inia after a species of freshwater dolphin native to the Amazon River.
Italian yard floats out Regent Seven Seas Cruises' newest ship
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the third luxury cruise ship that it is building for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the luxury line of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Like its two earlier sisters, Seven Seas Grandeur will have a gross tonnage 55,500 and accommodation for only 746 passengers, giving it what Fincantieri claims is among the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry.
Delivery is scheduled for November of this year.
Swiss-Saudi joint venture awards contract for ultra-luxury ship
Neptune Co, a joint venture of Swiss conglomerate the Aman Group and Cruise Saudi, has selected Italian builder T. Mariotti a contract for the construction of a new ultra-luxury cruise ship.
The 183-metre, 23,000GT vessel will feature dual-fuel propulsion and 50 suites as well as public spaces and entertainment facilities.
The vessel is scheduled for an official launch in 2026.