Danish cruise company Albatros Expeditions has formally named the newest ship to join its fleet, the polar-capable Ocean Albatros.
Completed in 2023, the vessel is the sixth Infinity-class expedition ship to be built for US-based cruise company SunStone Ships. Albatros Expeditions is operating the vessel on Arctic and Antarctic voyages under a long-term charter.
Design work on the vessel was provided by Norway's Ulstein Design and Solutions while construction took place at the facilities of China Merchants Heavy Industry Haimen.
The Bureau Veritas-classed vesselhas a length of 342 feet (104.4 metres), a beam of 60 feet (18.4 metres), a draught of 16.7 feet (5.1 metres), and a maximum guest capacity of 200 as well as space for 100 crewmembers. Guest cabins include 94 staterooms and suites, all with lifejacket storage and unobstructed sea views and most with their own balconies.
Onboard amenities include two restaurants, a wellness area, a bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, observation areas, a library, a sun deck with pool, two heated whirlpools, a mudroom, and a hangar for storing, launching, and recovering inflatable expedition boats at destinations. As with other ships in the Albatros Expeditions fleet, there is also an onboard medical facility equipped for handling minor emergencies.
The ship's hull is built to Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 notations, giving it the sturdy construction needed for small-ship cruising. The inverted bow design meanwhile provides enhanced stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves. The vessel is also SOLAS 2012-certified, ensuring safe return to port (SRTP) ability.
