SunStone Ships’ second Infinity-class vessel launched; keel laid for fifth

The second Infinity-class expedition cruise vessel ordered by US-based SunStone Ships has been launched into the water at the Haimen facilities of China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI).

Named Sylvia Earle, the vessel will be chartered to Aurora Expeditions of Australia upon completion.

SunStone said the launch of Sylvia Earle occurred on the same day that the keel for Ocean Odyssey, the company's fifth Infinity-class ship, was laid at CMHI. This vessel will be chartered to Vantage Travel.

The Infinity-class vessels will each have a length of 104 metres, a beam of 18 metres, a draught of 5.1 metres, and capacity for up to 200 passengers. Facilities include a swimming pool, a bar, restaurants, lounges, a boutique, a gym, and a spa.

The vessels also have ice class 1A and polar code 6 notation.

Sylvia Earle will be delivered later this year while Ocean Odyssey will be handed over in 2022.