Seabourn, a Washington-based luxury cruise line and a brand of Carnival, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of a new ultra-luxury cruise ship.
The new ship will be based on Seabourn’s three newest vessels, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Quest.
The new vessel will replace the capacity of Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend, which will leave the Seabourn brand and will be transferred to new owners in April 2014, April 2015 and May 2015 respectively.
Seabourn president Richard Meadows said they are pleased to be moving forward with the plans announced earlier this year to build a fourth ship similar to the highly regarded new design they introduced with Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn, and Seabourn Quest.
"The experience and the amenities offered by these award-winning ships have raised the bar in ultra-luxury cruising," Meadows added.
Fincantieri Merchant Vessels executive senior vice president Gabriele Cocco said the company was ‘very pleased’ to acquire Seabourn as a new customer and at the same time to have strengthened the existing partnership with the Carnival Group.
"This agreement is particularly important: it strengthens our leadership in the luxury cruise niche and confirms our primacy in the cruise industry," Cocco added.
The new ship is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2016.
Seabourn is a member of World’s exclusive cruise line alliance that includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises.
