Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

1 2 5 to Chinese guests, offering them an authentic Italian vacation experience,” said Vanessa Li, vice president of marketing for Costa Group Asia. “Together with Costa Venezia, the arrival of Costa Firenze will help boost the development of the Chinese cruise industry.” Launching in November 2020, Crystal Cruises’ first expedition cruise ship Crystal Endeavor will have capacity for 200 guests in suite rooms, all of which will be serviced by butlers. The vessel will also feature expedition-specific spaces and services including designated mud rooms, a helicopter lounge and a submersible. “We know that the most adventurous luxury travellers are eagerly awaiting the unforgettable experiences that lie ahead, just as we are,” said Tom Wolber, president and CEO of Crystal Cruises, as the ship was floated out at MV Werften shipyard in January. “The team at MV Werften has beautifully brought our vision into reality and it is a wonderful moment to see this groundbreaking ship on the water.” Meanwhile, Quark Expeditions’ polar expedition vessel Ultramarine was floated out at Brodosplit’s shipyard in Croatia in May. The ship will have capacity for up to 200 passengers and feature two helidecks for twin-engine helicopters, a wellness centre and a lecture theatre. “The sound of Ultramarine’s hull entering the water from slipway No. 2 into Supaval Bay signified we’re one step closer to exploring the polar regions on this game-changing ship,” said Andrew White, president of Quark Expeditions, at the launch ceremony. “It’s not just any ship that we’re celebrating today, but a ship built specifically for polar exploration. Ultramarine will be an unrivalled operational base for exploring the polar regions in ways never thought possible.” Australian cruise line Coral Expeditions will take delivery of its fourth expedition ship Coral Geographer in January 2021. Like her sister ship Coral Adventurer, the 120-passenger vessel features a shallow draft to allow her to visit destinations unreachable by larger ships. However, the new ship will also feature an increased number of bridge deck suites with horizon bathtubs. “We are confident in the ongoing strength of the expedition sector along with the vessel’s size, her design and her capabilities,” said Mark Fifield, group general manager of Coral Expeditions. “She represents the perfect balance between being large enough for ocean voyaging yet having a small and intimate ship feel to maximise our guest experience.” Though Royal Caribbean International’s Odyssey of the Seas has been delayed until April 2021 by the pandemic, construction work continues on the ship at Meyer Werft shipyard. The Quantum Ultra-class ship is now set to debut in Rome, Italy, with features including SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity centre at sea. “Odyssey of the Seas will set an all-new standard created to deliver the most memorable holidays,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “This Quantum Ultra Class-ship introduces a new way to see the world as she becomes our first purposefully built vessel for island- hopping on both sides of the Atlantic.” Crystal Endeavor will have capacity for 200 guests in suites, all of which will be served by butlers