The keel laying ceremony of the Seabourn Encore, the first of two ultra-luxury cruise ships that Fincantieri will build for Seabourn was held today at the Marghera shipyard.

The ceremony was attended by Keith Taylor, Executive Vice President Fleet Operations Holland America Group, while Fincantieri was represented by Antonio Quintano, Marghera’s yard manager.

Seabourn Encore is due to join the Seabourn’s fleet at the end of 2016, will be built according to the standards and technical solutions that make Seabourn one of the most prestigious brands in the ultra-luxury segment and will continue the fleet’s modernization that began in 2009.

The all-suite ship will be approximately 41,700 gross tons, 210 metres long and 28 metres wide and will be able to reach a cruising speed of 18.6 knots.

It will carry up to just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. Every suite will feature a private veranda.