Coral Expeditions today announced it had signed a contract with VARD to build its fourth expedition cruise ship due to be delivered in early 2019, with a further vessel intended to follow.
The ship will be build at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam, VARD said, in a statement.
This new ship is designed for ocean voyages to remote areas inaccessible to large cruise vessels, Coral Expeditions said, in a prepared statement. The ship will carry 120 guests with 60 staterooms, according to a press release.
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Custom-designed around its clientele and expedition-focused itineraries, the new ship will feature several of Coral Expeditions’ key features:
– Two ‘Xplorer’ tenders mounted on hydraulic platforms that allow all guests to embark and disembark for shore excursions without steps, queues or waiting
– A natural light-filled lecture lounge equipped with modern technology for daily presentations and briefings by expedition experts
– Facilities onboard to host scientific research missions and local exhibitors
– Spacious communal areas, including a dining room which seats all guests
– All outside-facing cabins with en-suite bathrooms; over half have private balconies
– Open bridge policy and guest observation lounge overlooking the bridge
– Multiple indoor and outdoor bars
The new ship will feature a modern Australian-designed interior with the colours and textures of Queensland, the birthplace of the company.
The ship will join the Coral Expeditions fleet exploring the Kimberley region, Cape York and Arnhem Land (The Top of Australia), Papua New Guinea, the Spice Islands, Indonesia and the South Pacific.
She will be available for bookings in October 2017. More information will be released closer to the booking date.
