World Navigator

The 2021-built MS World Navigator cruise ship is a newbuild passenger vessel designed for operations in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel is owned by Mystic Invest Holding (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises USA) and operated year-round under charter by the subsidiary AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages (USA-based travel company/brand owned by Mystic Invest).

World Navigator is the third boat in Mystic Cruises' initially planned 10-ship fleet, which groups the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2021), World Navigator (July 2021), World Traveller (2022), World Discoverer (2023), World Adventurer (2024), Star Seeker (2025).

The shipbuilder is WestSEA (naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

In November 2019, the ship's exclusive charterer AOV (USA-based travel company and new cruise travel brand) was announced. Bookings for AOV World Navigator 2021-2022-2023 sailings opened in January 2020. In mid-January 2021, AOV announced a promotion offering all World Navigator 2021 bookings a complimentary shore excursion in each call port of the itinerary. The boat's inaugural program included a total of 107x ports and 285x "Atlas Ashore" land tours in Southern Europe (Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea), the Caribbean, and South America/Antarctica.

The vessel (IMO number 9871531) is currently Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806207) and registered in Madeira/Funchal.

Ship history and ownership

The vessel is owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and exclusively chartered by Atlas Ocean Voyages (for polar cruises). The ship charterer Atlas Ocean Voyages (established in 2019) is a polar travel company specializing in expedition cruises to Antarctica using vessels with ice-strengthened hulls. The company's first boat is World Navigator, followed in 2022-2023 by the sisterships (fleetmates) World Traveller, World Seeker, World Adventurer, and World Discoverer.

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages is managed by Alberto Aliberti (President) and Brandon Townsley (VP of Sales and Trade Partnerships), plus two Sales Managers - Alyssa Logan (North America West) and Richard Sims (North America East, former Sales Manager of NCL-Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn).

Mystic Cruises is a new brand owned by Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira - president of Mystic Invest SGPS (group of companies) and best known as CEO of the Portuguese river cruise company Douro Azul, operating Douro River roundtrips from Oporto. Mario Ferreira is also famous for being Portugal's first space tourist (traveling on Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One / owned by Richard Branson).

The shipowner Mystic Invest is a Portuguese family-owned financial holding that fully owns several brands specializing in travel and tourism businesses (cruises, tours, hotels) and real estate. The list of brands (subsidiaries) owned by the parent company Mystic Invest includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (Portugal), Nicko Cruises (Germany), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal), Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto, Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Porto), hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), and Mystic Real Estate.

Decks and Cabins

World Navigator staterooms (98 total) are all in Suite categories and have step-out balconies, providing max passenger capacity 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The boat has 8 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 3 have cabins.

Each stateroom offers the following standard (complimentary / price-inclusive) amenities: en-suite bathroom (shower, WC-toilet, washbasin, hairdryer, plush bathrobes, slippers, premium bath products), separate bedroom (Queen-size double bed convertible to 2 single beds, bedside cabinets, bedside USB charging ports, wall-mounted lamps), mirrored dressing table with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table, chairs / Horizon and Veranda cabins additionally have a plush loveseat), smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), large wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), minibar (fully stocked refrigerator), individual air-conditioning, LED lighting, daily turndown service.

Complimentary still and sparkling bottled water is replenished twice daily. Towels (excluding those on the rack) and bedsheets are changed every 3rd day (depending on cruise itinerary length). Shipboard laundry and ironing services are available at extra cost. Laundry bags are provided in the cabins and collected each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange-colored lifejackets, used in emergencies and during lifeboat drills. The ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz). The electrical outlets (found in all cabins and throughout the ship) are standard European 2-pin plugs. A total of 5 USB ports (per cabin) are provided for digital devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc). Each cabin is also fitted with a total of 5 power outlets (110V / 220V).

Most cabins (~90%) have private step-out balconies, except only the aft-located (decks 5-6) "French Balcony" cabins, which have a sliding window opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Cabin balconies are furnished with 1 low table and 2 deckchairs.

MS World Navigator has 7 cabin categories, ranging in size from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 465 ft2 (43 m2, Owner/Navigator Suite). French Balcony cabins (Horizon/Infinity Stateroom) are sized 270 ft2 (25 m2) and feature a floor-to-ceiling glass wall with a slide-opening window (upper panel). Balcony cabins (Veranda Stateroom) are the same size (25 m2) but have a step-out balcony.

A total of 12x "Solo Suites" (Porthole cabins on Deck 3) have large non-opening windows.

• In June 2021, the company announced "Solo Cruises" on offer starting March 22, 2022, onward.
• AOV's "single cruise" deals are available on a regular basis (on each voyage/itinerary) via dedicated "Solo Suites".
• The accommodations are sized 185 ft2 (17 m2) and can be booked without a single supplement.
• Each "Solo Suite" is fitted with a Queen-size double bed, two bedside cabinets (USB chargers, power outlets, sconces/reading lamps), a 42-inch smart HDTV, recessed ceiling lights, mirrored wooden writing desk, mini-fridge (custom-stocked with beverages), ample storage (two wardrobes, separate shoe closet), marble-walled bathroom (L'OCCITANE products, glass shower with rain-shower and body-jet system).

The boat's 10x suites (top-tier cabins) are in categories Journey Suite (380 ft2 / 35 m2), Discovery Suite (445 ft2 / 41 m2) and Navigator Suite (465 ft2 / 43 m2), plus 2x Junior Suites (300 ft2 / 28 m2). All suites are 2-Room (1-Bedroom) accommodations with step-out balconies (sized 110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with 2 sun loungers, 2 teak deckchairs and 1 low table. Each suite has 2x closets and 2x smart HDTVs (wall-mounted in the bedroom/living room). Both Junior Suites are in different configurations - one with an outdoor balcony and one with a French Balcony.

Cabin bathrooms have spa showers (rain shower head, handheld showerhead, 4x adjustable body jets) and L'OCCITANE bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). Navigator Suites and Discovery Suites bathrooms have double-basin vanities (his-and-hers sinks) and separate WCs. Navigator Suites bathrooms have bathtubs.

Shipboard facilities and activities

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with a surrounding outdoor terrace), Navigator Lounge (multi-purpose full-bar venue with floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving the cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), and aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining, weather permitting).

The onboard dining options (5) include 4 restaurants (named Porto, 7AFT Grill, Paula's Pantry, The Dome) plus Room Service (in-cabin dining).

Porto Restaurant (MDR/main dining room) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features indoor and outdoor/alfresco seating. Breakfast is both a la carte and buffet-style. The lunch menu includes international and local (itinerary-based) cuisine specialties, as well as plant-based foods, smoked vegetables, cheeses, soups, cold and carved meats. Dinners are themed (traditional dishes from Greece, Spain, Italy, Peru, Mexico, Japan).

7Aft Grill restaurant is unique for its Josper-grilled specialties (food prepared by grilling over charcoal). The menu includes Black Angus filet mignon, Dover sole, New York strip steak, grilled shrimp, lobster, and saddle of grass-fed lamb. Dinner reservations are required. Lunch (served on the pool deck) offers contemporary gastropub fare (fresh-made Angus beef burgers, smoked bread, beer-marinated chicken, smoked ribs, hot dogs, soups, pizzas, vegetables).

The Dome (270-degree forward observation lounge) serves light food.

Paula's Pantry (open from early morning through 6 pm) offers grab-and-go style food (including cold sandwiches, salads, soups, cupcakes) and beverages (including espresso, brand-name coffees, organic coffees, Kusmi Tea, fresh-squeezed juices).

Room Service menu includes organic tomato soup, eggplant-based vegan burgers, beef burgers, club sandwiches, Buddha Bowl/healthy salad, Classic Breakfast, and Healthy Breakfast.

Navigator Lounge doubles as a multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special-occasion events. The Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, and tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, and ecology, as well as field guides, picture books and reference books.

Polar Boutique is the ship's gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). The Shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby area is the Reception/Guest Services Desk, served by dedicated staff who assist passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet / email access, phone cards), and arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as the Cashier's Office for setting up shipboard accounts and settling these accounts toward the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard), used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where a pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages/SeaSpa by L'OCCITANE treatments, showers, changing / locker rooms), and Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids' (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguards on duty.

On the top deck (aft) is a Helideck - a helipad used in emergencies.

Complimentary shoreside activities include camping, sea-kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and Zodiac boat tours.

Itineraries

With Atlas Ocean Voyages (USA), the ship operates mainly in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), Iceland and Greenland. During the winter months, the ship operates polar cruises to Antarctic and Arctic destinations. Atlas Ocean Voyages is a fully owned subsidiary company and travel brand managed by Mystic Cruises USA (parent Mystic Invest).

AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages deals include complimentary roundtrip flights (from/to major airports in Canada and the USA) in the ticket prices for all cabin categories and on all cruise itineraries. Also price-inclusive are prepaid gratuities, gourmet dining, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Wi-Fi, premium brand cabin bath products (by L'Occitane en Provence), 1x shore excursion (per itinerary), in-cabin binoculars, dedicated butler service (Suites only), medevac (emergency medical evacuation insurance) and return-to-home insurance. AOV's cruise insurance policy covers medevac transportation (from the ship to a local treatment center) plus return transportation (back home or to a medical facility close to home).

Itineraries 2021-2022

Bookings for Atlas Ocean Voyages (World Navigator ship) opened on January 2, 2020. The company's passenger shipping operations were scheduled to start in July 2021 (with World Navigator). AOV's inaugural cruise season (2021) included 66x different port destinations in Europe and Asia (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Holy Land) visited on a total of 10x itineraries (7- to 15-nights long). However, this program was canceled in June and replaced with Greece-Egypt roundtrips.

• (canceled) The Maiden Voyage (11-night itinerary, July 17th) was planned to depart from Valletta Malta and visit Piraeus-Athens, Zakynthos Island, Katakolon-Olympia, Elafonisos Island, Chania (Crete), Sitia (Crete), Rhodes Island, Mykonos Island, Siracusa (Sicily), Kusadasi.
• (canceled) Black Sea cruise (7-night itinerary, July 28th) was planned from Piraeus-Athens, visiting Kusadasi, Nessebar, Bucharest, Odessa (2 overnights). Black Sea cruise (9-night itinerary, August 4th) from Piraeus-Athens visited Novorossiysk, Batumi, Sinop, Amasra, Sochi (overnight), Istanbul (overnight). Both Black Sea cruises were combinable into a B2B (16-night).
• (canceled) Three Holy Land cruises offered overnights in Israel (Haifa-Tel Aviv, and Ashdod-Jerusalem).
• (canceled) Mediterranean (September 18, 7-night itinerary) from Piraeus-Athens to Civitavecchia-Rome visited Corinth Canal (passage), Itea-Delphi, Katakolon-Olympia, Taormina (Sicily), Agropoli, Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Naples.
• (canceled) Mediterranean (September 25, 7-night itinerary) from Civitavecchia-Rome to Lisbon visited Livorno, Marseilles, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, Gibraltar.

World Navigator's Maiden Voyage was eventually rescheduled for August 4, 2021. AOV's updated inaugural season was based on alternating homeporting/roundtrip departures from Greece (Piraeus-Athens) and Egypt (Alexandria-Cairo). The 5x itineraries had lengths between 7-12 nights and included 14 seaports, with overnights in either Alexandria (port to Cairo City) or Mykonos Island.

Followed by a 17-night "Europe to South America" Transatlantic crossing (October 4, from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro) with call ports Funchal (Madeira Island) and Mindelo (Sao Vincente Island, Cape Verde) before Brazil (Fernando de Noronha Island, Natal, Recife, Salvador, Buzios). An 8-night itinerary (Rio de Janeiro to Montevideo) visited Buzios, Paraty, Ilhabela, Porto Belo, Imbituba, Punta del Este.

Two longer roundtrips in 2021 departed from Ushuaia Argentina.

• (November 19, 2021) Maiden Voyage to Antarctica/12-night itinerary
• (November 28, 2021) 12-night itinerary to Antarctica (solar eclipse on Dec 4), South Shetland Islands, Paulet Island, Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula), UK's South Georgia & the Sandwich Islands.
• (February 2, 2022) 9-night itinerary crossing the Antarctic Circle and themed on wildlife viewing.

On November 11, 2021, World Navigator departed from Montevideo Uruguay to Ushuaia. The 8-night itinerary visited Buenos Aires, Patagonia (Puerto Madryn), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands UK).

In mid-May 2020, the following voyages were open for booking:

• (October 4, 2021) 13-night Transatlantic from Lisbon to Bridgetown Barbados, visiting Madeira, Tenerife, St Lucia, Barbados.
• (October 19, 2021) 10-night from Bridgetown to Recife Brazil, visiting Tobago Island, Devil's Island (French Guiana), Brazil (Fortaleza, Natal, Belem/Amazon River).
• (October 29, 2021) 13-night from Recife to Montevideo Uruguay, visiting Brazil (Buzios, Paraty; Salvador de Bahia), Uruguay (Punta del Este), and featuring overnights in Rio de Janeiro and Itajai.
• (November 11, 2021) 8-night "Patagonia and the Falkland Islands" from Montevideo to Buenos Aires, visiting Puerto Madryn (Argentina) and the UK's Falklands (coastal cruising for wildlife-viewing).
• World Navigator then went to Tierra del Fuego for the inaugural winter 2021-2022 Antarctica season.

In late September 2020, AOV announced two new "MAX SHORE" itineraries. For summer 2021, MS World Navigator had planned 7- to 24-night voyages in Europe (Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Holy Land), followed by a Transatlantic repositioning crossing and 9- to 13-night voyages (Caribbean, South America, Antarctica) planned for the winter 2021-2022 season.

(August 4, 2021) The 24-night "MAX SHORE" itinerary departed from Odessa (Ukraine) and featured cruising through 3x seas (Black-Aegean-Mediterranean), 19x ports (7x countries), 2x complimentary excursions (each 3 nights in length).

• AOV customers were able to choose one of two MAX SHORE itineraries - "Magical Cappadocia - Russia to Israel" (Holy Land) or "Hidden Histories and The Pamukkale Hot Springs" (thermal pools/natural site in Denizli Turkey). Each land tour started on the itinerary's 9th day and departed from Istanbul Turkey. Tour experiences included a hot-air balloon ride (over Pamukkale or Gerome) and visiting Pamukkale's Salt Springs. World Navigator was then reboarded in Kepez. If passengers decided to stay onboard in Istanbul, they enjoyed complimentary tours for 3 days.
• The list of call ports included Novorossiysk Russia, Batumi Georgia, Paphos Cyprus and, in Turkey, Sinop, Amasra, Bozcaada Island, Dikili, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kekova Island, Demre. Overnights were in Sochi Russia, Ashdod Israel, and Haifa Israel.
• The pricing included a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri City (Cappadocia). The Pamukkale itinerary visited Hierapolis (UNESCO site), included the hot-air balloon ride (over the archeological site), and visited Isparta City (shopping).

On November 30, 2020, AOV announced a charter flight contract for all Antarctica 2021-2022 World Navigator cruises. The company's private charter jet flights shorten (by at least a day) the homeport's travel time (North America-South America) and also avoid inconvenient airline schedules. The roundtrip air travel is also included in AOV's cruise fares. The complimentary flights are offered from 16 major airports (in Canada and USA), while AOV's charter jet service links Orlando Florida directly with Ushuaia (homeport). Starting November 19, 2021, World Navigator's 2021-2022 Antarctica schedule (November-March) included a total of 12x 9-day itineraries, all visiting the Antarctic Peninsula.

In September 2021, AOV announced the 10-night "Caribbean Golfing Tour" roundtrip from Bridgetown Barbados.

• The itinerary's call ports were Anguilla Island, St Barthelemy Island, St Kitts Island, Nevis Island, Antigua, St Lucia Island, St Vincent Island.
• The voyage allowed travelers to play at five of the Caribbean's top golf courses - Royal St Kitts Golf Club, Sandals Golf Club St Lucia, Cedar Valley Golf Club Antigua, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Canouan Estate Resort St Vincent.
• All arrangements (onboard and ashore) were covered by AOV, including golf club fees, golf carts, land transportation, onboard services (golf equipment storage, clubs polishing, shoe shining).
• The golf-themed voyage departed on October 19, 2021. The all-inclusive golf cruisetour prices started from USD 3240 (EUR 2745 / GBP 2350) per person with double occupancy.

Itineraries 2023

The ship's 2022 deployment in Europe included a summer program with voyages to Iceland, Greenland and the European Arctic (Norway). The August-September schedule included a 12-day Norwegian Fjords itinerary (Aug 26, Hamburg roundtrip) and two relocation itineraries (RepositionCruises.com) - 12-day Hamburg to London (Sept 7) and 13-day London to Oporto (Sept 19). The autumn program included Central and South America destinations, while the winter 2022-23 season was to Antarctica (out of Ushuaia Argentina).

In March 2022, AOV announced World Navigator's 2023 program in Europe (Mediterranean-Adriatic-Aegean). The deployment included an 8-night "Grand Prix Voyage" (May 21, 2023) with an overnight in Monte Carlo (Monaco) for the car race and the following celebrations. The Antarctic 2023 season (roundtrips from Ushuaia) starts on November 3rd.

On November 15, 2018, the shipowner Mystic Cruises officially announced the contract with WestSEA Shipyard (Viana do Castelo, Portugal) for building two more vessels. Deliveries were scheduled for 2020 (World Voyager) and 2021 (World Navigator).

All Mystic Invest newbuilds were backed as investments by ICBC Leasing - part of ICBC Ltd (Chinese multinational bank, ranked the world's largest by assets, deposits, loans, customers and employees). The shipbuilding financing was supported by Portuguese banks (during construction) and ICBCL Leasing funding (following delivery) through the sale and charter-back of the vessel, with an obligation to repurchase her on maturity. Mystic Invest intends to build a 10-ship fleet of the same design.

In August 2017, the design's tank tests were completed. The water tank testing and ship model were conducted by the Wageningen-based MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands).

The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock at WestSEA Viana Shipyard) on October 5, 2020. On the same day, the keel-laying ceremony was held for the sistership World Traveller (2022-built).

AOV scheduled a dual naming ceremony (held on Nov 20, 2022, at Pia Glacier/Beagle Channel), during which World Navigator (by Karen Lundgren) and World Traveller (by Theresa Scalzitti) were officially christened. In 2013, Karen Lundgren became the world's 13th woman to conquer the Seven Summits and the 8th American woman to conquer Mount Everest's North Face.

A fun fact is that there is a tanker ship named "World Navigator" (IMO 9422225). This 2010-built vessel is Singapore-flagged (MMSI 566932000) and has GT 29151 tons.

Antarctic cruise weddings 2022

In mid-April 2021, AOV-Atlas Ocean Voyages announced that, during World Navigator's inaugural Antarctica 2022 season, she would offer a unique destination wedding package on the "Happy Ever Atlas" voyage (departure February 14, 2022).

The wedding package (complimentary for all couples if registered in advance) included a legal marriage license (USD 650), 1-tier wedding cake, flower bouquet and boutonniere, AOV-logoed gift bag, bridal parasol, custom-made penguin jackets, Thank You cards, digital photo package, welcome aboard and wedding receptions, and separate bachelorette/bachelor onboard parties. The company also complimentary provides a wedding officiant, coordinator, and professional photographer.

Weather permitting, AOV's Antarctic cruise wedding ceremonies can be performed both onboard (including at the Wheelhouse) or on land.

World Navigator ship technology

The ship's design is based on a Rolls-Royce expedition vessel platform developed by Giuseppe Tringali (Italian naval architect). It features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain the ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7.75 million / USD 8.9 million) and includes two main engines (Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to the boat's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE), allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds. Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system designed to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable-pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears, and tunnel thrusters.

World Navigator is a cruise vessel with hydrojet propulsion (technology initially developed for military vessels). The ship is fitted with two SPJ Pump Jets by SCHOTTEL (model SPJ 82, total power output 670 kW), allowing silent navigation at 5 knots speed (9 kph). This is an alternative propulsion system, as the hydrojets are used only in destinations with specific marine life. Both hydrojets pump water to propel the ship and, similarly to in-hull-mounted Azipods (underwater azimuthing thrusters), can rotate 360 degrees. They also allow dynamic positioning (via GPS) to stabilize / fix the vessel without using propellers or anchors.

The vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4.7 m), allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has 2 lifeboats (full-capacity), both fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet). Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by the ship's own fleet of ten Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

The shipbuilder WestSEA (Viana do Castelo, Portugal) is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company founded in 1990 (by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal) and listed on Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange) since 2007. Martifer Group has over 3000 employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) renewable energy (wind and solar energy equipment production). Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.