Albatros Expeditions christens 6th Infinity-class ship, Ocean Albatros

   May 14, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

The Danish company Albatros Expeditions (fleet) has officially christened its latest addition to the fleet - Ocean Albatros.

The 2023-built vessel is the 6th Infinity-class ship constructed for the USA-based shipowner SunStone Ships Inc. Albatros Expeditions charters the vessel for Arctic and Antarctic voyages under a long-term charter agreement.

The ship design was developed by Norway's Ulstein Design and Solutions, with construction carried out at the facilities of China Merchants Heavy Industry in Haimen.

Ocean Albatros measures 342 ft (104.4 m) in length, 60 ft (18.4 m) in width, 10 decks, 95 passenger staterooms, and capacity to accommodate 200 guests and 100 crew. All cabins are outside/with unobstructed views, and most have step-out balconies.

Onboard amenities include two restaurants, a wellness area, a bar, open deck dining facilities, a modern lecture lounge, observation areas, a library, a sun deck with a pool, two heated whirlpools, a mudroom, and a hangar for storing, launching, and recovering inflatable expedition boats at destinations. Additionally, the ship is equipped with an onboard medical facility capable of handling minor emergencies, a standard feature across the Albatros Expeditions fleet.

The vessel's hull is constructed to Ice Class 1A and Polar Code 6 standards, ensuring robustness for small-ship cruising in icy waters. The inverted bow design enhances stability in rough weather and ensures smooth movement in high waves. Furthermore, the Ocean Albatros is SOLAS 2012-certified, demonstrating its Safe Return to Port (SRTP) capability.