The delivery was confirmed of the new cruise ship, World Explorer. Expected from WestSea Viana Shipyard in Portugal later this month, the 176-passenger vessel is now due to be delivered in 2019 summer instead of later in 2018. World Explorer was floated out on October 28.
The 9,300GT ship, being constructed for Portugal’s Mystic Cruises, was scheduled to go on charter to Quark Expeditions for 2018-2019 Antarctica season and then delivered to Mystic’s subsidiary Nicko Cruises, Germany in the spring.
Delivery's delay is understood to be to allow more time for the shipyard to install sophisticated hybrid power management system which is due to provide energy-saving and environmental benefits.
After losing 2018-2019 Antartctica season, Quark Expeditions' clients booked on World Explorer were given a credit to use for a future cruise or offered full refund.
The company will charter World Explorer for 2019-2020 Antarctica season. In addition, it is building its own 200-passenger expedition ship at Brodosplit shipyard, Croatia. Delivery is set for the 3rd quarter of 2020, in time for 2020-2021 Antarctica season.
World Explorer is the first in the planned series of up to 10 expedition cruise ships for Mystic Cruises, which the cruise line intends to operate for a variety of charterers. Mystic has ordered 2 more 200-passenger expedition ships from WestSea yard. The newbuilds will be sister ships to World Explorer, with projected delivery dates 2021 and 2022.