On 18 March 2021, the CMHI Haimen yard in China celebrated the launch of the Sylvia Earle (CruiseMapper) and the keel laying of the Ocean Odyssey (CruiseMapper), both are Ulstein designed, X-BOW expedition cruise vessels under construction for the U.S. based SunStone Ships.
A series of expedition cruise vessels are being constructed at the CMHI Haimen base for SunStone Ships. These vessels in the INFINITY series are all based on the ULSTEIN CX103 design.
The vessels are chartered to travel operators for high-end luxury cruises. The hull is ice-strengthened (Polar Class 6), and the vessel features the ULSTEIN X-BOW for smooth sailing in rough seas.
This patented hull, originally developed for offshore work horses, was firstly introduced to the cruise industry in 2019, when the 'Greg Mortimer' was delivered. The hull shape reduces fuel consumption when cutting through the waves and therefore also reduces local emissions.
