Though speculation had centered around Lindblad Expeditions as the possible owner, the company told Seatrade Cruise News it's not theirs.
The vessel will be about 145 meters long and 20 meters wide. The hull will be built by Vard's shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, and delivery is scheduled from one of Vard's Norwegian yards in 2019.
The contract price is expected to be approximately 1bn Norwegian kroner ($117m).
The parties hope to enter into a firm contract within the first quarter of 2017, subject to conditions including financing.
Vard has deals to build six other luxury expedition ships: a pair of 240-passenger vessels for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and a quartet of 184-passenger vessels for Ponant.
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