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Sea Voyager completes $2m in upgrades prior to launch

Sea Voyager completes $2m in upgrades prior to launch
As newcomer Sea Voyager Expeditions gears up for an Aug. 31 launch, its vessel has completed $2m in refurbishments that upgraded cabins and suites, improved public areas, overhauled the galley and installed a new chlorination system.

Sea Voyager will explore Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama on adventures of seven to 12 nights.

Built in 1982 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, the vessel previously operated for eight years on charter to Lindblad Expeditions. It has undergone several refurbishments over the years.

The recent refurbishments, undertaken from November to July in partnership with Colombia Ecoturismo, included updates to comply with the latest SOLAS requirements. The new water chlorination system brings the ship in line with standards required by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (as required in the United States, even though the vessel won’t be visiting US waters).

The galley overhaul upgraded all refrigeration equipment, dishwashing units, ovens and appliances.

In the cabins, all mattresses, bedding, pillows and curtains were replaced, and all suites are now furnished with new couches, decorative lighting and original artwork. Bathrooms were retiled and resurfaced, and new plumbing and fixtures were installed. With an eye on ways to respect the environment that’s the focal point of these expeditions, the ship now uses filtered sea water for toilets so that fresh water can be preserved. Each cabin has individual controls for air conditioning as well as an oscillating fan.

A window-lined lounge provides a 270-degree viewing perspective. Silhouette shades partially block the sun’s rays or transform a social facility into a learning facility, where the ship’s team of five naturalists can educate passengers about the wildlife, history and culture of the destinations they’re exploring.

The loading deck, nicknamed ‘The Marina,’ houses five new hard-bottom Zodiacs and a fleet of one- and two-person kayaks. Passengers can easily access the vessels from here, and can swim or snorkel by jumping in or climbing down a short ladder.

Sea Voyager Expeditions is offering special deals on most departures between September and December, with savings of 25% to 35%, and is waiving single supplements for solo travelers.

Sea Voyager Expeditions’ North American sales agent is Global Voyagers Group of Bellevue, Wash.