China Merchants Heavy Industries lays keel for SunStone's Ocean Albatros

Ocean Albatros will go on year-round charter to Denmark's Albatros Expeditions, which also charters SunStone's Ocean Victory (for half the year) and Ocean Atlantic.

Scheduled for delivery in March 2023, Ocean Albatros is the sister of 2021's Ocean Victory.

Next two Infinity ships due for delivery in March and April

'We are very pleased that even with the very difficult situation with the COVID pandemic, our Infinity newbuilding series is moving forward at a satisfactory pace,' SunStone Chairman Niels-Erik Lund said. 'Having three Infinity vessels in operation, taking delivery of the next two Infinity vessels in spring of 2022, and now the keel-laying of the sixth vessel is a very satisfactory accomplishment.'

Aurora Expeditions chaters 2019's Greg Mortimer and will add Sylvia Earle, scheduled for delivery in March. 2021's Ocean Explorer sails for Vantage Deluxe World Travel, which will also take on Ocean Odyssey following its delivery in April.

Ulstein's X-BOW design

Infinity-class vessels sport Ulstein Design's distinctive X-BOW. They stretch 104 meters/341 feet and are 18 meters/59 feet at the beam with a draft of 5.1 meters/16.7 feet. Each has capacity for 130 to 200 passengers and 85 to 115 crew.

The vessels are built to Ice Class 1A/Polar Code 6. Each has a swimming pool, bar and restaurants, lounges, boutique, gym and spa.