Blount Marine To Build Mini- Liner For Explorer Cruises

Blount Marine Corporation of Warren, R.I., has announced the signing of a contract and the start of construction of a mini-cruise liner to be operated by Explorer Cruise Lines of Seattle. The vessel will cruise the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

To be named the Pacific Northwest Explorer, the vessel will feature four passenger decks and 41 staterooms, all with private facilities. It is fully air-conditioned, has a spacious lounge, a bar, and a large dining room that seats the full complement of passengers.

There is generous deck space for sunning and viewing. A unique feature is a bow stair-ramp that allows passengers to go ashore in otherwise inaccessible areas, offering unusual opportunities to really explore.

Cruising at 12 knots, the vessel will be able to operate unrestricted between U.S.

ports as well as on international voyages.

In addition to cruises starting at Seattle and covering the San Juan Islands and nearby Canada, cruises starting from Portland up the Columbia River, through Oregon, Washington, and into Idaho are being developed.

The 143-foot 6-inch by 28-foot by 7V2-foot vessel is powered by two Deutz model BF- 12M 716 diesels rated at 700 bhp each. Ship's power is furnished by two 80-kw generator sets. A completely equipped galley and tastefully equipped dining area makes the vessel a true floating hotel.

Delivery is scheduled for November 1980.

Other stories from June 15, 1980 issue

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.