New Cruise Line Features Yacht-Like Luxury Ships

A new cruiseship line featuring smaller, yacht-like, luxury vessels (drawing shown above) carrying 120 passengers to exotic world destinations will begin service in spring 1983, it was announced in New York recently. The new line is being formed by Helge Naarstad, a Norwegian who was formerly president of Miami-based Norwegian Caribbean Lines. He said an agreement to build four new ships, with an option for another four, has been signed with the Wartsila Shipyard of Helsinki, Finland.

The investment capital for the venture is $100 million, with 30 percent from Norwegian investors and the rest mainly from U.S. sources. "Already more than 80 percent of the investment capital has been raised," Mr. Naarstad said. "While there is still room for additional investors, I expect the remaining capital to be raised quickly," he added.

The cruise line, as yet unnamed, will be based in the U.S. An assets holding company, Marine Investors & Shipowners, Inc., has been formed with Mr. Naarstad as chairman. "We are aiming at a special class of vacationer, one that expects the highest standards of personalized treatment," Mr. Naarstad said. "We will provide these, plus an ability to sail in any waters in the world, and into ports that larger cruise ships cannot enter." One ship will sail in the Mediterranean, and the others in the Far East, South Pacific, and Caribbean.

The yacht-like ships will carry only 120 passengers, all in large, outside suites, and crews of 50, with all crew members berthed in individual private cabins.

The new ships have been designed by Norwegian naval architect Petter Yran of F.S. Platou A/S, Oslo. The first ship will be put into service in spring 1983; the others will follow at six to eight-month intervals.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 12, Apr 15, 1981

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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.