Steel cutting for SunStone's final vessel in innovative Infinity Series
Marking a significant achievement in the world of expedition cruising, SunStone Maritime Group recently celebrated the start of construction for their seventh and final Infinity-class vessel, based on the ULSTEIN CX103 design.
Set to redefine the cruising experience, this new expedition cruise vessel has been designed with a focus on luxury, safety, and environmental consciousness, offering unparalleled amenities and adventures for its future passengers.
The steel-cutting ceremony
The steel-cutting ceremony is a traditional shipbuilding event marking the start of construction and was arranged at China Merchants Heavy Industries shipyard in Haimen. Niels-Erik Lund, CEO of SunStone Maritime Group, highlighted the company's commitment to exceptional cruise experiences characterized by comfort, safety, and sustainability. (Source: SunStone Ships)
The ULSTEIN CX103 design
The vessel is based on the ULSTEIN CX103 design. It has an ICE CLASS 1A certification for polar cruising. It adheres to the highest standards of comfort and safety, including the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) certification with a Safe Return to Port passport.
The new PC6-class expedition cruise ship, which has not yet been named, is scheduled to enter service in 2025. It is designed to offer travellers an immersive and comfortable experience, featuring up to 95 passenger cabins. The ship will have various amenities, including restaurants, a lecture space, lounges, a 180-degree indoor observation deck, outdoor viewing areas, a gym, a sauna, a spa, and a specially designed platform for kayakers and divers. Additionally, the vessel will include a sea-level Zodiac loading platform and a mudroom to enhance off-board activities.
While all SunStone's Infinity-class vessels share the same basic design – 104.4 metres in length and 18.4 metres in width – each is customised according to client specifications, including passenger and crew capacity and the design of public spaces. A distinctive feature of this vessel, shared with three other vessels in the series, is the inclusion of windows around the bow lounge, offering a bright, nature-integrated indoor environment.