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World Explorer is one of three membership choices; the other two are U.S. Discovery and All Access. To start a free trial, see Ancestry® Free Trials. For current pricing, see our membership options. What's included. The World Explorer membership includes access to all records (both U.S. And international) on Ancestry. Access to all records on. World Explorer Tours is committed to providing unique global experiences for the eco-conscious traveler interested in combining family vacations, soft adventure, or an exotic expedition within a dynamic cultural and natural context. He continues to explore, write and excite people about discovery through his magazine, World Explorer, and his publishing company, Adventures Unlimited Press. Customer Support. One Adventure Place, Kempton, IL. (815) 253-9000 Fax (815) 253-6300 Email. Request Book Catalog.

Explore the comprehensive picture of total U.S. Foreign Aid by country and sectors. The World Explorer is a 5-star all-balcony-suites expedition ship purpose-built for Polar exploration in comfort and style.

One World Karadeniz (previously Stena Explorer) is a former high-speed ferry that operated Stena Line's Holyhead–Dún Laoghaire service between Great Britain and Ireland until 2015. It is a member of the HSS 1500 class of high-speed ferries introduced and developed by Stena Line from 1996 onwards. The HSS 1500 class vessels became the largest catamarans in service in the world.^[2]

As of 2015 the ferry is owned by Karadeniz Holding to be used as a floating office, research space and alternative power generator in Karmarine shipyard in Yalova near Istanbul, Turkey. It is part of the Powerships project from the company that now owns the vessel. However, the vessel is currently on sale for as low as 4.5 Million Pounds on Unlimited Offshore. (2020) ^[1]

Design and construction[edit]

Stena Explorer was constructed by Finnyards in Rauma, Finland,^[3][4] at a cost £65million.^[5] Construction commenced in June 1994 and was completed in February 1996,^[3] before entering service in April 1996.^[6]

The vessel is a catamaran, and was designed with the aim of providing a comfortable and fast service.^[7] The sailing time between Holyhead and Dún Laoghaire was 99 minutes.^[8]

Power is provided by four GE Aviationgas turbines in a twin combined gas and gas (COGAG) configuration.^[9][10] The vessel employs four KaMeWa waterjets for propulsion.^[10]

The HSS class of ferries were designed to allow quick turnarounds at port. A specially designed linkspan provides ropeless mooring and allows quick loading, unloading and servicing. Vehicles are loaded via two of the four stern doors and park in a 'U' configuration. When disembarking, vehicles drive straight off via the other two doors.^[11]

Career[edit]

Stena Explorer had spent the majority of her career sailing on her original route between Holyhead and Dún Laoghaire.

Due to increasing world price of oil the Stena HSS had her crossing time extended to around 119 minutes in a bid to trim her fuel bill.^[12][13] Over the years, the Stena HSS' timetable has gradually been reduced from an initial five round-trips a day, down to just one round-trip a day.

Stena Line replaced the vessel with the Stena Lynx III, which ran twice daily from 15 March 2010 to the end of 2010 apart from May to September, when the HSS Stena Explorer operated the route once daily to relieve the Stena Lynx so she could run on the Fishguard – Rosslare route.

On 26 May 2010, Stena Line re-instated the HSS back on the Holyhead – Dún Laoghaire route one month earlier than planned.^[14][15]

On 14 September 2010, Stena Explorer left the Holyhead – Dún Laoghaire route with her last 2010 sailing being the 13:15 departure from Dún Laoghaire. Stena Lynx III operated the route until Sunday 9 January 2011. Stena Explorer returned on 1 April 2011 and will operate the route until 13 September 2011 on a one sailing a day basis.

Between 9–22 June 2011, Stena Explorer operated two round trips a day, due to the MS Stena Adventurer, which operates on Stena Lines' Holyhead – Dublin service receiving her annual refit in Liverpool.

Stena have decided to make the Holyhead – Dún Laoghaire service a seasonal route following the sailing on 13 September 2011. The route resumed service on Friday 30 March 2012 and will cease operation on 11 September 2012.^[16] She will return to the Dún Laoghaire – Holyhead for the Christmas and New Year period from 20 December – 5 January 2013 leaving Holyhead at 1030am and Dún Laoghaire at 1330. According to the Stenaline.ie booking engine, her 2013 season will commence on 22 March and run until 10 September, before once again returning for Christmas 2013. For the 2013 season, her sailing time has been increased to 135 minutes which should enable further fuel savings. HSS Explorer returns on 20 December for 12 days of sailings from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead and her 2014 season will run from 9 April – 9 September 2014. Unlike previous years, Stena Explorer did not operate additional services over the Christmas period.^[17]

On 4 February 2015, Stena Line announced that the HSS service to Dún Laoghaire was to be withdrawn and not restarted for 2015 with Stena Explorer being withdrawn from service.^[18] All services from Holyhead will now be concentrated on Dublin Port, served by both Stena Line and Irish Ferries, where capacity is being increased with the introduction of MS Stena Superfast X taking on the second ship role alongside Stena Adventurer and replacing MS Stena Nordica which has been chartered to DFDS Seaways.

The original company that was contracted to manage the towage operation upon the sale of the ferry was dispensed with and replaced with Gull Marine Ltd, which resolved outstanding issues that were delaying the project and successfully executed the towage on behalf of the owners from the berth to the outer harbour in Holyhead. On 1 November 2015, she departed on tow from Holyhead and arrived in Turkey on 17 November.

Currently One World Karadeniz is in Karmarine shipyard in Yalova, near Istanbul, Turkey. The owner, Karadeniz Holding, has converted it into a 'earthquake-resistant' floating office, research space and alternative power generator for the community of Istanbul. It is part of Karadeniz' Powerships project. The ship is currently on sale for as low as 4.5 Million Pounds on Unlimited Offshore.^[1]

Incidents[edit]

On 20 September 2001, Stena Explorer suffered a generator fire in one of her pontoons. Whilst going astern (reversing) into dock at her berth in Holyhead, a fire was detected in her auxiliary (generator) engine room in the port pontoon. Shortly after, the CCTV system, normally used for visual docking, became disabled due to lack of power. Knowing that just-completed checks showed that fire doors (lasting at least one hour) were closed, permission to shut off the engine in question was (correctly) denied by the Master of the Ship until final approach line-up with the Linkspan was confirmed. At that point, the failing Cummins generator was shut off.

In lieu of the CCTV system, docking distances were relayed to the bridge by portable radio. Berthing was complete within 5 minutes of the original fire alarm and fresh water was taken on board to replenish the Hi-fog fire suppression system whilst all 551 passengers were safely off-loaded. The fire brigade attended and the Hi-fog water mist was deactivated at their request. A nine-month Marine Accident Investigation Branch investigation found the fault to be incorrect fitting of a compression fitting used for a high-pressure fuel line leading to fuel spraying and igniting upon contact with the hot turbo-charger unit.^[19]

On October 2004,the Stena Explorer had to turn back to port after a wave damaged the ships hull 30 minutes into its voyage out of Holyhead.

On 15 February 2006,While on her journey to Holyhead, the Stena Explorer struck a submerged object and was holed beneath the waterline. No-one was injured and it docked safely at Holyhead. Taken out of service for repairs after.

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abc'The Holyhead to Ireland fast ferry is to become a hi-tech floating office ... in Turkey.The ship is currently on sale for as low as 4.5 Million Pounds on Unlimited Offshore'. Wales Online. 14 January 2016.
2. ^Bowen, David (5 May 1996). 'Forget the tunnel; all the talk on the high seas is of 50mph super ferries. And Britain doesn't make any of them'. The Independent. United Kingdom. p. 1 (Business Supplement). Retrieved 26 December 2009. The HSS is the biggest catamaran in the world...CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
3. ^ ^ab'Stena Explorer (18235)'. DNV GL Vessel Register. Det Norske Veritas. Retrieved 26 December 2009.
4. ^Mott, David (11 May 1994). 'Stena orders fast ferry'. Lloyd's List. United Kingdom: 18. ISSN0144-820X. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2009. The order for the 1,500-passenger, 40-knot vessel has gone to Finnyards in Rauma, the yard which won the first two craft, for Stena Sealink last summer.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
5. ^McDonald, Frank (20 December 1993). 'New ferryport planned for Dun Laoghaire'. The Irish Times. Ireland. p. 8. Major ferryport costing £15 million is being planned for Dun Laoghaire Harbour to cater for a new generation of high speed catamaran ferries, and it is expected that the Department of the Marine will make a planning application for the scheme this week. The ferryport would be located at St Michael's Pier, which was completed in 1969 but is rarely used. It is designed to cater for a Stena Sealink HSS (high speed service) ferry now being built in Finland at a cost of £65 million, which would be half as wide and nearly as long as the GAA pitch at Croke Park.
6. ^'Stena Explorer'. Sealink-Holyhead. Retrieved 26 December 2009.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
7. ^'The story behind the building of the first Stena HSS'. Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company. Archived from the original on 8 December 2009. Retrieved 26 December 2009.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
8. ^'Our Ships: Stena Explorer'. Stena Line. Retrieved 26 December 2009.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
9. ^'GE Marine Engines' LM Gas Turbines Exceed 600,000 Hours Operating Aboard 16 Fast Ferries' (Press release). GE Aviation. 9 September 2002. Archived from the original on 11 December 2010. Retrieved 26 December 2009. Each semi-swath fast ferry has two LM1600 and two LM2500 gas turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) turbine configuration.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
10. ^ ^abMacLennan, Graeme (15 December 1993). 'Powerful propulsion for Stena catamaran ferry'. Lloyd's List. United Kingdom: 6. ISSN0144-820X. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2009. The HSS will be propelled by four KaMeWa equal-sized waterjets (two in each hull, and all with steering and reversing heads). These will be powered by two father-and-son configurations comprised in each case of a Kvaerner-General Electric LM2500 and LM1600 gas turbine, driven through Maag combining and splitting gears.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
11. ^King, Mike (28 May 2003). 'Ro-Ro: A question of size rather than speed'. Lloyd's List. United Kingdom: 16. ISSN0144-820X. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2009. The HSS concept allows simultaneous discharge and loading through all four sterndoors. Car lanes are located as close as possible to the ship and arranged into four lanes to speed turnaround. The linkspan mooring arrangement removes the need for ropes, and passengers, stores, fuel and water are all loaded at the same time, typically cutting loading or unloading times to 10–15 minutes.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
12. ^Webster, Ben (24 June 2008). 'Future of fast ferries in doubt as cost of fuel soars'. London: Times Online. Retrieved 24 May 2010.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
13. ^'Stena Lines ferries face rising fuel prices'. France24.
14. ^'Stena Line timetable'. Daily Post. Wales. 7 January 2010. High-speed Holyhead ferry is axed.
15. ^Naughton, Gareth (20 December 2009). 'Struggling Dun Laoghaire Harbour firm to reduce staff'. Sunday Tribune. Ireland. p. 2 (Business Supplement). Retrieved 26 December 2009. Passenger numbers at the harbour are already set to fall significantly next year when the HSS Stena Explorer is replaced with a smaller vessel by the ferry operator in February.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)^{[permanent dead link]}
16. ^http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/routes/holyhead-dun-laoghaire/ Stena Line website
17. ^Hughes, Owen (4 February 2015). 'Stena Line ferry service from Holyhead to Ireland scrapped'. walesonline.
18. ^'Stena Line scraps fast ferry service'. BBC News. 4 February 2015 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
19. ^'Report on the investigation of the fire on board HSS Stena Explorer entering Holyhead on 20 September 2001'(PDF). Marine Accident Investigation Branch. 2003. Retrieved 26 December 2009.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)

External links[edit]

Cruise line
Quark Expeditions

World Explorer current position

World Explorer current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 38.71176 N / -9.12303 W) cruising en route to Lisbon. The AIS position was reported 3 minutes ago.

World Explorer Review

Review of World Explorer

The 2019-built MS World Explorer cruise ship was specifically designed for operations in the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica). The vessel is owned by Mystic Invest (via the subsidiary Mystic Cruises) and operated under charter by Nicko Cruises (subsidiary) and Quark Expeditions (Travelopia-owned polar cruise company founded in 1991). The shipbuilder is WestSEA (naval shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

The ship World Explorer is the first vessel in a planned 10-ship fleet of Mystic Cruises, that includes the sisterships World Explorer (2019), World Voyager (2020), World Navigator (2021), World Traveller (2022), World Seeker (2022), World Adventurer (2023), World Discoverer (2023).

Ship history and ownership

The vessel is owned by the Portugal-based company Mystic Cruises and seasonally chartered by Quark Expeditions (for polar cruises) and also by the European river cruise operator Nicko Cruises (for the rest of the season). The polar travel company Quark Expeditions (1991-founded) specializes in expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Arctic via icebreaking vessels (passenger ships with ice-strengthened hulls). Quark Expeditions became part of TUI Travel (UK) in 2007 and since 2016 is owned by Travelopia Group Holdings Ltd (UK).

Mystic Cruises is a new brand owned by the Portuguese entrepreneur Mario Ferreira - president of Mystic Invest SGPS (group of companies) and best known as CEO of the Portuguese river cruise company Douro Azul, operating on Douro River roundtrips from Oporto. Mario Ferreira is also famous for being Portugal's first space tourist (traveling on Virgin Galactic's Spaceship One / owned by Richard Branson).

The shipowner Mystic Invest is a Portuguese family-owned financial holding that fully owns several brands specializing in travel and tourism business (cruises, tours, hotels) and real estate. The list of brands (subsidiaries) owned by the parent company Mystic Invest includes DouroAzul (Portugal), Mystic Cruises (Portugal), Nicko Cruises (Germany), Priority Dolphin (shipbuilding), Mystic Tua (Portugal), Mystic Adventure (tour agency in Barca d'Alva), World of Discoveries (theme park in Porto Portugal), Helitours (Porto and Douro Valley), BlueBus (Porto), hotels and resorts (Hotel do Cais, Monumental Palace Hotel, Douro Marina Hotel, Wine Lodge Hotel), Caminho das Estrelas (suborbital and Zero-G flights), Mystic Real Estate.

Decks and Cabins

World Explorer staterooms (98 total) are all in Suite categories and with step-out balconies, providing max passenger capacity 200 (max 140 on polar cruises). The boat has 8 decks, of which 6 are passenger-accessible and 3 with cabins.

Each of the staterooms offers as standard (complimentary / price-inclusive) amenities

• en-suite bathroom (shower, WC, washbasin, hairdryer, plush bathrobes and slippers, premium bath products)
• separate bedroom (Queen-size double bed convertible to 2 twins / single beds, bedside cabinets, bedside USB charging ports, wall-mounted lamps)
• mirrored vanity table / writing desk with armchair, lounge area (2-seater sofabed, coffee table with chairs), Horizon and Veranda cabins additionally have a plush loveseat
• smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand movies, Bluetooth connectivity), large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar (fully-stocked refrigerator)
• individual air-conditioning, LED lighting
• daily turndown service
• Still and sparkling bottled water is provided complimentary and replenished twice daily.

Towels (excluding those on the rack) and bedsheets are changed every 3rd day (depending on cruise itinerary length). Shipboard laundry and ironing services are available at extra cost. Laundry bags are provided in the cabins and collected each morning.

Each cabin is equipped with orange-colored lifejackets, which are used in cases of emergencies and during lifeboat drills. Ship's electrical supply is 220 V (50 Hz). The electrical outlets (found in all cabins and throughout the ship) are standard European 2-pin plugs. A total of 5 USB ports (per cabin) are for digital devices (cameras, smartphones, tablets, etc). Each cabin is also fitted with a total of 5 power outlets (110V / 220V).

Most cabins (~90%) are with private step-out balconies, excepting only the aft-located (decks 5-6) 'French Balcony' cabins, which are with a sliding window (upper panel) opening to a railing (Juliet balcony). Cabin balconies are furnished with 1 low table and 2 deckchairs. Superior, Deluxe and Owner suites additionally have 2 lounge chairs on their balconies.

MS World Explorer has 7 cabin categories ranging in sizes from 185 ft2 (17 m2, Adventure Stateroom) to 355 ft (33 m2, Owner Suite). French Balcony cabins (Infinity Stateroom, 270 ft2 / 25 m2) are with floor-ceiling glass wall with a slide opening window (upper panel). Balcony cabins (Veranda Stateroom, 215 ft2 / 20 m2) are with a step-out balcony. Triple cabins (Junior Suites) are in 2 different types - with either outdoor or French Balcony. The all 12 Adventure-type (Porthole) cabins are located midship on Deck 3 and each with a large non-opening window.

All top-tier suites are 2-Room (1-Bedroom) and with larger balconies (sized 110 ft2 / 10 m2) furnished with 2 sun loungers, 2 teak deckchairs and 1 low table. Each suite has 2 closets and 2 large HDTVs (wall-mounted in the bedroom / living room).

Cabin bathrooms are with spa showers (rain shower head, handheld showerhead, 4 adjustable body jets), L'Occitane bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, handwash, hand lotion). Owner Suites and Deluxe Suites bathrooms are with double basin vanity (his-and-hers sinks) and separate WC. Owner Suites bathrooms are with bathtub.

Shipboard facilities and activities

The ship offers plenty of public areas, including Observation Lounge (glass-domed, with surrounding outdoor terrace), Explorer Lounge (multi-purpose and full-bar venue with floor-ceiling windows and comfortable seating), Library (reading lounge), Lecture Theatre (24-hour open Auditorium serving cruise company's enrichment program with daily scheduled activities, including port talks, discussions, media presentations), aft-located Dining Room Restaurant (with floor-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining / weather permitting).

Explorer Lounge doubles as multi-purpose room hosting special events (anniversaries, birthdays, group and private meetings, etc). Fresh-baked cookies and pastries are offered in the afternoons. Hot and cold snacks are available during the evening cocktail hour (activities permitting) and special occasion events. Lounge's Bar is staffed by a professional bartender serving a selection of liquors, spirits, premium beers, wines and champagnes (by the glass). Complimentary beverages include soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, tea.

Polar Library is well stocked with books and popular board games. The Library is open 24 hours. Its collection includes books in various languages and themed on wildlife, history, marine biology, geology, ecology, also field guides, picture- and reference books.

Polar Boutique is ship's gift shop selling travel essentials and souvenirs, as well as a selection of expedition gear (clothing, waterproof pants, gloves, hats). Shop's opening hours are based on the daily scheduled cruise activities.

In the Lobby area is ship's Reception (Guest Services Desk) served by dedicated staff that assists passengers with information, purchasing PIN cards (Internet/email access, phone cards), arranging wake-up calls. The Reception also doubles as Cashier's Office for setting shipboard accounts and making payments of these accounts towards the end of the cruise. Also on Lobby Deck are the ship's two entrance areas (portside and starboard) used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation in ports of call where pier/quay/wharf is available for docking.

Wellness facilities include an outdoor jogging track (on top-deck), small gym, Sauna Room, Spa (room for massages, showers, changing / locker rooms), Hairdresser. On Sun Deck is the outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by a sunbathing area with loungers. The pool has a kids (shallow) area separated from the deeper saltwater plunge pool. The ship doesn't provide lifeguard on duty. On top-deck (aft) is a Helideck - helipad used in cases of emergencies.

As complimentary shoreside activities are offered camping, seakayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac boat tours.

Cruise itineraries

When chartered by Nicko Cruises, the ship operates on cruises in Europe (Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Coastal, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Fjords), also to Iceland and Greenland.

• The inaugural Nicko cruise was a 7-day itinerary (May 2-9, 2019) from Oporto Portugal to Palma (Majorca Island, Spain). prior to May 2019, the ship offered 2 repositioning voyages between Europe and South America, but they were available for booking also by other operators and travel agencies.
• In the Western Mediterranean (southern Europe), for Nicko the ship had scheduled all 4 itineraries, then was relocated to Northern Europe for 2 Norwegian Fjords cruises (13-day itineraries).
• In July 2019 followed two 12-day 'Baltic Capitals' roundtrips from Kiel Germany, followed by one 8-day Iceland cruise from Kiel and two 14-day Kiel roundtrips to Iceland and Greenland. For September were scheduled two roundtrips from Hamburg Germany (7-day, and 5-day), followed by a 13-day relocation itinerary Hamburg-Oporto and the Europe-South Amerca Transatlantic repositioning crossing (October 4) from Lisbon Portugal to Rio de Janeiro Brazil.

When chartered by Quark Expeditions, the ship World Explorer cruises on polar itineraries (to ports and destinations in the Arctic and Antarctica).

In 2021, Quark Expeditions has planned two 'Antarctic eclipse voyages' during which our Moon will completely block the Sun to produce the solar corona phenomenon. The Earth's total solar eclipses happen approx every 400 years. The Antarctic solar eclipse will occur on December 4, 2021, in Weddell Sea.

• Quark Expeditions 'Antarctic Solar Eclipse 2021' voyages are offered on 2 ships - World Explorer (17-day itinerary, November 26 - December 12) and Ocean Diamond (20-day itinerary, November 25 - December 14). Prices start from USD 17,000 pp.
• Both cruises will feature as special guests Fred Espenak (US astrophysicist), Babak Amin Tafreshi (National Geographic photographer) and David Baron (author of the book 'American Eclipse' themed on the solar eclipse that occurred on July 29, 1878).

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day prior departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
• all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - know that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
• complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24 / 7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• all onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit USD 100,000 pp

Fly-cruise deals are inclusive of complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, also of all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (prior to embarkation). Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.

World Explorer - user reviews and comments

World Explorer ship related cruise news

• Quark Expeditions' World Explorer is the first to dock at Mykonos Island, Greece after 6 months

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• Rio Expects 80,000 Cruisers for New Year’s Eve

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• Quark Expeditions Launches 2 New Eclipse Voyages

  On November 24, 2003, Quark Expeditions became the first and only operator to lead a total solar eclipse cruise in Antarctica. On Monday...

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• VIDEO: Hamburg Cruise Days 2019

  Over 0,5 million tourists visited over the weekend Germany for the 7th Hamburg Cruise Days. With a record number of 12 participating cruise...

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• Carla Bruni Names World Explorer in Viana do Castelo

  The former first lady of France, singer, songwriter, and supermodel Carla Bruni officially christened Mystic Cruises' World Explorer ship at...

  April 9, 2019
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• Port of Kiel Begins Cruise Season 2019

  The call by AIDAcara on Sunday, April 7, marks the beginning of cruise season 2019 in the port of Kiel. The cruise port is currently investing...

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• Nicko Cruises Releases 'Sea Travel 2020'

  Nicko Cruises released its second high sea catalog 'Sea Travel 2020'. Starting in the 2020 season, the ocean-going World Voyager ship will also be in...

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Other Quark Expeditions cruise ships

• Quark Ultramarine

World Explorer Wiki

All Mystic Invest newbuilds as investments were backed by ICBC Leasing - part of ICBC Ltd (Chinese multinational bank, ranked world's largest by assets, deposits, loans, customers and employees). The shipbuilding financing was supported by Portuguese banks (during construction) and ICBCL Leasing funding (following delivery) through sale and charter-back of the vessel, with an obligation to repurchase it on maturity. Mystic Invest intends to build a 10-ship fleet of the same design.

In August 2017 were completed design's tank tests. The testing water tank and ship model were conducted by the Wageningen-based MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands). On September 8, 2017, was vessel's steel-cutting ceremony held at WestSEA shipyard (Viana do Castelo, Portugal). The ship (hull number C010) is first in a series of polar expedition cruise vessels constructed for Mystic Cruises, with planned seasonal charter operations by Quark Expeditions.

In 2018 (February 20 through March 1), Nicko Tours scheduled a total of 10 roadshows in Germany to promote company's new 'ocean cruising' business. Each of the shows started with a casual get-together and buffet with finger food, followed by presentation of the vessel and its Nicko cruise itineraries. Then travel agents enjoyed full meals and gourmet desserts.

Vessel's launch (float-out from drydock) was on October 28, 2018. The christening ceremony was on April 6, 2019, held at West Sea's Viana Shipyard. Ship's Captains are Aleks Zakalashnyuk (Russian), Filipe Sousa (Portuguese) and Terje Willassen (Norwegian).

Ship's godmother is Carla Bruni Sarkozy - 1967-born (as Tedeschi) Italian-French singer and supermodel, who in 2008 married France's President Nicolas Sarkozy. The naming ceremony featured a Methuselah of Henri Blin Champagne (traditionally crashed against the hull) and several performances by the godmother, some in duet with Pedro Abrunhosa (1960-born Portuguese singer and songwriter).

World Explorer ship technology

Ship design was developed by Leadship Ltd (Piraeus Greece-based company) owned by Italian naval Architects Giuseppe Tringali and Mirco Zoia. It features an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1B), top-notch automation and control system, modern propulsion (based on electrical pods / azimuthing thrusters), dynamic positioning system (using GPS data to accurately maintain ship's position without anchoring), advanced water treatment system, hybrid powerplant (diesel-electric) with efficient marine engines (two Rolls-Royce engines running on ULSD / ultra-low-sulfur diesel).

The Rolls-Royce powerplant costs GBP 7 million (EUR 7,75 million / USD 8,9 million) and includes two main engines (Bergen C25-33L8P) and one auxiliary dual-fuel genset (Bergen C25-33L6P). The engines are connected to ship's electric power system (Rolls-Royce SAVe CUBE) allowing them to operate efficiently at variable speeds. Rolls-Royce Promas propulsion is an integrated propeller-rudder system to optimize hydrodynamic efficiency. Promas includes two controllable pitch propellers integrated with two flap rudders, steering gears and tunnel thrusters.

Vessel's draft is only 15 ft (4,7 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship has all 2 lifeboats (full-capacity) which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet). Landings (passenger transportation) and coastal exploration voyages are served by ship's own fleet of ten Zodiacs (motorized boats stored aft on Deck 7) and 2 loading stations.

World Explorer's shipbuilder WestSEA is owned by Martifer Group via the subsidiary Martifer SGPS. This is a family-owned holding company founded in 1990 (by the brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins), headquartered in Oliveira de Frades (Portugal) and Euronext Lisbon (stock exchange) listed since 2007. Martifer Group has over 3000 employees and specializes in metal construction and (since 2004) in renewable energy (wind and solar energy equipment production). Martifer Group is one of Europe's largest metal construction companies, with subsidiaries in Spain, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil and Angola.

After a drydock retrofitting project (planned for early-2020), World Explorer will become the world's first-ever cruise ship fitted with hydrojet propulsion (technology initially developed for military vessels). The ship will be upgraded with two SPJ Pump Jets by SCHOTTEL (model SPJ 82) allowing silent navigation at 5 knots speed (9 kph). This is a propulsion system upgrade (alternative propulsion units) as the hydrojets are used only in destinations with specific marine life. Both hydrojets pump water to propel the ship and similarly to the in-hull mounted Azipods (underwater azimuthing thrusters) can rotate 360 degrees. They also allow dynamic positioning (via GPS) to stabilize / fix the vessel without using propellers or anchors. Hydrojet propulsion units were installed on the sisterships World Voyager (2020) and World Navigator (2021) during their construction.

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2019

For summer 2019, the ship was chartered by the German river cruisetour company Nicko Cruises (subsidiary of Mystic Cruises), offering two 14-day voyages to Antarctica. Next are listed vessel's inaugural itineraries as call ports and times (arrival/departure).

16-day Maiden Voyage (South America)

18-day Transatlantic repositioning cruise (South America to Europe)

7-day repositioning (Oporto to Mallorca)

9-day inaugural Mediterranean cruise (prices from USD 3770 pp)

World Explorer Membership

12-day repositioning (Mediterranean to Baltic cruise) - prices from USD 4200 pp

12-day inaugural Norwegian Fjords cruise (prices from USD 4400 pp)

Abandoned World Explorer

13-day inaugural Iceland cruise (prices from USD 5000 pp)

Godspeed to the new ship!

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