Kloster Cruise has confirmed that it has contracted two new 1,200-passenger ships at Alstrom Chantiers de l’Atlantique (reported in CIN on May 2) at a total cost of about $440 million, pending acceptable financial support by the French government. In addition, company sources has also confirmed that Kloster is negotiating a third smaller ship with Seebeckwerft. That contract is valued at $80 million.

Seebeckwerft has built both of Seabourn Cruise Line’s two vessels and it has been rumored that the yard has begun construction on a third vessel after Seabourn cancelled its option. Sources also indicate that Kloster Cruise is interested in Seabourn; Kloster executives would not confirm nor disclaim such reports. The two ultra luxurious, 212-passenger Seabourn vessels were built at a cost of about $45 million each in 1988 and 1989. In 1986, Kloster Cruise was close to acquiring Sea Goddess Cruises and its two vessels.