Sleek and streamlined, the new steel hull destined to become the ultra-luxury cruising yacht Seabourn Odyssey arrived at T.Mariotti’s quay in Genoa, Italy, on May 27. The hull, built in San Giorgio di Nogaro in the Gulf of Venice, was towed southward through the Adriatic, around the heel and up the coast of Italy to the T.Mariotti shipyard, where blocks of the yacht’s superstructure have been under construction while the hull was being completed.  Final construction and fitting out of the vessel will be performed over the next year in time for the vessel’s launch in June 2009.

The arrival of the hull marks a major milestone toward delivery of three intimate cruise vessels from T.Mariotti S.p.A. for Seabourn, the ultra-luxury brand of Miami-based Carnival Corporation & PLC.  The €200 million Seabourn Odyssey will be the cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury addition in six years. A maximum of 450 guests will travel on board, in luxurious all-suite accommodations measuring from 290 to over 1,600 square feet, over 90 percent with private verandas. The cruising yacht will offer guests five dining alternatives, five lounges and bars, an expansive pool and sunbathing area, and a spectacular two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility with more than 11,400 square feet to go around.  Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden season will include voyages from the grand cities and romantic isles of the Mediterranean to the waters of the Caribbean, before embarking on Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January 2010.

“The arrival of the hull marks a significant step toward this luxury vessel’s debut,” said Pamela C. Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn.  “Just looking at the graceful curve of her waterline gives a hint of what’s in store for luxury cruise lovers come next summer, and we are looking forward to welcoming guests on board Seabourn’s exciting new yacht.”