'Greg Mortimer' bow area, photo by Peter Szyszka.

Combining the X-BOW® with a view

The ULSTEIN series of cruise vessels combines the offshore tough with a luxury touch. The implementation of the X-BOW® feature, firstly used on numerous offshore vessels, contributes to a more comfortable journey in any weather. The passengers get close to nature whilst protected, on an extraordinary vessel.

Published
18 February 2020
Share

An X-BOW® cruise vessel is standing out from the ordinary, with its modern and stylistic design. With its extra volume, the X-BOW® shape opens up to unrestricted playfulness in the bow. Exciting recreational opportunities can be fitted into the spacious areas, an opportunity for the owner to add a little extra spice and sugar. Wide views from the spacious lounges secure spectacular sights and a feeling of being a part of nature, while comfortably protected.

The ice lounge on the 'Endurance'. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions.

The possibility for underwater lounges add to the thrill. Explorer wings can be implemented in the ship's sides, to bring passengers close to the water and close to the nature.

In addition to the X-BOW, there are multiple observation decks and also observation wings for the passengers to get views from an angle outside the ship’s side. Photo: Aurora Expedions.


 

Look straight down to the dolphins' ride

Passengers on cruise ships with a standard bow need to lean over the side of the ship, and look backwards down towards the waterline. On a vessel with an X-BOW®, the passengers have a whole new way of viewing wildlife in the sea, as they are now enabled to look straight down into the water. The dolphins enjoy to ride the bow wave of the ship, and on an X-BOW® vessel there is much space in the fore part of the ship for passengers to look straight down to the waterline in front and see how the vessel ventures through the water. This is a great observation spot to watch dolphins.

Sleeping quality adds to safety
No one can command the weather conditions, but the master of an X-BOW vessel has a benefit when meeting the waves in head sea. When thrusting through the water, the vessel moves gently with less slamming or vibrations. A zero speed retractable stabiliser adds to the comfort effect. The passengers get their rest, as do the crew members. Efficient rest also has an effect on safety.

Tough, safe and responsible
The modern X-BOW cruise vessel is based on decades of offshore experience. With low speed loss and no slamming in the bow, even in big waves, the ship is less weather-dependent, and does not have to reduce speed in head seas. With a more predictable speed, the uncertainty in keeping schedule margins are reduced. The vessel can operate safely, quickly and efficiently even in adverse conditions, and there will be shorter time spent transiting through the harshest sea areas.

Heading forward in adverse Antarctic weather

Our ship solutions lead to reduced emissions to air and sea. Our cruise ships can be adjusted to any type of fuel, including batteries or hybrid systems. Effective engines and propulsion systems, low energy consumption and high fuel efficiency add to our vessels' sustainability.

Day-and-night experience
The ships interior layouts are designed according to the owner's specifications, to give the passengers an unforgettable experience. The ships can offer facilities for entertainment, recreation and relaxation, such as spa areas with saunas, pools and massage, infinity pools and Jacuzzis, exercise areas, cinema and theatre, marine activities, dining and bars. The ULSTEIN cooperation with acknowledged and experienced cruise interior designers ensures a top-quality, luxurious touch, all according to the owner's preferences.

Bar and observation area at Greg Mortimer


Logistics adds to customer experience
Passengers do not want to spend unnecessary time queueing and waiting when going on excursions. ULSTEIN has elaborated efficient and functional excursion logistics with safe and easy embarkations and disembarkations of tender boats, kayaks and other crafts and equipment.

Tender boats Greg Mortimer photo Franz Wusits


Vessel details
The ULSTEIN cruise ships can be designed for expedition cruises or destination travels. The low-PAX vessels can accommodate approx. 100-175 passengers (length 100m, beam 18m), while the largest vessels can take approx. 350-800 passengers, or more (length 180m, beam 24m). All suites and cabins have ocean views.

Cabin on the NG Endurance Illustration Lindblad Expeditions

The ships can be designed to operate in any kind of conditions in all parts of the world, from Polar areas to tropical climates. We keep close cooperation with authorities in the early stages of the design development. Our vessels comply with all classifications, regulations and requirements.
 

From the first idea to turn-key delivery
ULSTEIN is a group of expert companies in ship construction, ship design, solutions and marine systems. We follow the complete project, from first ideas and sketches, through design and engineering, further to construction, testing and finishing. A complete package of the latest-version drawings and manuals will be handed over at delivery.

Related news

Lars Ståle Skoge DSC4468 comp bw

Lars Ståle Skoge

Commercial Director

Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS