The CX111 design for an Ulstein Expedition Cruise Ship.

Why should Ulstein be your preferred partner in expedition cruise designs?

Here are our top reasons why: Scandinavian design. Vessels with excellent seakeeping capabilities and innovative, fuel-efficient hull solutions. A guest favourite. More than 100 years of experience in high-quality shipbuilding and punctual ship deliveries.

Published
05 March 2018
Updated
25 February 2026
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An ULSTEIN CX136 with tender vessels.

Ulstein delivers award-winning vessels that embody Norwegian quality design and standards, and the innovative X-BOW® hull shape increases on-board comfort. We have a solid, more than 100-year experience in shipbuilding, and are renowned for punctual deliveries of high-quality vessels at the agreed price.

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1. HIGH-QUALITY DELIVERIES

Our innovative designs, finishing quality and delivery date to place trust in are great benefits to the ship owner. The 'Ulstein quality' and our reputation for delivering sophisticated, high-quality vessels are renowned. All our vessels comply with international class regulations and rules.

2. KEEPING OPERATIONAL SCHEDULE

The high operational reliability adds extra value to our vessels. The X-BOW shape eliminates slamming and bow impact. The vessels can operate safely, quickly and efficiently even in adverse conditions. The uncertainty in keeping schedule margins is reduced.

3. A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE RIDE

The hull shape reduces vibrations and noise caused by the sea, and there will be no sea spray on deck. The calmer movements ensure a comfortable journey and undisturbed sleep for guests and crews. The absence of sea spray reduces the risk of slippery or icy decks.

4. A DELIVERY DATE TO PLACE TRUST IN

Every day lost in delivery time is money lost. Few yards can compete with Ulstein Verft in on-time deliveries. We take pride in our work and can handle demanding building projects. We measure our own performance by the quality of our execution and the vessel's long-term performance.

5. THREE GENERATIONS OF KNOW-HOW

The family-owned Ulstein Group is a long-term, stable partner, headed by the third generation. Since 1917, we have built and developed ships that are safe, comfortable and endurable. Ships designed by Ulstein have cruised the world's oceans for decades. 
The head office is based on the north-west coast of Norway, in the midst of a strong maritime cluster. Our reference vessels count several hundred, of which more than 300 have been built at our own yard. Our ship designs have also been built at numerous yards on most continents.

6. DELIVERY AT AGREED PRICE

Project management at Ulstein begins when the first idea for a newbuild arises and continues until the vessel is completed and delivered at the agreed price and quality. 

As one of our customers put it: "Norway is rumoured to be expensive. However, considering the close dialogue through the design and shipbuilding process, on-time delivery and a reduced need for service and repairs after delivery, the price tag a few months after delivery is comparable to anywhere else."

7. SITE PRESENCE AND SUPERVISION

Our strength is that we have design, engineering and production in our group of companies. Therefore, we can offer proven project management processes together with a high level of integration and flexibility.
 

We support shipbuilding projects around the world. This can include equipment and design packages, commissioning, technical documentation, sea-trial assistance, and performance calculations.

We facilitate the project process and can be there all the way from project start-up to vessel delivery.

8. CLASSY STYLISH OR HYPERMODERN OUT-OF-THE BOX DESIGNS

As a ship designer and experienced shipbuilder, we have won numerous awards for our innovative solutions, modern designs, and impeccable quality.
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The ship's interior layout is designed according to the owner's specifications. Ulstein's collaboration with renowned cruise interior designers ensures a top-quality, luxurious touch.

As for the exterior, our innovative X-BOW design is a bow design out of the ordinary for the individualist mind, while we also design vessels for the classy line admirer (below).

A C113 classic line expedition cruise ship by Ulstein in the Geiranger fjord, zodiacs on the water.

Why are vessels with the X-BOW more efficient?

The X‑BOW reduces slamming and energy loss by means of an optimised volume distribution, delivering smoother motions and improved crew comfort. Its performance remains consistent across varying draughts and speeds, unlike conventional flared bows that are optimised for a limited operating range.

Get in touch

Runar Muren DSC4429 comp bw

Runar Muren

Description
Managing Director
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
Øyvind Kamsvåg DSC4257 comp bw

Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg

Description
Chief Designer
Affiliation
Ulstein International AS
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Torill Muren

Description
Lead Naval Architect
Affiliation
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS

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