Ocean Victory
The 104.4m-long ULSTEIN X-BOW® vessel accommodates 185 guests in 93 suites, 68 with balconies, nine with French balconies, and 16 with panoramic windows. The vessel has been chartered to Albatros Expeditions (now Polar Latitudes Expeditions) for Antarctica journeys and to Alma Cruceros for Mediterranean cruises.
Primary specifications as built
Additional Data
Ship history
The U.S.-based SunStone Ships ordered a series of Ulstein-designed ULSTEIN X-BOW® expedition cruise vessels for construction at the CMHI yard in China. These ships have Ulstein's patented X-BOW design, zero-speed stabilisers and dynamic positioning, and are built to Polar Code B, with Polar Class 6 (Ice Class 1A on machinery). All the vessels in this series have Tier III engines with SCR catalysts to reduce emissions. They run on low-sulphur Marine Gas Oil (MGO), have heat recovery systems and LED lights. On top of this is the wastewater treatment and management system, which cleans the wastewater before discharging it.
After the sea trial, the ship owner announced that the vessel delivers the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per passenger in the industry: "First of all, 'Ocean Victory' has Tier III compliant engines that limit the amount of nitrous oxides. Secondly, we only burn marine gas oil, which emits less CO2 per ton burned compared to a heavier bunker fuel. Thirdly, the patented and revolutionary X-BOW is fantastically efficient, especially with surf and in rougher seas. And lastly, 'Ocean Victory' has a fully optimised compact design, providing comfortable space for 185 guests in only 104 metres length and just over 8,000 gross tonnage". According to Albatros Travel Group owner and founder, Søren Rasmussen, the ship uses 60% less energy. 'We look forward to the day when we can replace the last 40% with sustainable fuel,' he commented.
Ulstein's designers commented on the owner's statements:
"We have developed a vessel where the hull has been optimised for low fuel consumption with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis. In addition, we have implemented the X-BOW hull line design, a solution first introduced to the offshore segment and, more recently, to the cruise industry. In addition to fuel savings, the X-BOW softens the movements in head seas, reducing slamming and vibrations, and increases the comfort and rest for passengers and crews," says Lead Naval Architect Torill Muren, who has been first-hand in experiencing the movements across the Drake Passage as an invitee on the Antarctica inaugural trip for the world's first X-BOW cruise vessel, 'Greg Mortimer', in 2019.
Although 'Ocean Victory' is a sister vessel to 'Greg Mortimer', she differs in several ways, reflecting the design's flexibility. 'Ocean Victory' has 93 staterooms, all with ocean view and 90 per cent with their own balcony, and an infinity pool on the aft deck. Two observation platforms have replaced the bridge wings. There are several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatros Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities.
Read the captain's story: 'The perfect balance'
Milestones
2019, 12 Mar: Steel cutting ceremony
2020, 16 Mar: Launching
2021, early Feb: Sea trial
2021, 12 Oct: Delivery
Ship history
2021, 3 December. 'Ocean Victory' was named in South Georgia. The vessel was chartered to Albatros Expeditions for Antarctica journeys.
2025, October: Albatros Expeditions and Polar Latitudes have joined forces to form Polar Latitudes Expeditions, combining their strengths to offer an enhanced polar travel experience.