The Miami-based expedition cruise shipowner and tonnage provider SunStone Ships Inc published details about its projected Boundless class of up to 10 newbuilds.
Designed by SunStone with naval architecture completed by naval architects OSK (Denmark), the Boundless Class boats will carry between 200-260 passengers, will have a distinct inverted bow, as well as best-in-class energy consumption/environmental commitments, the company revealed in a statement.
SunStone said that the elegant and luxurious interior would be designed by "Steen Friis, Denmark, Tillberg Design USA, or designers of the charterer’s choice and built/installed by European interior contractors." All technical equipment will be delivered by well-known European suppliers.
The shipowner said in a statement:
"Generally, the expedition cruise segment is known for its strict requirements in terms of passenger safety standards and environmental considerations, as remote locations with untouched nature are the core of the product being offered. This means ever-increasing regulations on operators, from local authorities and various international governing bodies, to improve safety and fuel efficiency, as well as other environmental considerations. In addition to the legal requirements put forth by the authorities, passengers increasingly expect operators to reduce their environmental footprint while providing a better and more luxurious onboard experience."
Even given those high standards and a competitive market dynamic, the Boundless series is due to exceed industry expectations with best-in-class technology. Its features include Safe Return To Port, Polar Class (PC6), and IMO Tier III engines.
Delivery of the first Boundless ship is expected to be in 2025-Q3, the company revealed.
So far, the shipbuilder China Merchants Group has constructed a total of six 8200-GT-ton INFINITY-class vessels for SunStone and the 7th unit (Ocean Discoverer) was scheduled for delivery in 2023. However, it will not be built.