Ocean Diamond

The 1974-built (and 2024-scrapped) MV Ocean Diamond was formerly owned by SunStone Ships (as “Diamond XI”) and chartered to the Copenhagen-based Albatros Travel, a company specializing in polar expedition cruises. Quark Expeditions (USA-based) also operated the vessel under a long-term time charter.

As an expedition ship, Ocean Diamond featured an ice-strengthened hull and stabilizers, and accommodated a maximum of 189 passengers.

The vessel (IMO number 7325629) was last Portugal-flagged (MMSI 255806403) and registered in Madeira. Earlier in her career she was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311063900, Nassau) and before that France-flagged (MMSI 578101000, Wallis and Futuna).

Renamed DIAMOND XI and re-registered as an accommodation vessel, Ocean Diamond’s AIS signal was last received on August 25, 2024, at 19:07 UTC, showing the 50-year-old ship beached for scrapping at Aliaga, Turkey.

History – construction and ownership

The vessel’s previous owner, Compagnie du Ponant, sold her in late 2011 to private investors. In November 2012, she was chartered by Quark Expeditions and renamed “Ocean Diamond”. Quark (founded 1991) specializes in expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic using ice-strengthened ships. The company became part of TUI Travel (UK) in 2007 and, since 2016, has been owned by Travelopia Group Holdings Ltd (UK).

In April 2024, Bridgemans Services Group LP (founded 2013, Richmond BC, Canada) purchased the vessel from SunStone Ships Inc (founded 1990, Miami FL). Following the acquisition, the 40-year-old ship (Diamond XI) was converted into a floatel (floating hotel).

According to Brian Grange (President, Bridgemans Group), the vessel was ideal for projects requiring premium accommodation capacity (up to 350 beds). The company intended to charter her to clients involved in large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, providing supplemental workforce housing.

Bridgemans Floatels operates a fleet of converted cruise ships adapted for hotel service. These vessels offer modern staterooms, extensive onboard amenities and flexible workspaces, including meeting rooms, conference facilities, private offices, auditoriums for training events, large storage areas (car deck) and a helideck with direct access to the Infirmary.

The company also maintains a dedicated division specializing in ship conversions and refits.

Ocean Diamond’s new fleetmate became the former Tallink Isabelle ferry (now Isabelle X).

Bridgemans’ 2024 refurbishment (completed March 2024 at Gibdock Shipyard, Gibraltar UK) included renovating the Dining Room, constructing a 200-seat Auditorium, and creating a gym and business office area equipped with 45 workstations.

Shipboard facilities

As one of Antarctica’s most eco-efficient and fastest expedition ships, Ocean Diamond also ranked among the most comfortable in her class. All 101 cabins and suites featured exterior views. Public spaces included a spacious restaurant, a club lounge and several large common areas.

Adventure offerings included Zodiac cruising and landings, snowshoeing and hiking (included in fares), while kayaking was available at a surcharge. The ship offered enrichment programming with photography instructors, yoga sessions, aromatherapy and massage therapy. Guests could unwind in the polar library stocked with books and DVDs.

The vessel’s shallow draft (16 ft / 4.9 m) enabled access to remote islands and coastal sites. Propulsion was provided by two WICHMANN marine diesel engines (combined output 7375 HP). The hull had ice class 1D. The ship carried two fully enclosed lifeboats and an additional tender on stern davits. Ship-to-shore communication relied on Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

Ocean Diamond also supported the “Expert in Residence” program, which allowed polar researchers, historians, scientists and other specialists to conduct fieldwork onboard, with guest participation. Expedition jackets and rubber boots were provided for all landings.

Itineraries

Ocean Diamond operated primarily in Antarctica, focusing on the Antarctic Peninsula. Voyages also visited South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Antarctic departures were from Ushuaia, Argentina, with optional fly-cruise packages from Buenos Aires.

During the Northern Hemisphere summer, the ship was deployed in Europe (primarily Iceland), with roundtrip cruises from Reykjavik. These seasonal charters began in 2015 under Iceland ProCruises (operated by Iceland ProTravel). In 2018, a new 7-day program targeting the USA–Canada market was introduced. Most itineraries were 9+ days and included destinations in Iceland and Greenland.

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise fares included:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay and group transfers (airport–hotel the day prior, hotel–ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner; kosher meals unavailable)
• daily Zodiac landings, cruising and transfers (weather permitting)
• presentations by Expedition Team members and guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots for shore use
• complimentary Quark Expeditions parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• 24/7 complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa
• hairdryer and bathrobe (all cabins)
• pre-departure information and maps
• all port fees and service taxes
• onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance up to USD 100,000 per person
• Fly-cruise voyages included complimentary wines (by the glass), beers, spirits, all gratuities and all domestic flights before embarkation.
• Laundry and ironing services were available at additional cost.
• Ship-to-shore communication services (Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77) were available at extra charge.