NEW ALBANY, IN — Victory Cruise Lines has announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet in 2023.
The new Ocean Discoverer, currently under construction, will join Ocean Victory in Alaska in 2023. Victory Cruise Lines, operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, will take delivery of the ship in September 2022.
Ocean Discoverer will make its debut with the Discover Beyond Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries, which are currently available for booking on board the Ocean Victory.
“We are pleased to welcome our second Alaska-bound expedition ship and expand our Victory Cruise Line experiences,” says John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company.
“Following the success of our inaugural season on the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes and coastal New England, we are excited to continue that momentum with the new Ocean Discoverer and look forward to showcasing the very best of expedition cruising in Alaska.”
As part of Sunstone Ships’ INFINITY-class of expedition ships, the Ocean Discoverer was designed for in-depth destination access and exploration, while promoting responsible and sustainable travel, he adds.
Passengers will enjoy immersive shore excursions led by expert marine biologists, scientists and naturalists throughout the 12- to 13-day expedition voyages, along with top-line accommodation and amenities.
The 8,500-ton, 200-passenger Ocean Discoverer will be identical to the Ocean Victory with 93 suites, including 68 with balconies, nine French balconies and 16 panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 with a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio.
Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, observation and lectures lounges, piano bar, library, gym, spa, swimming pool with a pool bar and jacuzzi.
Once complete, Ocean Discoverer will share the same design, technology and operating efficiencies as the Ocean Victory.
Signature elements include a patented X-bow design which the cruise line says makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride to lower noise and vibration levels and consequently seabed disturbance; Rolls Royce Zero Speed Stabilizers to reduce rolling; and Dynamic Positioning (aka ‘virtual anchoring’) – a computer-controlled system that automatically maintains the vessel’s position utilizing its own propellers and thrusters.
The smaller size and low draw of Ocean Discoverer also allows it to dock in many of Alaska’s smaller ports not accessible to larger cruise ships.
Ocean Discoverer will also take advantage of Victory Cruise Lines’ partnership with the Department of Marine Biology at California Polytechnic State University to feature marine biologists, scientists and naturalists among the ship’s expedition team. And thanks to the vessel’s fleet of zodiacs and kayaks, guests get endless opportunities for active and responsible adventure and up-close wildlife viewing.
Bookings for Ocean Victory Alaska are currently available. See victorycruiselines.com/ovalaska. Bookings for Ocean Discoverer will be announced at a later date.
