Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, held a coin ceremony on Monday for Seabourn Encore cruise ship, being built for small ship cruise line Seabourn.
During a coin ceremony two commemorative gold coins are welded to the ship’s mast.
“The coin ceremony represents not only another momentous milestone in the construction of our beautiful new ship, but also an important step in the evolution of our fleet and our leadership in the ultra-luxury cruise category,” said Seabourn President Richard Meadows .
“ With less than a year until the launch of Seabourn Encore, we look forward to more exciting milestones in the coming months.”
The keel for the ship was laid in September 2015.
The ship will expand and build on the Odyssey-class ships. The 40,350-GRT ship will be configured with one additional deck and new expanded public areas, and is expected to carry just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite will feature a private veranda.
Seabourn Encore is set to begin sailing in December 2016.
A sister ship, Seabourn Ovation, will join the fleet in 2018, and, with the addition of the two new ships, Seabourn claims it would have the youngest ultra-luxury fleet in the industry.
Fincantieri has built 70 cruise ships since 1990 and other 14 ships are currently being designed or built in the group’s yards.