June 11 (SeeNews) - Croatian shipbuilder Brodosplit said it launched to sea the world's first Polar Class 6 cruise vessel on Saturday.
The ship, which will carry 196 passengers in 85 hotel standard cabins, was built for client Oceanwide Expedition, Brodosplit said in a statement.
It is 107.6 meters long and 17.6 meters wide. Its two main engines with a total output of 4260 kW will provide a speed of 15 knots.
The ship is being built under a new financing model - for the company's own fleet but also for long-term lease, Brodosplit explained.
"I am very pleased with the quality of the boat, which is already quite equipped, with built-in drive and numerous equipment for the accommodation of passengers and crew", Wijnand van Gessel, owner of Oceanwide Expeditions, said in the statement.
He added that the ship will welcome its first passengers in June next year.
The ship will not be berthed to enter the next phase, the outfitting, Oceanwide Expeditions said on its Facebook page also over the weekend.
"We are all thrilled on how she looks and can't wait to get her out for seatrails", the company added.
Brodosplit is owned by Brodogradjevna Industrija Split. Some 80% of its output is built for foreign buyers.