Seabourn new-ship shocker: two ships ordered

Seabourn Cruise Line, the luxury cruise member of the Carnival Corporation family of cruise lines, has ordered two new passenger ships to be delivered in spring of 2009 and 2010.

This news surprised even industry insiders, since the ultra-luxury market hasn't been seen as a growth segment. But, given that backer Carnival Corporation doesn't dig into its wallet unless there's a very good reason, we now have proof that the luxury-segment rebound is alive and well.

The new ships will each accommodate 450 passengers in 225 suites, 90% of which will have private verandahs. The still-unnamed vessels will have triple the space, but just double the passenger capacity of Seabourn's existing ships, giving the liners the relaxed, personal feel of an oversized yacht.

The new ships' design specifications call for a 650-foot long hull, a beam of 84 feet, and a draft of 21 feet. They will be powered by diesel-generated electricity and twin screw propellers. The ships will also be "green ships," employing advanced wastewater treatment technology.

Seabourn Cruise Line currently operates three 208-passenger, all-suite luxury ships. They are known for their elegant, service-oriented ships and their unusual and diverse ports of call.