The cruise market is showing strong and continuous growth and the cruise operators are in search for new concepts and bigger ships that can offer more spectacular experience for the passenger. The actual value and performance of a cruise ship is determined by its design, onboard facilities and entertainment, as well as technical performance in terms of seaworthiness, environmental performance, and safety. Currently the Asian market makes out only 4.2 percent of the world cruise market; it is believed that this market has potential for growing much faster than other markets and that this may only be achieved by introducing a new type of mega cruise ship. The proposed concept consists of a wide, catamaran type ship with two sleek, wave-piercing hulls. The overall length is 350 m and the total width is 70 m. There are two separate superstructures facilitating more than two thousand passenger cabins, all with exterior balconies. There is also extensive exterior deck space; in particular on the deck between the two superstructures. The twin hull design implies good stability and seaworthiness; however, the deck connecting the two hulls will be exposed to extreme forces in severe weather; in particular, the warping forces on the twin hull represent a formidable challenge. To this end a ship-wide, cellular deck structure is devised for strength and stiffness; at the same time the interior of this large deck structure offers significant interior space for multiple usages. The ship also features many other new solutions such as hidden and protected space for life and service boats, and a possibility for use of a spectacular, large kite as well as wind foils for supplementary propulsion.
展开▼
