U-Boat Worx has announced that their Cruise Sub 7 submarines have completed more than 1,000 Antarctic submarine dives in a single season, thereby granting thousands of guests an unparalleled underwater view into one of the world's most remote and pristine destinations.

Viking Octantis In Antarctica 

Every dive into the cold Antarctic waters provides an opportunity for new discoveries. Recently a giant phantom jellyfish was spotted three times from Viking Octantis’ yellow submarines. According to National Geographic, since first being described in 1910 there have only been around 126 confirmed encounters with the rare giant phantom jellyfish "scyphozoan Stygiomedusa gigantea".


Cruise Sub 7

The Cruise Subs were aboard cruise ships operated by different owners. Scenic’s submarine was first introduced on the Scenic Eclipse back in 2020. Viking Expedition cruises followed soon after with their Viking Octantis; and not much later, Seabourn Venture embarked upon her maiden voyage.


Cruise Sub 7

Scenic, Seabourn, and Viking's submarines are U-Boat Worx' Cruise Sub 7 model – state-of-the-art submersibles that can dive to 300 meters below the surface. The Cruise Sub 7 is built for optimal comfort and safety. It has large acrylic windows that provide 360-degree views of the underwater world, and seats specially designed to maximize legroom and headroom for guests. 


Viking Octantis In Antarctica

Being battery-powered, the sub emits no pollutants, making it an environmentally friendly way for passengers to explore the depths of the Southern Ocean. Each sub is equipped with powerful external lights to illuminate the sea floor.

Credits: Boris van Kemenade/U-Boat Worx

Latest News

Heesen Announces Sale of 55m Steel Project Venus
Heesen Yachts has announced the sale of the 55-meter Steel YN 20655, also known as Project Venus. The client, a seasoned yacht connoisseur and former Heesen customer, is represented by Rupert Connor from Luxury Yachts. Connor noted, "Our client chose to return to Heesen due to their unwavering commitment to quality and their ability to meet our exacting standards. Heesen’s revised 55m platform offers a superior layout and engineering framework. The ability to sign for a yacht in June and have it delivered in ten months, customized to our needs, is unparalleled in the industry. Our entire build support team is enthusiastic about working with Heesen again."Project Venus, currently under construction, is scheduled for launch in January 2025. As part of Heesen's speculative program, this project allows clients to acquire a high-end vessel with reduced delivery times without compromising on quality.The yacht’s interior design is being customized by Silvia Margutti of Luca Dini Design and Architecture, ensuring it reflects the owner's refined taste and lifestyle.Construction of Project Venus began in November 2022. The steel hull, an iteration of van Oossanen Naval Architects' efficient FDHF design, was fabricated at Talsma in Friesland, Netherlands. Talsma has been a trusted Heesen partner for over a decade, collaborating closely with Heesen engineers to produce high-standard steel hulls. To maintain quality, steel hull fabrication occurs at a separate location to avoid cross-contamination with aluminium hulls, which are welded at Heesen's Oss facility.Heesen’s interior craftspeople will soon start working on the yacht’s interior to meet the owner's specifications, ensuring a luxurious and personalized experience.With a voluminous 760 GT enclosed space, Project Venus offers ample room for luxurious amenities while remaining small enough to navigate the Mediterranean's charming ports. The yacht is designed for exceptional seakeeping abilities, ensuring safe cruising even in rough seas. Forward-positioned stabilizer fins and a solid steel hull contribute to a comfortable cruising experience.Heesen CEO Niels Vaessen expressed his pleasure with the return of the esteemed client, stating, "The return of a valued client underscores the exceptional quality and reliability of our yachts. It reaffirms our dedication to delivering products that meet the highest standards of luxury and performance. The satisfaction and loyalty of returning clients motivate us to continuously innovate and excel in craftsmanship."The delivery of YN 20655 is scheduled for Q2 2025.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
Baglietto Announces Sale of First Unit in New Fast50 Motor Yacht Line
Baglietto has announced the sale of the first unit in its new Fast50 line, a fast displacement yacht constructed from light alloy and designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design, with interiors co-designed by Margherita Casprini. This sale comes just a few months after the model was introduced to the public."We are pleased to have completed this sale shortly after presenting the Fast50 model to the press," said Fabio Ermetto, Baglietto's Chief Commercial Officer. "This project successfully merges high performance with timeless elegance, which are key features of Baglietto’s design philosophy. The Fast50 line underscores our shipyard's expertise in creating highly customized aluminium performance yachts. The yacht’s four powerful engines enable significant speeds while maintaining comfort and onboard liveability."The design of the Fast50 draws inspiration from Baglietto's historic models, such as the Pachamama, Monokini, and Rush. While maintaining the signature style of its predecessors, the Fast50 incorporates new design elements first introduced with the T52. Notably, the yacht's stern features a two-level layout with a fold-down gunwale that converts into a swimming platform, enhancing access to the sea. The aft area also includes chaise longue sunbeds, providing an exclusive view.The yacht emphasizes seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring ceiling-high windows on the upper deck and lower gunwales that maximize views. The main saloon offers generous spaces with a lounge and TV area, while the dining area is situated in the sky lounge on the upper deck. Ventilation ducts are integrated into the hull structure, optimizing space.The Fast50 incorporates automotive design elements, including ventilation ducts and fairleads at the stern resembling sports car exhausts. Unlike previous fast models, the Fast50 has three full decks and a wide-body master cabin, providing larger volumes without compromising visibility. Two silk-screened hull windows enhance the view while maintaining the yacht's streamlined profile.The upper deck's outdoor areas include sun loungers and sofas at the stern, a conversation area, a private sunbathing area, and a hot tub at the bow. The lower deck accommodates guests in two VIP cabins and two twin cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms. The crew quarters feature a large dinette, the Captain’s cabin, and four additional cabins with pullman beds.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/1F1c4a_6KL0?si=sD_mHasYAJsOSODO title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share referrerpolicy=strict-origin-when-cross-origin allowfullscreen></iframe>The yacht also includes a float-in garage behind the engine room, capable of storing a tender up to 7 meters long. Powered by four MTU 2000M96L engines, the Fast50 can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots. The hull’s semi-tunnels ensure safe cruising in shallow waters.Baglietto Spa is an Italian boat builder based in La Spezia specializing in new aluminum light alloy yachts ranging between 35m and 50m in length and steel and light aluminum alloy displacement megayachts starting at 40m.Credits: Baglietto
Cantiere del Pardo to Introduce Three New Models at Cannes Yachting Festival 2024
Cantiere del Pardo will unveil three new models at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 from September 12-17. These models — the Pardo GT75, Grand Soleil 52 Performance, and Grand Soleil 65 Performance — highlight the shipyard's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. The company, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and joined the Oniverse Group, continues to push the boundaries in both sail and motorboat markets.Pardo GT75The Pardo GT75, the latest addition to the GT range, will make its debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Measuring nearly 23 meters, this new flagship model balances the luxury and spaciousness of the GT series with the high-performance characteristics of a 75-footer. Positioned between the Walkaround and Endurance ranges, the GT75 features expansive living and accommodation spaces, large sundecks, and lounge areas on both the aft and foredeck, offering an experience comparable to a villa on the sea.Grand Soleil 52 PerformanceThe Grand Soleil 52 Performance draws inspiration from the original Grand Soleil 52 designed by German Frers in 1987. The new model, designed by Matteo Polli (naval architecture) and Nauta Design (exteriors, interiors, and layout), aims to capture the elegance and performance of its predecessor.The original Grand Soleil 52 was described as "a masterpiece destined to last," and the new 52 Performance seeks to uphold this legacy with modern design and enhanced stability.Grand Soleil 65 PerformanceThe Grand Soleil 65 Performance is the latest addition to Grand Soleil Yachts' over-60-foot range, following the successful debut of the GS 65 Long Cruise version. This new model represents a synthesis of performance, style, and innovation. Designed in collaboration with Matteo Polli (naval architecture) and Nauta Design (exteriors, interiors, and layout), the 65 Performance emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency. The development of this model was led by Franco Corazza, an entrepreneur and seasoned racer with multiple Italian, European, and world titles.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Cantiere del Pardo
Pearl Yachts to Launch Pearl 82 at Cannes
Pearl Yachts has announced the upcoming launch of the Pearl 82, a new 25-meter yacht set to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2024. Initially presented in design form at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January 2023, the Pearl 82 aims to redefine yacht design with its innovative features and layout options.The Pearl 82 stands out with its raised pilothouse configuration and a main deck master stateroom that includes a private forepeak terrace. Additionally, the yacht offers four en-suite staterooms. It is unique in its class for incorporating a raised pilothouse (RPH) design, a spacious garage capable of accommodating a Williams 395 and a Sea-Doo jet ski, and two aft deck configurations—Riviera or Veranda—allowing owners to customize the yacht to their preferences.The Pearl 82 has been designed under the direction of Pearl’s exclusive British design duo—naval architect Bill Dixon and interior stylist Kelly Hoppen CBE. Dixon’s exterior design emphasizes a sporty profile and substantial interior volumes, while Hoppen’s interior design offers a sophisticated and luxurious ambiance with open-plan arrangements and panoramic views.As a boutique yacht builder, Pearl Yachts focuses on limited annual production to ensure meticulous attention to detail and exclusivity. The Pearl 82 exemplifies this approach, showcasing the brand’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and meeting the high expectations of its clientele."The Pearl 82’s design, revealed in Düsseldorf, set the stage for a spectacular world premiere at Cannes," said Iain Smallridge, Founder and Managing Director of Pearl Yachts. "This yacht is a testament to our feature-focused philosophy, innovative spirit, and dedication to pushing the limits of yacht design and quality."The world premiere of the Pearl 82 at the Cannes Yachting Festival will offer attendees an exclusive look at this new model. This event is expected to be a significant moment for Pearl Yachts, showcasing the latest advancements in luxury, design, and technology. The launch of the Pearl 82 aims to reinforce Pearl’s position as a leading yacht manufacturer in the global market.Pearl Yachts was founded in 1998 and has now become one of the UK’s most prominent shipyards. Every Pearl motor yacht is designed and built by experienced craftsmen. Pearl’s fleet consists of the new Pearl 62, the Pearl 80 and the Pearl 95. All newly launched Pearl Yachts are covered by a unique, comprehensive five-year warranty program.Credits: Pearl Yachts
Numarine's First Hybrid Superyacht to Debut at Cannes Yachting Festival 2024
Numarine is set to unveil its groundbreaking 30XP superyacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024. This marks the shipyard's first venture into hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, with the official debut scheduled for 11 am on September 12 onboard the 30XP.The 30XP, an explorer yacht, has already attracted attention, with four units sold to existing Numarine owners even before the first unit's official launch. This yacht is designed by Can Yalman, featuring both exterior and interior designs, and incorporates a raised pilothouse for efficient space utilization. The interiors, in collaboration with Istanbul-based Ofist Design Studio, draw inspiration from Scandinavian aesthetics, emphasizing simplicity, minimalism, and functionality.Numarine founder and chairman Ömer Malaz explained the design philosophy: “As the 30XP will be our first diesel-electric yacht, we were inspired by a sustainable, Scandinavian design aesthetic which prioritizes simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. We want to offer the feeling of being at home even when you are far out at sea.”The 30XP offers versatile layouts to suit individual owner preferences, featuring open-air dining on the aft deck and a covered sundeck, creating a strong connection with the outdoors. The master suite, located on the main deck forward, includes a private balcony for enjoying serene views and a dedicated office space with a study desk facing full-sized windows.The yacht also features a semi-open beach club at the stern, achieved by raising the deck above to create a lounging area. The beach club’s space can be expanded to 43 square meters with three fold-down platforms, and it includes a side-loading tender bay that houses a 6.25-meter diesel tender.The 30XP can accommodate up to 10 guests in five ensuite staterooms, including a master stateroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and an optional fold-out balcony. The lower deck houses four guest cabins, while up to five crew members can be accommodated forward on the lower deck.The yacht is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system or a conventional twin 560-hp MAN engines, both providing a maximum speed of 13 knots and a cruising speed of 11 knots. The 30XP boasts an estimated range of 3,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.Numarine, a European high-performance motor-yacht shipyard headquartered in Istanbul, offers a range of yachts from 19 to 45 meters.Credits: Numarine