La-Belle-Des-Oceans

The 'La Belle des Oceans' with 77 passengers on board, of 33 men and 44 women and a crew of around 80 people, ran aground on Nov 25, 2019, at 3 a.m. five kilometers off the southern island of Phi Phi. The vessel hit submerged rocks near Koh Pida Nok, part of the Koh Phi Phi islands group in Krabi province, around midnight, suffering hull damage and water ingress. The ship was enroute from Koh Lanta to Phuket when it struck a rock pile during low tide. The local naval officials were alerted and dispatched the patrol boat HTMS 'SrirachaÄ which pulled the ship off and escorted itto the Phuket Passenger and General Cargo Terminal where it berthed at 4.30 a.m. The ship was recently purchased by French cruise operator CroisiEurope and was scheduled to depart from Singapore last month for a cruise to Thailand and Malaysia before heading to India and reaching Greece by March 2020. Reports with photos: https://www.hln.be/nieuws/buitenland/belgisch-cruiseschip-met-150-toeristen-vaart-tegen-rotsen-voor-phi-phi-eilanden~abe82def/ https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1801779/cruise-ship-limps-into-phuket-after-hitting-a-reef

CroisiEurope has acquired Silversea Cruises’ Silver Discoverer to enable it to expand its ocean cruise business. To be rebranded and renamed La Belle Des Océans, the seven-deck vessel will accommodate 120 passengers in 60 ocean-view suites, nine of which have private balconies. Notable features in all suites will include a walk-in shower, a desk, a hairdryer, a built-in wardrobe with a safe, a mini bar, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Other onboard highlights include a spa, a beauty salon, a swimming pool, a poolside grill and bar, two indoor bars and lounges, a restaurant and a fitness centre.

Sources close to Shippax have confirmed that Strasbourg, France-based CroisiEurope has signed an MoA for the acquisition of the 1989-built, 5,218gt expedition cruise ship SILVER DISCOVERER.