Clydebuilt Announces Residential Ship Project – Cruise Industry News

Clydebuilt has announced plans to build a new residential ship named the Dark Island.

According to a press release, Clydebuilt was founded by executives who gained experience in shipyards worldwide, offshore projects, design engineering, product development and business.

The company said it aims to address the “dereliction of opportunity on the Clyde,” a river in Scotland flowing from the Lowther Hill to the Firth of Clyde.

The Dark Island was created to encompass “elegance and sophistication in a timeless design,” Clydebuilt said.

With its maiden voyage planned for early 2028, the ship is currently at the “production ready stage,” the company added.

“Founded on an absolute commitment to quality, Clydebuilt is dedicated to providing the ultimate experience living at sea. Purchasing a luxury, high-end suite onboard the Dark Island is a fantastic choice for those seeking an elevated living experience,” said Tommy McGinn, the company’s managing director.

Featuring 236 suites, the 228-meter-long vessel was designed in collaboration with London-based designer Evan K. Marshall.

“The goal with the ship was to create a spectacular cruise ship harking back to the elegance of cruise ships of a bygone era. Dark Island’s exterior design is sleek and elegant, which is a departure from the current styling trend of most cruise ships,” Marshall said.

Interiors are highlighted by public areas that feature a ten-deck atrium, three restaurants and a large spa.

Additional amenities onboard include sunbathing areas, a putting green, a theater, a pool deck, a media center and a library.

The vessel is also said to be equipped with exploration vehicles for sea track and sea diving adventures.

According to Clydebuilt, the Dark Island will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites designed for resident comfort, pleasure and safety.

All staterooms come with a private balcony facing the sea and range in size from 420 square feet to 2,690 square feet.

Prices vary based on the location on the ship, the view and the floor area, the company explained, noting that the vessel will have a capacity for 724 guests and 540 crew members.

“The Dark Island residential cruise ship is ultra-luxurious, private and completely self-contained for family and friends,” the company explained in a statement.

Clydebuilt also said that Dark Island’s design aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through policy and practice for sustainability and green initiatives.

The ship is expected to have a minimum impact on the environment, the company added, noting that the vessel will initially offer a three-year “Around the World” cruise.

Other itineraries set to be offered include “Voyages of Discovery”’ that will follow the routes of great explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Francis Drake and James Cook.

Clydebuilt also launched a website, which is available here, and offers information on Dark Island’s residential suites, as well as its voyage destinations and features.