The Swiss-based company, Scylla, plans to boost its river cruise fleet with 12 new ships by 2028.
- Scylla will sell its Seaventure expedition vessel to an international buyer this year.
- The sale of Seaventure was unexpected and rapid, according to CEO Arno Reitsma.
- This expansion includes the launch of the Douro River ship, Porto Mirante, followed by Viva Enjoy.
- Scylla operates nearly 40 vessels, with some chartered to other companies.
Scylla, a notable Swiss-based cruise operator, has announced ambitious plans to significantly expand its river cruise fleet over the next four years. By 2028, the company aims to launch 12 new ships, marking a substantial increase in its operations and commitment to river cruising.
As part of this expansion strategy, Scylla has confirmed the sale of its 220-passenger ocean expedition vessel, Seaventure, to an undisclosed international buyer. The vessel has been a part of the Scylla fleet since 2019, primarily serving Arctic and Antarctic routes. The finalisation of this transaction is expected within the current year.
Chief Executive Officer Arno Reitsma revealed that the decision to sell Seaventure was both surprising and swift. He stated, “The sale came as a surprise and went faster than expected.” Reitsma expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growth trajectory, emphasising Scylla’s plans to fortify its river cruise offerings.
Initiating the fleet expansion is the introduction of Porto Mirante, a brand-new vessel designed for the Douro River. This will be succeeded by the launch of Viva Enjoy in November, indicative of Scylla’s determined stride towards expanding its service capabilities. These developments underscore a strategic move to reinforce the company’s position within the river cruising sector.
Currently, Scylla operates a formidable fleet of almost 40 vessels, many of which are chartered out to other operators. This expansion not only aims to supplement Scylla’s operational capacity but also illustrates their strategic foresight in adapting to market demands and opportunities in river cruising.
Scylla’s strategic fleet expansion reflects its robust commitment to enhancing river cruising offerings.
