Rostock 2 March 2007 - On 27 February NEPTUN WERFT GmbH in Rostock delivered Avalon Imagery, the 5th TwinCruiser-type ship, to the owner, Premicon AG. The vessel will soon leave the shipyard for Cologne. This is the 11th unit the Rostock-based river cruise specialist has delivered since 2002. Her sister ship, the Avalon Tapestry, was delivered as early as on 23rd January and already left for the river Rhine.

According to the TwinCruiser concept the ship consists of two independent hulls. The aft section holds the propulsion system and the living quarters for the technical crew as well as the lifting wheelhouse, while the forward section, 110 m long, accommodates the passenger cabins, public rooms, the galley with cold stores as well as the living quarters for the service crew. Keeping the machinery spaces and the passenger areas separate decreases noise and vibration in the passenger quarters to a considerable extent. Also on these ships the cabins were installed as pre-fabricated units.

Cabins and public rooms

For these ships individual concepts for high-end river cruises were tailor-made to meet the owner's requirements. Spacious suites and cabins, attractive public areas and the friendly service in the gastronomic areas create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

The suites and cabins are fitted with a spacious shower, a double bed and a large wall unit. The standard outfitting comprises a vanity table, easy chairs, telephone, satellite TV and radio as well as a mini safe and fridge. The 4 suites also have an elegant lounge. All passenger cabins, which are located on the main deck, feature French balconies. All told, the ship has 4 suites and 81 double cabins for 170 passengers.

The public rooms are located in the forward part of the ship. The main deck accommodates a modern restaurant, while on the upper deck there is a lounge with bar and dance floor. A large terrace is provided in front of the lounge which stretches over the complete width of the ship and offers an unobstructed view in forward direction. Thanks to the all-round glazing of the restaurant and the lounge the passengers may enjoy a clear view of the scenery passing by. A fitness area, hairdresser's, a club room and spacious reception halls make the outfit of the ship complete.

In the forward area of the ship there is a sun deck on which the passengers can enjoy an unobstructed view also outside. On a 100-sqm surface glass windscreens and a retractable sun roof create protected seating areas.

Engineering

Both the MS Avalon Tranquility and the Avalon Imagery feature 2 MTU diesel engines each, type 8V 4000 M60 having an output of 800 kW per unit. The propulsion speed is approx. 22 km/h. The propulsion system comprises 4-blade propeller systems made by company Veth. Power is generated by 3 resiliently mounted three-phase AC units with an output of approx. 310 kVA each.

On the aft ship section that holds the propulsion system, the wheelhouse is accommodated whose height can be adjusted. The one-man control panel includes all control elements for the two river radars, the radio system, propulsion system etc.

The waste water produced on board is treated in the biological purification plant; black water is disposed of by means of a vacuum system.

The air-conditioning system in the public areas works according to the rainfall principle, while in the cabins fan coils are provided.

Main Characteristics Avalon Tranquility and Avalon Imagery