6 APRIL 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: SHIPBUILDING N ichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) launched and delivered its first overnight cruise boat in 1970. The M/V Christian was a refined vessel cruising the San Juan Islands of Washington State and up to Southeast Alaska. While the demand for small overnight cruising certainly hasn’t waned since the 1970’s, the expectations of the vessels themselves has changed. Vessel operators today require quality-built vessels with modern equipment and prevail- ing technology throughout their ships that enhance their operations and strength- en crew and passenger experiences. The challenge for boat builders is to build exceptional cruise boats for the industry, while developing futuristic concepts and integrating design require- ments into the building process. Looking forward, we expect the futuristic cruise boat to be contemporary, luxurious, and adventurous. In short, boutique cruising at its finest. Hybrid vessels, powered by diesel engines and electric motors powered by batteries, will likely play a pivotal role. This concept allows the vessel to run on the diesel engines while enroute to the destination, and then navigate and idle silently within the destination on electric power with little or no impact to the surround- ing environment. Growing Allure of Small Overnight Cruises “River cruising is one of the most attractive and rapidly developing areas of international tourism,” said Melinda Jászberényi, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Budapest Corvinus University and international tourism expert. Building Futuristic Overnight Cruise Vessels that Enhance Passenger and Crew Experiences By Lacey Greene, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders In Europe, overnight river cruises are among the fastest growing segment of the cruise industry, according one source that deals with small, overnight river cruising. And, with new ships being added to the American market, the trend is continuing. Here in the U.S., small overnight cruise vessels focus on details aimed at attracting customers to book passage. With only 50 to 100 passengers, each guest feels as if he/she is personally catered to, onboard and off. Larger crew spaces afford the opportunity for more crew to serve guests from dining attendants, to room services, spa pro- fessionals, fitness coaches, wildlife and nature specialists, and land and sea ex- ploration guides. Combined with exceptional service, additional onboard public areas make each trip unforgettable. On board, each guest can enjoy an expansive dining area with farm-to-table meals prepared by executive sous chefs sourced daily from ports visited. Comfortable lounge areas provide up close and personal views of scheduled events hosted by field experts. Spacious explora- tion equipment rooms have personal guest lockers. Spa and fitness centers feature infinity jacuzzies. High-tech camera equipment include drones, and Nauticam underwater cameras. Beautiful sun decks, with retractable marinas that stock water skis, wake- boards, ocean kayaks, paddle boards, Skidoo jets skis and snorkel gear are all available for guest use. Enhancing the experience is made easy with the assistance of an on-board excursion booking agent. Sea, air and shore excursions are offered through the cruise line, including a three-person An artist’s rendering of a small, futuristic overnight cruise ship. Source: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.