La-Belle-Des-Oceans Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a dramatic incident on November 25, 2019, the cruise ship 'La Belle des Oceans' ran aground at around 3 a.m., situated five kilometers off the southern coastline of Phi Phi islands. The vessel, which was carrying 77 passengers—33 men and 44 women—along with a crew of approximately 80, encountered submerged rocks near Koh Pida Nok within the beautiful Koh Phi Phi archipelago, located in Thailand's Krabi province. The accident occurred while the ship was en route from Koh Lanta to Phuket, striking a rock pile during low tide, resulting in significant hull damage and water ingress. Local naval authorities were promptly notified and dispatched the patrol boat HTMS 'Sriracha' to the scene. The crew managed to pull the beleaguered ship off the rocks and safely escort it to the Phuket Passenger and General Cargo Terminal, where it docked at 4:30 a.m. Recently acquired by the French cruise line CroisiEurope, 'La Belle des Oceans' was initially set to embark on a journey from Singapore to Thailand and Malaysia before continuing on to India, ultimately expecting to reach Greece by March 2020. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members. For further details and visual coverage of the incident, check these reports: [HLN](https://www.hln.be/nieuws/buitenland/belgisch-cruiseschip-met-150-toeristen-vaart-tegen-rotsen-voor-phi-phi-eilanden~abe82def/) and [Bangkok Post](https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1801779/cruise-ship-limps-into-phuket-after-hitting-a-reef).

In a strategic move to enhance its ocean cruise offerings, CroisiEurope has officially acquired the Silver Discoverer from Silversea Cruises. Set to be rebranded as La Belle Des Océans, this impressive seven-deck vessel will offer luxury accommodations for up to 120 guests, featuring a total of 60 ocean-view suites, nine of which will include private balconies. Each suite will be equipped with luxurious amenities such as 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 for the utmost comfort. Passengers can also look forward to an array of onboard facilities, including a rejuvenating spa, a stylish beauty salon, a swimming pool complete with a poolside grill and bar, two inviting indoor bars and lounges, a gourmet restaurant, and a well-equipped fitness centre. With this acquisition, CroisiEurope positions itself to provide an unparalleled ocean cruising experience.

In an exciting development for the cruise industry, Strasbourg, France-based CroisiEurope has made a significant move by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to acquire the expedition cruise ship SILVER DISCOVERER, built in 1989 and weighing in at 5,218 gross tonnage (GT). This marks CroisiEurope’s first venture into deep-sea cruising, as confirmed by sources familiar with Shippax. The addition of SILVER DISCOVERER to CroisiEurope's fleet signals the company’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and enhancing its travel experiences on the high seas.