Where is the Explorer Starship?

[Julie]

I have been on more than 15 cruises. This was my favorite ship. Do you know where it is? Thanks, Julie

[dougnewmanatsea]

Certainly. After Exploration Cruise Lines foundered in 1989, she went to Seven Seas Cruises and became their SONG OF FLOWER. They were bought by the Carlson Companies in the 1994 and were merged with Radisson Diamond Cruises to become Radisson Seven Seas Cruises.

 

They kept SONG OF FLOWER until last year when she was sold to Compagnie des Iles du Diamant, a joint venture between Compagnie des Iles du Ponant and the French tour operator Tapis Rouge who handle her marketing. Renamed LE DIAMANT, she now focuses on upscale cruises for the French market.

 

The Tapis Rouge web site is not great but it does include some photos that give you an idea of what she looks like today, mixed in with some old file photos from RSSC that probably aren't accurate any longer.

 

She was extremely successful as SONG OF FLOWER, laying the foundation along with RADISSON DIAMOND for today's RSSC ships. I'm not sure how she's doing as LE DIAMANT; I haven't heard much about her as she doesn't target the English-speaking market at all that I know of.

[Julie]

TY Doug.

[Ship'sEnthusiast]

Dear Julie

 

I am searching for a long time for the postcard of the EXPLORER STARSHIP...I would like to know if eventually you may have a spare card of her for exchange or sell.

 

I look forward for your comments, and in the meantime,

 

kindest regards from Portugal

 

Ship's Enthusiast

 

shipsfan@hotmail.com