French line CIP has announced its expansion plans with a commitment to building two new sleek motoryachts, similar to the elegant Levant but double the size, for launch in late 2009 and early 2010.

The new vessels will each have a total capacity of 200, featuring 100 seaview cabins with French balcony, full balcony, or even private roof terrace. Each will be fully equipped with minibar, DVD player, flat screen TV and private bathroom, and 40 cabins will be convertible to 20 double size suites with spacious balcony.

As with the existing vessel, single seating dining will be offered in two restaurants, an airy daytime Grill and a more formal night-time restaurant lower in the ship. Lounges will include the main bar which can accommodate all guests at a time, a Panoramic Lounge with extensive sea views, and a theatre with capacity for 200, an excellent facility when the ship is carrying guest lecturers and naturalists. A spacious health centre will feature spa, hammam, sauna, massage rooms, beauty salon and fitness centre.

The proposed itineraries for the two ships are particularly attractive, with off the beaten track programmes perfect for the more adventurous traveller (ice strengthened hulls will enable the ships to travel further afield). Plans include positioning one ship in south America, Antarctica and Europe, and the other in the Pacific to operate itineraries including South East Asia, Japan, Alaska, French Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand.

This is an exciting move forward from this rather special little cruise line – watch this space for more information.