Spanish shipbuilder Barreras has reportedly been chosen to build three luxury yacht-style cruiseships for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
The venture by the hotel group was announced yesterday, but it did not reveal the yard.
Spanish media cited Barreras' board president Jose Garcia Costas as saying the ships will be built there.
He added they will be the most expensive ever constructed in Spain, excluding warships.
An announcement is expected on Tuesday.
One report said the first vessel is firm, with the second and third as options. No price has been revealed.
Ritz-Carlton is teaming up with Oaktree Capital Management and Tillberg Design of Sweden on the cruiseship venture.
Delivery of the first is set for the final quarter of 2019.
The 190-metre vessels will accommodate 298 passengers with 149 suites.
Voyages will range from seven to 10 days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The small size will enable it to call at unique locations typically not accessible to large cruiseships, the company said.
These include Capri, Portofino, St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena.
