Italy's T Mariotti and Damen Shipyards Group of the Netherlands have simultaneously announced a new cruiseship building joint venture - and a debut order from Carnival's Seabourn.
The companies said the partnership is a "complementary fusion of expertise and facilities."
Damen had already made known its intention to take a share of the lucrative cruise market.
The new company will be called Mariotti Damen Cruise.
Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has signed a letter of intent for two new expedition vessels with the venture. No price has been revealed for the ships.
Seabourn has five ships on the water, two of which were built at Italy's Fincantieri, but the other three by Mariotti.
Seabourn said the units will be a brand new innovative design and will be handed over in June 2021 and May 2022.
The 170-metre, 23,000 gt vessels will add capacity in Antarctica, the Arctic, and other "exotic destinations".
Each will accommodate up to 264 passengers.
T Mariotti managing director Marco Ghiglione said: “We are very pleased to work together with Damen on the construction of newbuild cruise vessels as both Mariotti and Damen share a common vision of the future of the cruise industry.
"This long-term partnership will offer our current and prospective clients access to a comprehensive suite of shipbuilding services and capabilities in terms of high quality, sustainable vessels demanded by the cruise industry of tomorrow.”
Damen senior vice president of cruise sales and marketing Andrea Trevisan added: “We are very honoured by this collaboration.
"The combination of T Mariotti luxury cruise shipbuilding’s experience of long standing with the high-class facilities of Damen Shipyards Group represents a unique synergy in the cruise industry. Our partnership brings together two proud family businesses, both of which enjoy a reputation for shipbuilding excellence.”
