Expedition SHIP 4*
RV DUCRET - CONGO
This ship left a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017. It takes the form of the passenger ships that have for decades transported passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the different capitals of Central Africa.
With a robust steel construction, she is powered by two new-generation 380 HP Caterpillar engines, thus reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. Its draft of 90 centimeters allows it to navigate easily on shallow rivers.
In 2023, she is under refit to launch the first 4* safari cruises in the heart of one of the most mysterious forests in the world, the Congo Basin forest. Its renovation into a comfortable 4-star Boutique Hotel Ship launches a new era for the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville).
In May 2024, when the refit will be completed, she will begin the first cruises on the Congo and Sangha rivers, thus reviving the long tradition of river navigation in the Congo.
Ship specifications
- Year built : 2017
- Vessel’s registry : Congo
- Type of Vessel : River Expedition Vessel
- Lenght : 170 feet / 52 meters
- Beam : 36 feet / 11 meters
- Draft : 5 feet / 1.4 meter
- Gross tonnage : 500 tons
- Cruising speed : 12 knots
- Electricity : 220 volts
- Engine : 2 Caterpillar 375 HP Marine Engines
- Generators : 150 KVA and 220 KVA
- Water : 10 000 liter water treatment plant
On board living and social areas : 600 m² of common areas
- Dining room
- Outdoor lounge
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- Massage Room
- Observation Deck
Crew
21, including a cruise director and 3 naturalist guides.
World class dining program
- A culinary experience nourished by African and European influences
- A menu specially prepared by a French Chef rewarded for his work with a Michelin star in 2021
- Local products and fine wine.
Launch boats for shore excursions
- Three auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines. Each boat has a capacity of 12 passengers.
- Kayaks for two people
Safety on board
- Radio communication with separate battery pack; satellite phone; life jackets, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin; flares and signals
- On-board pharmacy for first aid.
Accomodations and cabins
Passengers are accommodated in 14 Design cabins across three decks.
Owner’s Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²) :
Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a king. 1 cabin with queen bed. (401, 402)
Forward Superior Suite 30 m². Third Deck Forward.
Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 2 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a king. (301, 302)
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony :
Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 2 cabins with queen bed. (201, 203)
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony :
Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom.Air-conditioning.1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with queen bed. (202, 204)
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony :
Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 3 cabins with two single beds. 3 cabins with queen bed. (205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210)
Safari Cruise into Congo Basin
A journey to the heart of equatorial Africa, in the last wild forests of the Sangha...
12 nights - From 6 100 €