Expedition Ship Crystal Endeavor
By Anne Kalosh.
Crystal Cruises introduced its first expedition ship and its first ocean new build in 18 years, Crystal Endeavor.
This super-spacious, ultra-luxury vessel was christened in festivities on Saturday, June 26, at MV Werften in Stralsund, Germany, where it was built.
It’s a smash! Crystal Endeavor is officially christened. * Photo: @Roger Pimenta for Crystal Expedition Cruises
Surprise Announcement
During the naming, a senior executive of Genting Hong Kong, Crystal’s parent company, made the surprise announcement that Endeavor sister vessels would be branded to hotel companies and managed by Crystal Cruises.
Genting HK President Colin Au said Crystal Endeavor is the only polar-class expedition ship ever built in Germany, and called it “unsurpassed … in luxury, passenger space, engineering and safety design standards.”
He asserted Crystal’s expedition ship Crystal Endeavor is commanding a price premium of 50 percent to 100 percent compared to other expedition vessels.
The inaugural 10-night Iceland cruises are advertised starting at $17,999 per person.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Genting HK had suspended the order for an Endeavor sister ship. At the naming festivities, Au stated that starting in 2023, MV Werften (also owned by Genting HK) will build a series of Endeavor-class ships customized for luxury hotel brands. These will be Crystal-managed, he said.
Crystal Endeavor and rendering of what a future luxuy hotel-branded sister ship could look like. * Rendering: Genting Hong Kong
“Made In Germany” Pride
Manuela Schwesig, prime minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state, home to MV Werften, served as the godmother for Crystal Endeavor at its naming celebration.
This little ship is a big deal for Germany.
Godmother Manuela Schwesig pushes the button that released a bottle of Champagne to smash on Crystal Endeavor’s bow. Applauding is Genting HK’s Colin Au. * Photo: @Roger Pimenta for Crystal Expedition Cruises
“Our shipyards are innovative high performers with highly motivated experts and know-how acquired over decades … We are very proud of our industry,” Schwesig said.
In 2018, when Endeavor’s keel was laid, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was on hand; years before, she started her political ascent representing Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the Bundestag.
MV Werften is an important employer, and Germany’s Economic Stabilization Fund had provided €300 million to keep the yard afloat through the COVID crisis, enabling Crystal Endeavor‘s completion.
Speaking at the naming, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier called it “an important day for Genting, the state, the region, the shipyard employees and for Germany as well … It is a magnificent achievement given the turmoil of the past few months.” Addressing the yard workers and suppliers, he said Endeavor shows “You can, we can, Germany can still build ships.”
At 20,200 gross tons, Crystal Endeavor stretches 164 meters/538 feet and will carry just 200 passengers.
It is built to Polar Class 6 standard, enabling summer and autumn operation in medium first-year ice, which may include old ice inclusions.
Crystal Endeavor departs Stralsund, Germany, where it was built at MV Werften. * Photo: ©MV Werften
Like Driving A Porsche
Following sea trials in May, Captain Thomas Larsen noted the ship was contracted for a maximum speed of 19 knots, yet delivered a speed of nearly 20 knots, “exceeding all performance expectations and standards with little to no vibration in the suites and public areas even during crash-stop tests. This means a comfortable, enjoyable experience for guests even in unpredictable weather conditions,” he said.
In terms of agility, safety and technical capabilities, Captain Larsen compared Crystal Endeavor to driving a finely tuned German-built elite sports car such as a Porsche.
All Butler-Served Veranda Suites
Crystal Endeavor accommodates all passengers in veranda suites, served by butlers, and has a 1:1 crew to guest ratio.
Dining choices include Umi Uma, the first Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and an optional Vintage Room wine experience. A glass-covered, two-story Solarium houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi.
Further public areas include the Palm Court observation lounge, the Crystal Cove lounge with bar and entertainment stage, a library and a Connoisseur Club smoking lounge.
Crystal Endeavor offers the only casino on an expedition yacht, and a full-service salon, spa and fitness center.
Among the expedition amenities are high-tech enrichment spaces, two mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge and even a Helicopter Lounge (the ship carries two helicopters). The marina holds a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear and a six-guest submersible. The ship will carry a 25-person expedition team.
Maiden Voyage July 17 From Iceland
Crystal Endeavor’s maiden voyage is set for July 17 from Reykjavik, Iceland.
Five 10-night circumnavigations of Iceland are planned, followed by the 10-night “Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway” voyage from Reykjavík to Tromsø, Norway, departing Sept. 5.
Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season will be spent exploring Iceland. * Photo: Crystal Expedition Cruises
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