Crystal to Build Luxury Polar Yacht
Just months after the successful launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises and the 62-guest Crystal Esprit – and in response to traveller’s feedback and enthusiasm – Crystal is again upping the ante with “the world’s first purpose-built polar class megayacht.”
Measuring 183 metres long, officials say the 25,000 gross ton new build with 100 guest suites will be the largest and most spacious megayacht afloat.
Speaking at the annual SeaTrade Cruise Global convention in Fort Lauderdale, Crystal president Edie Rodriguez unveiled plans for the line’s first-ever expedition megayacht, Crystal Endeavor, which will debut in August of 2018.
Named after Captain James Cooks’ research ship “HMS Endeavour,” which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago – the newly built vessel will be designed for global expedition in Arctic, Antarctic and tropical conditions.
“With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands, and as the interests and age of luxury travellers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options,” said Rodriguez. “Luxury means something different to virtually everyone, and we strive to meet and exceed the wishes of the discerning modern luxury traveller. Crystal Endeavor will cater to a particularly daring audience, one who values luxurious comfort and amenities as much as life-changing adventures.”
The megayacht will be a purpose-built Polar Code compliant yacht in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. As such, Endeavor will be able to cruise in Polar Regions during the summer and autumn in medium “first year” ice which may include old ice inclusions. It will also be fitted with state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, with computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain the ship’s position with its own propellers and thrusters. This will enable the megayacht to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without utilizing anchors.
With offshore dynamic positioning technology, Crystal Endeavor will cruise in the Artic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the winter. Along the way, it will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which cruise ships seldom call or cannot access.
The 200-guest capacity Crystal Endeavor will offer extreme adventures by air, sea and land with a complete range of “toys” not commonly found on today’s megayachts, including two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, seven-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV.
Standard guest suites will measure a minimum 400 sq. ft. (including balcony), while the yacht’s two Owner Suites’ will each boast a whopping 3,122 sq. ft. Owner Suites’ guests will enjoy a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, private conservatory, garden and outdoor Jacuzzi, private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room.
“Crystal Endeavor will absolutely set a new bar for expedition luxury travel,” says Rodriguez. “We have proven time and again that Crystal is the pioneer in luxury, and this megayacht will change the game entirely – the possibilities for expedition travellers will be virtually limitless.”
Crowning the megayacht will be Crystal’s signature Palm Court, which will offer 270-degree panoramic views for whale-watching and viewing other wildlife. Endeavor will boast a combined Spa and Conservatory space of a 10,000 sq. ft., featuring a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon and Wellness Center; Jacuzzis; and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. The megayacht will feature six dining options, as well several guest amenities including a 200-seat theatre, lecture rooms, cinema, card room and a computer centre.
Crystal Endeavor will be all-inclusive and offer the line’s acclaimed butler service will be available for all guests, as the megayacht will boast a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, with 200 crew members serving the 200 guests on board.
Crystal Endeavor will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in Bremerhaven, Germany. Endeavor voyages will open for booking in late 2016. Steel cutting for the ship will begin in May and Crystal will take delivery in August 2018.
