Two high-end cruise ships, five opulent river cruise vessels, two decked out planes, one luxury yacht, and coming soon, a game-changing expedition yacht.
Come 2020, and Crystal Cruises will be making waves in the cruise industry, when it brings new levels to luxury experiences and glamorous interiors to the expedition sector via Crystal Endeavor.
Crystal Endeavor will be the world’s largest and most spacious expedition yacht when she launches in two years time, where travellers can “explore the world both adventurously and luxuriously”, according to the line’s Chief Executive Tom Wolber.
She’ll have all the latest technology to take cruisers into unexplored areas and provide elegant dining experiences. She’ll have quirky comforts that guests didn’t realise they wanted, and best of all, particularly for Aussies and Kiwis, she’ll cruise right out of Australia and New Zealand.
Crystal Cruises’ Managing Director and Senior Vice President for Australia, Karen Christensen, told media in Sydney last night that the line’s move into luxury expedition cruising was a “natural transition” driven by customer demand.
“Expedition is a hot ticket, without a doubt, but the reality is that when you’ve been as successful as you’ve been in that oean space, you can’t just stay there.”
Karen Christensen, Crystal Cruises Managing Director & Senior VP for Australia
“So it was heavily driven by our loyal cruisers who expressed an interview to remain loyal to the brand but try river, soft expedition and true expedition,” she said.
Karen continued, saying that the ship will disrupt the expedition sector with its unique and one-of-a-kind luxury touches such as heated wardrobes, heated bathroom floors, fogless mirrors and so much more.
Aren’t convinced yet? Read on for everything you need to know about Crystal Endeavor:
MOST SPACIOUS EXPEDITION YACHT
It’s all about space and luxury on the Crystal Endeavor, which will have over 20,000-tonnes to accommodate 200 guests in 100 suites. The Deluxe Suite will be similar in size to the Penthouse Suite on Crystal Cruises’ ocean ships, and the largest room will be over 20,000 square feet.
Additionally, guests will have six dining options as well as a spa and fitness centre that’ll be bigger than those on any other expedition vessel.
BEN & JERRY’S IS COMING ONBOARD
Loyal Crystal Cruises clients who have come to expect a Ben & Jerry’s onboard will be happy to find the popular ice cream brand available on the luxury expedition yacht.
STOP ALMOST ANYWHERE WITHOUT AN ANCHOR
The expedition vessel has technology that allows it to stop almost anywhere it wants without dropping an anchor. This has two benefits: the first being that the ship can visit ports where other vessels are unable to go, and the second is that it’s a more sustainable form of cruising as it isn’t disrupting the undersea environment.
CATERS TO ALL MARKETS
Karen says the ship can cater to anyone and everyone because it targets multi-generational cruisers.
She said guests would have a choice on the types of rooms they want to book and whether or not they want luxury options such as butler service.
THERE’LL BE SOFT & TRUE EXPEDITIONS
Not all Crystal Endeavor itineraries will be in the Arctic regions, nor will they all be true expedition.
Her inaugural season starting from 10 August 2020, will consist of a round trip from Tokyo to Russia as well as an In-depth Japan Cultural Discovery, which are more about cultural experiences and visiting previously unreachable ports.
Following the Northern Asia itineraries, the ship will sail down to Southeast Asia and then onward to Oceania for true expedition cruises to Antarctica.
SHE’S COMING TO AUSTRALIA
Want to ring in the New Year in a fun way? Try spending it onboard Crystal Endeavor when she’s parked at Sydney’s OPT. That experience is already on sale for NYE 2021. After that, she’ll head to Hobart for an Antartica sailing through the Ross Sea.
TOYS, TOYS, TOYS
The ship will have a submersible available, which will accommodate more than two guests. She’ll also have two helicopters. However, the cruise line needs to obtain permits to use them so they might not be available in all destinations.
Other fun toys include 18 zodiacs, which will allow the cruise line to take all guests off the ship at one time should they want to.
A WARMING CLOSET
Every suite will have a warming closet, which is exactly as it sounds. The closet will heat up to ensure parkers are warmed up after a day in the ice.
HEATED BATHROOM FLOORS & AN ANTI-FOG MIRROR
Yes, this ship is full of surprises!
PACKING FOR ANTARCTICA MADE EASY
Crystal Cruises has teamed up with Ship to Shore, a company which invites cruisers to pre-order their wet weather gear and have it ready for them when they arrive at the ship. This way guests don’t need to travel with multiple suitcases.
THERE’S PROBABLY GOING TO BE A SECOND ENDEAVOR
The cruise line sees another luxury expedition ship joining the fleet in the future.
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