Crystal Endeavor will be able to operate in the Arctic, Antarctic and tropical regions
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Yacht Cruises is to launch its first-ever expedition mega yacht, Crystal Endeavor, in August 2018.
Following the successful launch of the 62-guest Crystal Esprit in December 2015, the 25,000gt Crystal Endeavor will be the world’s first purpose-built PC6 Polar Class mega yacht and is named after Captain James Cooks’ research ship HMS Endeavour, which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago.
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, she will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which cruise ships seldom call at or cannot access.
“With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands. As the interests and age of luxury travellers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal president and CEO. “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.”
To be built at Lloyd Werft’s Bremerhaven yard in Germany, the 183m-long vessel will be fitted with offshore dynamic positioning technology so crew can use computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain her position with her propellers and thrusters. This will enable the mega yacht to float above coral reefs and other underwater structure without using anchors that could potentially damage the terrain.
The vessel will be able to accommodate 200 guests in 100 balcony suites, including standard 400sqft suites – larger than all current expedition and luxury cruise ships – and two Owner Suites, which will each measure 3,122sqft, making them the largest guest suites of any mega yacht afloat. Owner Suites will comprise a master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, a private conservatory, a garden, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room. The Owners Suite can be connected to a penthouse suite (806sqft).
Guests will also be able to relax in various indoor and outdoor public areas, including six dining options, a 200-seat theatre, several lecture rooms, a cinema, a card room, a computer centre, a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon and Wellness Centre, and an infinity pool with a base that can be lifted so it becomes a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. They will also be able to head to Crystal’s signature Palm Court to gain 270-degree views of whales and other wildlife. Boasting a one-to-one crew to guest ratio, the all-inclusive Crystal Endeavor will also offer Crystal’s butler service.
“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 mega yacht will change the game entirely – the possibilities for expedition travellers will be virtually limitless.”
Crystal Endeavor will also feature 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, snorkelling and scuba equipment, a recompression chamber, a dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. The yacht will also be equipped with SEABOBs – the world’s most technically advanced and powerful underwater scooter. Meanwhile, a remote operated vehicle will allows guests to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500ft.
Lloyd Werft will begin steel cutting this May.