The demand from an increasing segment of travelers, craving more immersive and active experiences in lesser known destinations around the world has fueled luxury cruise line Crystal to venture into expedition cruising.
Set to debut in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship providing a truly unforgettable adventure without sacrificing the standard of excellence and luxury the Crystal brand is known for. That standard includes restaurants and public spaces that guests have long enjoyed aboard Crystal’s ocean ships, as well as new spots specifically designed for expedition cruising.
The dining experience aboard Crystal Endeavor will remain true to the diverse menus and standard of world-class cuisine offered on all Crystal Ocean, Yacht and River vessels, with all-inclusive dining, fine wines and premium spirits offered throughout.
Specialty restaurants will include Prego, which serves traditional Italian fare, and will also host Crystal’s signature “Vintage Room” winemaker dinners and Umi Uma, serving signature sushi and specialties from Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Additionally, the yacht will feature the elegant main dining venue, Waterside, the Asian-inspired Silk Kitchen & Bar – located in the two-story solarium during the evenings and the European-inspired Bistro Café, which will offer full service breakfast and lunch and will be a go-to spot for freshly brewed espresso and teas.
The elegant Palm Court – a favorite hub for afternoon tea, cocktails, dancing and floor-to-ceiling views aboard Crystal’s ocean and river ships – will be on board Crystal Endeavor for evening entertainment, as well as enrichment presentations and classes. Other favored social spaces will be the Connoisseur Club cigar lounge, Crystal Cove – the heart of the ship where guests will gather for varied guest speakers, pre-dinner cocktails and late-night entertainment and the only casino on an expedition yacht.
Enrichment venues will include the Captain’s Lounge, the Expedition Lounge, the Helicopter Lounge and the Library. The Promenade will stretch from Crystal Cove to Waterside and be a more intimate space for guests to enjoy cocktails, conversation and spectacular views. Additionally, Crystal’s onboard boutiques, Apropos and Facets, will offer designer and fine jewelry shopping.
Wellness options will include a fully-equipped fitness center and the dedicated Crystal Life Spa & Crystal Life Salon will feature three treatment rooms, separate men’s and women’s steam and sauna facilities, a relaxation room and full-service salon services. The two-story solarium pool deck will be enclosed under a glass-domed roof. Additionally, expansive mud rooms are designed to accommodate preparation for the day’s adventures and offer cleaning of boots and equipment upon guests’ return from a day exploring ashore.
Crystal Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship will feature the latest technological advancements, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions as well as exotic locations across the globe.
Crystal recently marked an important construction milestone in Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises’ expansion, as it cut the first piece of steel for Crystal Endeavor at MV WERFTEN Shipyard in Stralsund, Germany on January 15, 2018.