Crystal has announced the inaugural deployment of Crystal Endeavour, which will sail five 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most captivating locations, beginning July 17, 2021. The Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages will depart round-trip from the ship’s homeport of Reykjavik, offering travelers convenient air travel options, just six hours from New York City, three hours from London, and with frequent nonstop flights from many major US and European cities. Bookings for Crystal Endeavour’s Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages open April 13.
The 20,200 GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering, with a focus on luxurious details. The Crystal Endeavour will be the most spacious, fastest, and most powerful expedition ship in the industry, boasting a Polar Class 6 (PC6) rating that allows it to operate in Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The Crystal Endeavour is designed to accommodate only 200 guests, with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, offering genuine, personalized service. Its luxurious design features ample personal and social spaces, making it the most spacious luxury expedition ship in the industry.
Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO, said, “We know travelers have been waiting for this exciting new way to explore the world with Crystal, and like every Crystal ship that has come before, Crystal Endeavour will set a new standard for luxury in its market, with onboard accommodations, amenities, spaciousness, experiences, and service that are simply unmatched in the industry.” Anderson added, “We are grateful to Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation, and her team for ushering in this new chapter for luxury expedition cruising. Iceland’s spectacular destinations are the ideal starting point for Crystal Endeavour’s adventures, embodying and inspiring a spirit of deep exploration, bold nature, and a sense of curiosity.”.
The Crystal Endeavour is designed with power, efficiency, and the world's environments in mind. According to Captain Thomas Larsen, who will command the ship: “The design and caliber of construction of the Crystal Endeavour are extraordinary. This will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests, even in unpredictable weather conditions, with its agile and responsive maneuverability, safety, and technical capabilities. Combined with the programs and features that will bring voyages to life, the Crystal Endeavour represents the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising, and I look forward to exploring the world with her and our valued guests.”.
Highlights of the itinerary include overnight stays in Reykjavík and Akureyri; a stop on Grímsey Island and crossing the Arctic Circle; the pristine Arnarfjörður fjord, Dynjandi waterfall, and the renowned geothermal springs of Vopnafjörður and Seyđisfjörður. The itinerary—which sails during the region’s peak whale migration season, from July to mid-September—also visits Patreksfjörður and the pink and red sand beach of Rauðasandur; Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital; and Heimaey, home to a beluga whale sanctuary. Birdwatchers’ paradises include the puffin paradise of Hafnarhólmi; Flatey Island, a floating nature reserve that is home to thousands of puffins, eider ducks, guillemots, and Arctic terns; Vigur and the Látrabjarg cliffs, where thousands more puffins reside. Two of Iceland's three UNESCO World Heritage sites are also featured: Þingvellir National Park and sailing around the volcanic island of Surtsey.
A pre- and post-cruise program allows guests to extend their Crystal vacation in the heart of Iceland's captivating capital. Guests can choose from one-, two-, or three-night stays, with transfers between the Crystal Endeavour, the hotel, and the airport included, as well as all resort taxes and fees.
On board Crystal Endeavour's luxury expeditions to Iceland and worldwide itineraries, expedition guides and guest experts will be on hand to provide insights into local environments, landmarks, and traditions, fostering deeper connections and an appreciation for the diverse ecosystems and cultures of each destination. Depending on the itinerary, the onboard expedition team may include biologists, marine biologists, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, geologists, ecologists, and others. All land-based adventures are subject to conditions and the discretion of the expert guides.
To enhance the expedition experience, a SHOTOVER gimbal camera system will be installed on the ship's mast. Operated by ship's specialists, it will zoom in for real-time close-up views of wildlife and other points of interest. Ocean Robotics' Aegir 50 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) will travel to depths of nearly 2,000 feet, capturing data and images that will also be transmitted back to the ship. Drone footage will also be captured, providing bird's-eye views of the surrounding areas.
The accommodations on the Crystal Endeavour will be elegant retreats for guests after days of exploration, and will be among the largest and most spacious suites on expedition cruise ships. The Crystal Endeavour will feature eight distinct restaurants for guests to enjoy a world of exquisite cuisine.
Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to Crystal's extensive existing Clean+ measures, which include negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, a streamlined mask policy, rigorous cleaning procedures, isolation rooms in case of illness, and health questionnaires.
As part of its ongoing commitment to responsible cruising through its Crystal Pristine program, the company has equipped the Crystal Endeavour to connect to the shore power grid while in port, installed several water treatment systems, and will clean exhaust emissions using a selective catalytic reduction system.
Crystal offers travelers attractive discounts, reduced deposits, and an extended final payment date of 60 days before the first date of service, as well as other incentives.
