Crystal Expedition Cruises has announced its expedition team roster comprised of scientists, naturalists, lecturers, and guides who will join members of marine conservation agencies ORCA and California Ocean Alliance (COA) for Crystal Endeavour's inaugural voyages to Antarctica beginning next month.
The Antarctic season begins on November 18 with the first of eight round trips from Ushuaia, lasting between 11 and 19 nights, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, the South Georgia Islands and the lands beyond the Antarctic Circle.
Expedition Leader Sam Gagnon and Assistant Expedition Leader Rashidah Lim will lead the expedition experience by sharing their passion for polar discovery with guests during zodiac landings, sea kayaking adventures, onboard presentations and more, for much of the season.
“With the Crystal Endeavour, we are offering our guests a new lens through which to view the world through enriching visual storytelling with our team of talented expedition experts, as well as hands-on scientific research that allows our guests to actively participate in marine study and conservation,” said Walter Barinaga, Vice President of Crystal Destination Experiences. “Exploring Antarctica alongside our passionate guides and researchers from ORCA and COA brings the expedition experience to life for our guests, providing them with invaluable insights into the unique wildlife and pristine landscapes they are witnessing.”
Gagnon is a naturalist and polar expedition guide, as well as an experienced photographer and videographer. Singapore-born Lim has worked on expedition vessels in the Arctic and Antarctic, crossing the Drake Passage more than 60 times. Gagnon and Lim will oversee a team of expedition specialists, including Zodiac and kayak guides, marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, glaciologists, and ecologists, as well as resident photographers and artists who will add an extra dimension to the explorations by encouraging guests to capture their experiences through sketches, paintings, and photographs.
The cruise line's expedition program is also notable for its partnerships with marine research and conservation organizations ORCA and COA. Crystal Endeavour's first two Antarctic voyages will feature conservationist Anne Bunney, ORCA's head of education, who will accompany guests on guided shore excursions and give lectures on whale behavior and distribution in Antarctica. Scientists from COA will sail on subsequent voyages, from December 10 to February 15.
The expedition experts who will rotate throughout Crystal Endeavour's inaugural 2021-22 Antarctic season include:
– Yvonne Ankermann/Artist-in-Residence and Naturalist
– Emily Clarke/Marine Biologist
– Ron Clifford/Photographer
– Joe Cockram/Ornithologist
– Danny Edmunds/Expedition Leader
– Mark Evans/Marine Biologist
– Jonathan Fuhrmann/Geologist
– Daisy Gilardini/Photographer
– Bob Gilmore/Glaciologist/Geologist and Scientific Coordinator
– Renato Granieri/Photographer
– Brandon Kleyn/Naturalist
– Liz MacNeil/Kayak Guide
– David McEown/Artist
– Steve Moir/Naturalist and Zodiac Coordinator
– Casey Perry/Marine Biologist
– Ilene Price/Kayak Guide
– Dr. Helena Schofield/Naturalist Guide
– Kirsty Venter/Marine Biologist
The expedition team is complemented by one of the most sophisticated exploration teams in the sector, which includes a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to view the sea at a depth of 300 meters and a long-range Gimble camera mounted on the mast that can zoom in to view wildlife and scenery from more than a kilometer away.
The 20,200 GRT Crystal Endeavour is built and designed for superior operation, safety, and performance in polar conditions, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) rating that allows it to navigate Arctic and Antarctic regions. Its precision German engineering focuses on power, reliability, and meticulous craftsmanship. The ship accommodates only 200 guests in 100 well-appointed suites with butler service, among the largest and most spacious on expedition cruise ships.
