By
Rebecca Gibson |
MV Werften cut the steel for Crystal Cruises’ first-ever luxury expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor, at its yard in Starslund, Germany on 15 January.
Employees and guests attended the steel-cutting ceremony and watched as the flame cutter was launched by Crystal president and CEO Tom Wolber; Stralsund mayor Alexander Badrow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economics Minister Harry Glawe; and Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong, which owns both Crystal and MV Werften.
“We look forward to this innovative expedition yacht with great anticipation in the Stralsund shipyard,” said Lim. “A highlight is our investment of over €20 million in new equipment so that the Stralsund shipyard will be able to build cruise ships efficiently in the future.”
Set to debut in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest purpose-built polar-class cruise ship and accommodate 200 guests in 100 balcony suites. Other onboard highlights will include six dining venues, 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. The vessel will also offer Crystal’s signature butler service and Palm Court, which will provide 270-degree views of whales and other wildlife.
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 allow guests to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500ft.
The 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.
“Crystal Endeavor is a truly exceptional ship,” said Jarmo Laakso, CEO of MV Werften. “We are proud to be able to implement this project and are particularly pleased to, once again, be starting shipbuilding activities in the Stralsund shipyard, creating hundreds of new jobs.”