It used to be known as what the ‘older’ generation did to get away or a place for families to enjoy bingo at sea.
But as we discover, cruising has attracted a different crowd and is making waves in the world of luxury.
High-end cruising continues its comeback as Crystal’s recently announced Crystal Endeavor summer 2021 voyages (the much-anticipated inaugural sailings for the company’s new ground-breaking expedition ship) were met with great enthusiasm from affluent travellers. The company announced that just 24 hours after the five 10-night Luxury Iceland Expeditions circumnavigating Iceland and crossing the Arctic Circle opened for reservations, they were booked at over 50 percent of capacity.
Crystal Endeavor’s booking response comes just one month after the recently announced Luxury Bahamas Escapes on Crystal Serenity generated Crystal’s highest booking day in its 30-year history, further reaffirming, that both, Crystal’s famously loyal fanbase and new-to-Crystal guests, are ready to sail the high seas once again.
“Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest, most powerful and most spacious expedition ship in the industry,”
The Luxury Iceland Expeditions begin on July 17 with five consecutive journeys round-trip from Reykjavík. The voyages highlight the region’s breathtaking coastlines and wildlife havens, massive glaciers and countless waterfalls, quaint villages and fascinating heritage of Iceland’s towns and islands.
Built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, Germany (part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise), Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest, most powerful and most spacious expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
“Michelin-inspired dining options include Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar,”
The 20,200-GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering and, with her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, the yacht is akin to a finely tuned German-built elite sports car for seakeeping (like Porsche, a fast, smooth, powerful ride) and little vibration (like Mercedes).Crystal Endeavor’s luxurious design will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, expansive private and public spaces with 100 gross tons per person and 10,000 cubic feet per guest for a passenger space ratio of more than 100. The ship accommodates just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.
Accommodations are elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service.
Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more.
Cruise fares start at $13,999 per guest (approx. £10,182.20) including double ‘Book Now Savings’ at $3,000 for a limited time only. Guests will receive a $300 per person ‘As You Wish shipboard credit.’ For more information and Crystal reservations, visit www.crystalcruises.com