Crystal Expedition Cruises Adds New 10- to 15-Night Voyages to Crystal Endeavor’s Schedule for Spring 2022

Currently Available for Sale, Sailings to Antarctica, South America and Europe

Visit 31 Stunning Ports in Nine Countries Across Three Continents 

MIAMI, December 16, 2021 – Crystal announced today it has added a series of 10- to 15-night voyages visiting spectacular ports in Antarctica, South America, and Europe to Crystal Endeavor’s schedule for spring 2022 following the ship’s highly successful season of Antarctica voyages that began in November.

Currently open for sale, the new voyages will take place from March 1 to April 29, 2022, collectively visiting 31 ports in nine countries across three continents with extended stays and several overnight calls in charming and historic cities, including Málaga and Seville in Spain, as well as Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto Del Rosario in the Canary Islands. 

The new voyages replace four cruises to West Africa that have been canceled given ongoing uncertainty of the Omicron variant and its potential impact within the region.  Following these newly added voyages, Crystal Endeavor will operate its previously announced schedule of voyages to Europe, Iceland and Greenland, including summer Arctic voyages, beginning April 29, 2022, before heading back for another season in Antarctica in November 2022.

“We are very pleased that our talented itinerary planning team was able to create these immersive new sailings aboard the new Crystal Endeavor which has garnered worldwide acclaim for her unique onboard experience that combines bold adventure with the finest in luxury travel,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal president.  “We wish to thank our valued guests and travel partners for their patience and understanding. We made these changes in an abundance of caution as the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew are always our top priority,” he added.   

The 14-night “Remote Expedition” to the rugged sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia features intrepid adventures including Zodiac landings to explore the island’s extraordinary wildlife from its massive penguin and seabird colonies to its tremendous population of fur and elephant seals. The next four voyages, including a 15-night trans-Atlantic Crossing and three 10-night cruises exploring the Canary Islands, archipelagos of Spain and Portugal and playgrounds of the Mediterranean are designated as “Cultural Discovery” sailings.  These feature destinations are renowned for their history, art and nature, and delving into the cultural heart and iconic wonders of each locale with guest lecturers and unique excursion options.

From up-close looks at king penguin colonies and playful fur seals in South Georgia to exploring volcanic landscapes, ancient forests and UNESCO-listed biospheres in the Canary Islands and marveling at stunning, centuries-old Moorish architecture and enjoying culinary-themed adventures with opportunities to savor local food and drink, guests sailing on these voyages have a seemingly endless array of onshore experiences from which to choose, all from a luxurious expedition yacht that can call at off-the-beaten-path locales.   And with such a broad spectrum of embarkation ports, cruise durations, destinations and overnight calls, the cruises are ideal for attractive back-to-back voyages, creating the ultimate longer-length springtime seagoing vacation. 

The new 10- to 15-night voyages include:

• 14-Night Voyage from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (March 1-15, 2022): The two-week-long “South
  Georgia Wildlife Expedition & Uruguay” voyage will spend four full days exploring breathtakingly remote South Georgia with two Zodiac landings planned each day to encounter penguins, seals and more as well as a visit to the final resting place of famed explorer Ernest Shackleton, before visiting the Uruguayan ports of Punta del Este and Montevideo. Simply an unforgettable, life-changing experience. Guests on this voyage enjoy complimentary one-way chartered air from Miami to Ushuaia and a luxury pre-cruise hotel stay in Ushuaia, offering convenience and ease of travel.

• 15-Night from Buenos Aires to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (March 15-30, 2022): Highlighted by a multi-day trans-Atlantic crossing, this “Buenos Aires to the Canary Islands” voyage calls at Montevideo and Punta del Este before offering guests the chance to unwind and lean into Crystal luxury and relaxation on an eight-day journey across the Atlantic followed by a visit to Sao Filipe (Fogo Island) in the Cape Verde Islands featuring picturesque streets dotted with colonial-style homes, historic churches and cemeteries, distinctive black-sand beaches and fortresses dating back to the mid-1600s.

• 10-Night cruise from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Lisbon (March 30-April 9, 2022): This “Canary Islands & Madeira Archipelago Discovery” sailing offers a truly in-depth exploration of the region with visits to Santa Cruz de la Palma, Puerto de la Estaca/El Hierro, San Sebastian de la Gomera, Puerto Del Rosario (overnight call), and Arrecife in the Canary Islands, followed by stops at Funchal (overnight call), Ilha De Porto Santo/Madeira and Lagos, Portugal. In addition to awe-inspiring UNESCO-designated national parks and biosphere reserves, guests can visit Spain’s highest peak, the 13,000-foot Mount Teide, with charming mountain villages and volcanic wineries.

• 10-Night cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona (April 9-19, 2022): This “Seville, Andalucía & Balearic Islands Discovery” adventure will feature a call in Portimão, Portugal following a full two-day call in Seville, along with visits to Málaga, Alicante, Castellon de la Plana, Port de Soller and Mahon, Spain. This seagoing adventure is distinguished by the rare opportunity to cruise the Guadalquivir River through the gorgeous Andalusian countryside and dock in the heart of Seville, one of Spain’s most fascinating cities, along with a visit to the fishing and shipbuilding town of Portimão, in Portugal’s Algarve region, home to quaint seaside cottages, ancient forts and gorgeous beaches.

• 10-Night cruise from Barcelona to Málaga (April 19-29, 2022): This “Rivieras & Mediterranean Isles Discovery” takes place in the spring, providing the perfect environment for peacefully strolling through eight stunning European destinations, including some of the continent’s most famous resort towns: St. Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco (overnight call); Nice, France; Portofino, Italy; Bastia (Corsica), France; Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy; Ibiza and Málaga, Spain (overnight call), which serves as the gateway to Granada, and the stunning Moorish palace The Alhambra.

A game-changer in the cruise industry, the 20,200-ton, German-engineered Crystal Endeavor offers innovative new features and the company’s hallmark amenities highlighted by personalized, six-star and a 1:1 crew to guest ratio.  Crystal Endeavor is luxuriously designed for discerning travelers with elegantly expansive private and public spaces, and all-verandah, all butler-serviced suites that are among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising.  

PALM COURT @RogerPimentaPhotography

Guests enjoy Crystal’s signature all-inclusive amenities and keen attention to detail: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship; fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and optional Vintage Room experience; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – housing 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, an iconic Crystal design element.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. In November 2021, Crystal Endeavor was named “Best New Expedition Cruise Ship” in The Points Guy’s Editors’ Choice Awards. Crystal was also named “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 and 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.   

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Crystal Endeavor Named ‘Best New Expedition Ship’ in The Points Guy Editors’ Choice Awards

Game-Changing Expedition Vessel Begins Inaugural Antarctica Season November 18

MIAMI, November 10, 2021 – Crystal Endeavor – a game-changing expedition yacht that has garnered rave reviews from guests and travel advisors since its debut this summer – has been named “Best New Expedition Ship” in The Points Guy’s (TPG) Editors’ Choice Awards.

The annual awards are presented based on the expert opinions of TPG editors who comprise some of the most seasoned and experienced writers and editors in the travel and hospitality industry. 

The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches November 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia ranging from 11 to 19 nights exploring incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle.   Complimentary round-trip airfare between Ushuaia and Miami, along with luxury hotel stays in both cities, is also available. 

Gene Sloan, TPG’s principal writer for cruise and travel who sailed on Crystal Endeavor in September, commented that the ship “stands apart to us here at TPG particularly when it comes to luxury travel,” stating that it “brings a new level of luxury and service to the niche.”  Sloan was particularly impressed with Crystal Endeavor’s specialty dining options noting that the restaurants feature “superb interior design, sophisticated menus and graceful service that was impeccable.”

“We designed Crystal Endeavor to take expedition cruising to an entirely new level and this award is a wonderful validation of these efforts,” said Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales.  “And while Crystal Endeavor itself is a game-changer what really makes her stand out is our amazing onboard Crystal Family, including an experienced expedition team, who take our guests on unforgettable journeys to some of the world’s most remote and picturesque locales.” 

Accommodating just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed suites, 20,200-GRT Crystal Endeavor is purpose built and designed for the Arctic and Antarctic sailings with superior operation, safety and performance in polar conditions with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification featuring German engineering focused on power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort. 

At 100 gross tons and 10,000 cubic feet per guest and a passenger space ratio of more than 100, she has the largest space per guest of any ship at sea. Luxuriously designed to offer discerning travelers elegantly expansive private and public spaces, the ship offers all-verandah, all-butler serviced suites, among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising. A one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio delivers the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.

Crystal hallmarks accent guests’ onboard experience can be found throughout the ship: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship; fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and optional Vintage Room experience; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – housing 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, an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities include high-tech enrichments spaces, designated mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge, and even the option of exploration in a two-guest submersible.

Crystal continues to be a leader in its response to COVID-19 with its Crystal Clean+ protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

 About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Crystal Endeavor’s Expedition Team Announced for Inaugural Voyages in Antarctica

Partnership with marine conservation organizations ORCA and COA, as well as a team of expedition specialists including marine biologists, geologists, and ornithologists among program highlights

Miami, October 27, 2021 – Crystal Expedition Cruises today announced its impressive roster of experienced expedition team members comprised of scientists, naturalists, lecturers and guides who will join members of marine conservation agencies ORCA and California Ocean Alliance (COA) for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural voyages in Antarctica beginning next month.

The luxury expedition yacht’s highly anticipated Antarctica season launches November 18 with the first of eight voyages round-trip from Ushuaia ranging from 11 to 19 nights exploring incredible wildlife within this remote icy wonderland, including the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands and lands beyond the Antarctic Circle.

Expedition Leader Sam Gagnon and Assistant Expedition Leader Rashidah Lim will lead the immersive expedition experience sharing their passion for polar discovery with guests during Zodiac landings, sea kayaking adventures, onboard presentations and more, for a large portion of the season. 

“With Crystal Endeavor, we are offering our guests a new lens to see the world through enrichment and visual storytelling with our team of talented expedition experts, as well as hands-on scientific research that allow 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 make the expedition experience come alive for our guests, providing them with valuable insight 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, bringing a keen eye to his work whether leading a Zodiac or land adventures or offering hands-on photography lectures and pointers.  A native of Singapore, Lim has worked on Expedition vessels in both the Arctic and Antarctic, crossing the Drake Passage more than 60 times and holding multiple seafaring certifications. 

Gagnon and Lim will oversee a team of expedition specialists including Zodiac and kayaking guides, marine biologists, ornithologists, geologists, glaciologists, and ecologists, as well as photographers and artists-in-residence who will bring an added dimension to explorations by encouraging guests to capture their experiences with sketching, painting and photography.

The line’s expedition program is also highlighted by its partnerships with marine research and conservation organizations ORCA and COA.  Crystal Endeavor’s first two Antarctica voyages, which visit The Drake Passage and Southern Ocean, will feature conservationist Anne Bunney, head of education for ORCA, who will accompany guests on guided excursions ashore, as well as offer lectures on the behavior and distribution of whales in Antarctica, how it relates to ORCA’s work, and host wildlife deck watches, for interactive data collection. She will also train Crystal Endeavor’s bridge team in collecting scientific data about the animals’ behavior as well as share best conservation practices.

ORCA’s Bunney will accompany guests on the following voyages:

Expedition Antarctica – Nov. 18 - 29, 2021 (11 nights)

Expedition Antarctica – Nov. 29 - Dec. 10, 2021 (11 nights)

COA is an organization dedicated to cutting-edge marine research to safeguard oceans for the protection of marine mammals worldwide.  Scientists from the COA will board Crystal Endeavor on five voyages to collect data on whale behavior utilizing submergible acoustic recorders, drones, suction cup tags, and remote biopsy sampling.

COA scientists will sail on the following voyages:

·      Expedition Antarctica - Dec. 10 - 21, 2021 (11 nights)

·      Antarctic Holiday Expedition - Dec. 21, 2021 - Jan. 5, 2022 (15 nights)

·      Expedition Antarctica - January 5 - 16, 2022 (11 nights)

·      Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctic Wildlife Expedition - Jan. 16 - Feb. 4, 2022 (19 nights)

·      Expedition Antarctica - Feb. 4 - Feb. 15, 2022 (11 nights)

“As our guests encounter and learn about wildlife up-close with both ORCA and COA, they will have the chance to help protect marine mammals, while enhancing their already strong connection to the sea and the destinations we visit,” Barinaga added. 

Expedition experts who will rotate throughout Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctica 2021-22 season include:

• Yvonne Ankermann/Artist-in-residence and Naturalist – Having worked from African lodges to multiple expedition ships around the world, this talented artist explores the world through the prism of sketchbook and colors, always ready to teach anyone who wishes to learn the art of travel painting;

• Emily Clarke/Marine Biologist – Emily is an avid conservationist with over 15 years of working with wildlife, both in their natural habitats and rehabilitation, as well as experience working aboard seismic vessels as Marine Mammal Observer;

• Ron Clifford/Photographer – Award-winning photographer, a vivid educator and a former director of the Google Plus Mentorship Program for photographers, Ron’s passion for photography encourages creativity in others;

• Joe Cockram/Ornithologist – With a diverse array of experiences, from living among seabird colonies and working at bird observatories unraveling mysteries of bird migrations to managing coastal wetlands of the UK, Joe shares his vast knowledge of avian world with fellow travelers;

• Danny Edmunds/Expedition Leader – Photographer, diver, travel writer, boat instructor, and expedition leader, Danny’s experiences span from tropical islands of Indian Ocean and jungles of South America to frozen lands of Antarctica and other remote Arctic locales;

• Mark Evans/Marine Biologist – A whale watching captain and grizzly bear guide, Mark heads down to Antarctica each austral summer to share his passion of the icy continent with fellow travelers;

• Jonathan Fuhrmann/Geologist – In addition to earning a geology degree from Scott Polar Research Institute, Jonathan has studied meltwater lakes in Greenland and worked in science communications at British Antarctic Survey and Natural History Museum in London, while discussing geology, glaciology, and climate to audiences around the world;

• Daisy Gilardini/Photographer – A member of International League of Conservation Photographers and Canadian Geographical Society, Daisy devotes most of her time photographing Polar Regions and North American Bears;

• Bob Gilmore/Glaciologist/Geologist and Science Coordinator – After working for the U.S. Antarctic Program assisting with logistics at the McMurdo and South Pole Stations, Bob has shared his experiences with passengers on expedition ships for nearly two decades interpreting within the realm of glaciology and geology;

• Renato Granieri/Photographer – Recipient of numerous international photo awards, Renato specializes in travel and wildlife photography and is particularly interested in aiding fellow travelers to capture unique moments of their travels;

• Brandon Kleyn/Naturalist – A professional guide, kayaker, boat driver, and logistics coordinator, Brandon’s unparalleled wealth of knowledge on all subjects from history to wildlife gives guests an understanding of unique nature of ordinary things and events along their travels;

• Liz MacNeil/Kayak Guide – Having a wealth of experience as an American Canoe Association Kayak instructor to Wilderness EMT, avid photographer, scuba diver, and a naturalist, Liz enjoys introducing people to the unique natural wonders of the world focusing on conservation and sustainability;

• David McEown/Artist-in-residence – Renowned Canadian artist and recipient of multiple awards, David shares his passion for painting in nature and teaches fellow travelers to notice the little details, the shades of colors around, the sparkles of light, to create unforgettable personal works of art;

• Steve Moir/Naturalist and Zodiac Coordinator – An expedition guide with over 20 years of experience from leading multi-day river and paddleboard trips to working as an Expedition Leader in the Arctic, Steve is passionate about sharing the wonders of the world with travelers and his fellow team members;

• Casey Perry/Marine Biologist – After graduating from St. Andrews University with a degree in Marine Biology followed by a career as a guide and a boat captain, Casey has merged her love of travel and adventure with a challenge of managing logistics of remote expeditions;

• Ilene Price/Kayak Guide – An accredited professional kayaking guide, Ilene combines a lifelong passion with profession exploring the world from the sea-level of a kayak and helping others to gain the same appreciation for this pursuit;

• Dr. Helena Schofield/Naturalist Guide -- After studying medicine in Cambridge and practicing in extreme remote locations of the world from Nepal to Guatemala, Helena traded her stethoscope for a zodiac, joined expedition ships, and enjoys speaking about extreme environments and the history of maritime explorations;

• Kirsty Venter/Marine Biologist – An avid conservationist, scientist, and researcher of endangered Antarctic blue whales, Kirsty’s passion for the icy continent offers a wealth of knowledge she is eager to share with others.

Complementing the expedition team is some of the most sophisticated exploration equipment in the industry that includes a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) to view the sea at a 300-meter (almost 1,000 feet) depth and a Gimble long range camera mounted on the mast that can zoom in to view wildlife and scenery over a mile away.  Images are projected on the 65-inch screens in Palm Court, 86-inch screens in the Expedition Lounge and on the Cove’s video wall, with a massive 218-inch center screen and two 145-inch side screens.

About Crystal Endeavor

From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT German-built Crystal Endeavor is purpose built and designed for superior operation, safety and performance in polar conditions with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions with precision German engineering focused on power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort.

At 100 gross tons and 10,000 cubic feet per guest and a passenger space ratio of more than 100, she has the largest space per guest of any ship at sea. Luxuriously designed to offer discerning travelers elegantly expansive private and public spaces, the ship accommodates just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed all-verandah, all-butler serviced suites, among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising. A one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio delivers the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.

Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and optional Vintage Room experience; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – housing 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, an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities include high-tech enrichments spaces, designated mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge, and even the option of exploration in a two-guest submersible.

Crystal continues to be a leader in its response to COVID-19 with its Crystal Clean+ protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

About Crystal 

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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My review of Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Orion

Crystal Endeavor Rendezvous with Crystal Serenity in The Bahamas

MIAMI, October 24, 2021 – Today, the world’s newest and most luxurious expedition vessel Crystal Endeavorrendezvoused with Crystal Serenity in a historic meet-up of Crystal ships off the coast of The Bahamas.

Crystal Endeavor is on its inaugural sailing from Miami – a special two-day preview voyage for travel partners and members of the press – while Crystal Serenity is on the last leg of a week-long Luxury Bahamas Escape cruise that departed Miami on Oct. 18. Crystal Endeavor will depart PortMiami Monday on a nine-day cruise en route to San Juan then spend the winter season in Antarctica where it will offer a series of 11- to 19-night Remote Expedition voyages. Crystal Serenity continues her 7-night cruises in The Bahamas through Nov. 8.

With the company’s signature song, “What a Wonderful World,” serenading guests, the new 20,200-GRT expedition yacht encircled Crystal Serenity with guests of both vessels waving enthusiastically during the meet-up as the captains saluted each other via multiple blasts of the ships’ horns.

As the world’s newest and most luxurious expedition yacht, the 200-guest, German-engineered Crystal Endeavor offers a number of industry “firsts,” including the only expedition ship to feature a Japanese restaurant, the first expedition ship to feature a casino, the only expedition ship with a two-story glass-enclosed solarium for nature viewing, largest lead-in suites in the industry, and a staff to guest ratio of one-to-one – the highest in the industry, delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known.

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive experiences with globally inspired dining; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits; diverse enriching pursuits both onboard and ashore; and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world on bold adventures. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

              For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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Our review of Silversea Silver Moon

Crystal Expedition Cruises Announces Complimentary Non-Stop Chartered Air Flights & Luxury Hotel Nights for Crystal Endeavor’s Inaugural Antarctica Season

Ensures comfort and peace of mind with the only non-stop charter flight from U.S. to Ushuaia

Miami, October 22, 2021 - Today Crystal Expedition Cruises announced it will provide complimentary round-trip chartered air flights between Miami and Ushuaia, Argentina, as well as hotel nights in both cities for guests onCrystal Endeavor’s inaugural round-trip Ushuaia voyages in Antarctica. Crystal Expedition Cruises is the only expedition line to offer non-stop charter flights from the United States to Ushuaia, Argentina for guests embarking on Antarctica voyages. The world’s newest and most spacious polar-class expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor will launch her inaugural Antarctic season with eight voyages, November 2021 through February 2022, ranging from 11 to 19 nights and departing round-trip from Ushuaia.

From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT German-built Crystal Endeavor is purpose built and designed for superior operation, safety and performance in polar conditions with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions with precision German engineering focused on power, reliability, and painstaking craftsmanship. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort. 

                “Peace of mind is the greatest luxury especially when traveling to the farthest reaches of the globe andCrystal Endeavor’s smooth, powerful ride and agile handling will deliver that in unpredictable weather conditions or remote destinations,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “Similarly, providing our guests chartered, non-stop air directly from the United States to the port of embarkation in Ushuaia ensures a worry-free and effortless vacation experience with the assurance that all logistics and details have been expertly handled and arranged, as well as the added peace of mind of knowing that all age-eligible guests aboard our chartered flights have been fully vaccinated.”

                The new complimentary travel experience will also provide guests a pre-cruise luxury hotel accommodation in Ushuaia and a post-flight luxury hotel accommodation upon return to Miami. Pre-cruise hotel accommodations in Ushuaia will provide guests the chance to relax and refresh in an elegant resort setting showcasing the striking beauty of the Tierra del Fuego before embarking Crystal Endeavor for their Antarctica expedition. These new charter flights and hotel accommodations replace the previous one-night pre-cruise hotel in Buenos Aires and round-trip charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.

Traveling with a fleet of 18 Zodiacs, 14 sea kayaks and a two-guest (+pilot) submersible Crystal Endeavoroffers bold and immersive expedition experiences led by a team of veteran guides and naturalist experts. The ship’s voyages will feature Zodiac landings and kayaking adventures showcasing dramatic icy landscapes and up-close wildlife encounters with penguins, seals, whales and sea birds in remote lands few people have ever seen. Exploration equipment aboard the ship includes a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) to view the sea at a 300-meter (almost 1,000 feet) depth and a Gimble long range camera mounted on the mast that can zoom in to view wildlife and scenery over a mile away.

 All-inclusive fares for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctic voyages start at $9,949 per guest, including up to $9,200 in Book Now Savings per suite when booked by November 3, 2021, as well as a $1,000 “As You Wish” shipboard spending credit per person. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposit of 15 percent (normally 25 percent) as well as relaxed final payment due 60 days prior to first date of service for 2021 through March 2022 voyages.

                Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural Antarctic Season concludes with “Falkland Islands & South Georgia to South Africa” a unique 19-night trans-Atlantic expedition from Ushuaia to Cape Town, South Africa, featuring incredible wildlife from the Falkland’s seabird colonies to South Georgia’s massive king penguin rookery, and an extremely rare three-day visit to the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Guests will visit Edinburgh of the Seven Seas on Tristan da Cunha, regarded as the most remote permanent settlement on earth. Additional explorations in the far-off archipelago include Nightingale Island, an active volcanic isle boasting penguin and seabird colonies and Gough Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering the chance to encounter elephant and fur seals and the majestic albatross in flight.  The voyage departs on March 1, 2022 and includes complimentary non-stop chartered air from Miami to Ushuaia, and a pre-cruise luxury hotel accommodation in Ushuaia. Fares begin at just $17,799 per guest including up to $4,500 in Book Now Savings per suite.    

Crystal Endeavor is the eighth ship in the award-winning cruise line’s worldwide fleet and, at 100 gross tons and 10,000 cubic feet per guest with a guest space ratio of more than 100, she has the largest space per guest of any ship at sea. Luxuriously designed to offer discerning travelers elegantly expansive private and public spaces, the ship accommodates just 200 guests in 100 well-appointed all-verandah, all-butler serviced suites, among the largest and most spacious in expedition cruising.

Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Umi Uma, the first and only Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, fine Italian cuisine at Prego, 24-hour room service and optional Vintage Room experience; the only casino on an expedition yacht; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center; as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, an iconic Crystal design element.

Crystal continues to be a leader in its response to COVID-19 with its Crystal Clean+ protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The company was the first major cruise line to require a COVID-19 vaccine for both guests and crew in 2021 and now the first through 2022.

All Flights (Charters) operated by Omni Air International.

About Crystal

Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises, Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Yacht Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalcruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

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