Expedition cruising met its match in luxury with the launch of Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises in 2015. And, the 2020 debut of the brand’s Crystal Endeavor promises to push the boundaries even further.
The expedition yacht’s inaugural itineraries will crisscross the globe from August of 2020 to January 2021. Crystal Endeavor will sail voyages of 12 to 22 days, to destinations seldom experienced on a luxury cruise.
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She’ll explore the cultural riches of Japan and the Russian Far East; the biodiversity of New Zealand and Australia; the remote majesty of Antarctica and the tropical rainforests of Indonesia.
Crystal Endeavor will live up to her expedition-ship billing by offering unique encounters with remote landscapes and wildlife. Depending on the itinerary, guests will be able to hike, bike, kayak, snorkel, dive, and take part in Zodiac and helicopter cruises.
“Every facet of Crystal Endeavor is meant to take travelers beyond their previous travel boundaries and expectations. Her exceptional design, luxury accommodations, and amenities have already set the stage for this, and now, as we unveil her first six months of journeys, travelers have a tremendous glimpse of the grand discoveries in store for this groundbreaking yacht,” said Crystal president and CEO Tom Wolber. “Crystal Endeavor will take guests to remote destinations not typically accessible on a cruise, as well as some iconic places, albeit with a decidedly adventurous twist.”
Highlights of Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season include a 17-day Russian Far East Maiden Expedition, roundtrip from Tokyo. The cruise travels along the coast of Japan, visits the iconic Kamchatka Peninsula and the wildlife-rich Kuril Islands plus Japan’s northern islands of Hokkaido and Rishiri.
A 16-day Philippines, Borneo & Indonesia Quest travels from Taipei to Bali. The cruise calls on Hundred Islands National Park, Corregidor, and Manila in the Philippines. It then cruises the Celebes Sea before calling on Borneo, cruising the Makassar Strait and visiting Komodo Island, among other destinations. Guests will also visit the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
A 16-day Indonesian Immersive & The Great Barrier Reef cruise from Bali to Cairns includes Komodo National Park, West Papua, Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef and the Spice Islands of the Banda Archipelago. While a 14-day Tasmania & The Fjords of New Zealand cruise travels from Sydney to Christchurch. The itinerary spends six full days exploring the natural landscape of Tasmania, as well as Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, Bluff, Stewart Island, Dunedin, and Christchurch, New Zealand.
For those seeking even more remote adventures, a 22-day Antarctica & The Ross Sea Expedition ventures from Hobart to Christchurch. Along the way, the Crystal Endeavor will cruise the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean; cross the Antarctic Circle and the Ross Sea as well as the Ross Ice Shelf. Guests will visit the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton and make glacier landings, as well.
The 200-guest Crystal Endeavor will be the largest polar-class expedition yacht ever built. In addition to luxurious stateroom amenities, the yacht will feature a full-service spa and salon, and a restaurant by acclaimed chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.
