Crystal reports that the 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor, the first PC6-designated vessel for Crystal Expedition Cruises, remains on track to debut in summer 2021.
Originally sated to launch in August 2020, the ship’s construction was previously delayed after the global health crisis forced a shutdown of the German shipyard, MV WERFTEN, where the vessel is currently under construction. Crystal, however, emphasized this week that the German shipyard fully reopened this year and said it was pleased with the resumption of work on the vessel. The shipyard is owned by Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK).
GHK recently completed a €193 million loan agreement with the German government for the completion of Crystal Endeavor and to support the operations of the shipyard through March 2021.
In December 2020, GHK announced the termination of the sale and leaseback deal of Crystal Endeavor with the aim to simplify the structure for typical export credit agency (ECA) covering post-delivery financing for the ship. “This does not have any impact on the ship’s planned operations,” the line said in a press release this week.
Encouraged by Progress
“While we are certainly disappointed that Crystal Endeavor’s delivery has been delayed, we are encouraged by the progress and dedication of the professionals at MV WERFTEN and are looking forward to introducing this remarkable ship,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO.
Anderson added that “Crystal Endeavor will offer new ways for luxury travelers to explore the world, while also delivering “generous public spaces and elegant suites, immersive and enriching destination experiences, world-class cuisine and, of course, warm and attentive service.”
While the line noted that the ship’s delivery is on schedule, it also said that it “is currently reviewing the ship’s published summer itineraries.” Previously, it had cancelled all Crystal Endeavor voyages through May 1, 2021. Upcoming itineraries include the Norwegian fjords, Scottish isles, France, Spain, Portugal, Atlantic isles, western Africa, Brazil, Argentina and Antarctica.
The 20,000-ton expedition ship will offer luxury travelers a selection of all-suite, all-verandah, butler-serviced guestrooms; Michelin-inspired dining options with six dining venues, including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will include enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, a helicopter lounge and a seven-person submersible, which will take guests to a depth of up to 980 feet on certain itineraries.