Largest ice-class expedition cruise ship named
Artist impression of the Crystal Endeavor (Source: MV Werften)
The 20,200gt expedition cruise ship Crystal Endeavor has been named at MV Werften in Stralsund by Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Originally, the vessel was due to be commissioned last year.
The event was attended by various prominent state and federal politicians, Genting Hong Kong’s group president, Colin Au, and MV Werften managing directors, Peter Fetten and Carsten J. Haake. The ceremony was also viewed by several thousand people around the world on YouTube and Facebook.
The 164m-long ship is exceptional in a number of ways. It is the world’s largest and Germany’s first expedition vessel to be built with Polar Class 6. It has 100 suites ranging from 28m2 to 105m2 for 200 passengers, a 24-hour butler service, six gourmet restaurants, a casino, two helicopters, 18 Zodiacs, 14 kayaks and a six-person submersible.
Genting Hong Kong chairman, Tan Sri Kok Thay Lim, noted that the ship has the most installed power per gross ton of any cruise ship, the largest space ratio at more than 100gt per passenger, and a one-to-one staff to passenger ratio. “We are delighted that Crystal Endeavor, as the new pinnacle of expedition excellence, now commands the highest cruise fare per night of any cruise ship in the world,” he said.
The ninth vessel in Crystal Cruises’ fleet is due to embark on its maiden voyage from home port, Reykjavik, on July 17th.
