Lloyd Werft to build mega-yacht for Crystal Cruises

Both Lloyd Werft and Crystal Cruises are owned by Asian tourism group Genting. The polar-class vessel now ordered will carry 200 passengers, measure 183m long and have 100 guest cabins. It will be delivered in August 2018.The new vessel will be named Crystal Endeavor and is designed for global operations in Arctic, Antarctic and tropical conditions. The vessel, called a mega-yacht by Crystal, will be among the first purpose-built Polar Code-compliant yachts in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. The ship will also be fitted with offshore dynamic-positioning technology, with computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain the ship’s position with its own propellers and thrusters. This will enable the vessel to float over coral reefs and other underwater features without using anchors, which can damage the terrain. The vessel will operate two helicopters and have two landing pads for expeditions, as well as two, 7-person submarines. The standard guest suites will measure a minimum 133sq.m including balcony, which is said to larger than standard cabins on current expedition and luxury cruise ships. Lloyd Werft recently also won an order from Crystal Cruises to build a series of ocean cruise vessels. The Genting Group bought the Lloyd Werft in late 2015 and this year also bought Germany’s Nordic Yards to ensure enough capacity for construction of passenger vessels planned by the Genting group.