Crystal Endeavour, the luxury adventure yacht left becalmed by the collapse of the Crystal and Dream Cruises brands, has been rescued up by Silversea and its parent, Royal Caribbean.
The nearly new adventure yacht has bought for just $275 million and renamed the Silversea Endeavour, and it will sail on expedition itineraries around the Antarctic region.
Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinolli said in a statement: “The expedition cruising industry is poised to resume accelerated growth, driven by demand among high-end, affluent customers for travel to remote and hard-to-access destinations. Silver Endeavour will strengthen our polar offering, further diversifying our broad-ranging product.”
The ship was built to PC6 polar class specifications and designed for exploring the polar caps, with luxury all-suite accommodation, several restaurants, bars, loungers, a spa, swimming pool and whirlpool and a two-storied solarium.
Crystal Cruises’ parent company, Genting Hong Kong, ran into financial trouble last year and liquidated the company’s assets which included ocean and river cruise ships.
Passengers who were previously booked on Crystal Endeavour and had paid their deposits do not have to worry about losing what they have paid. Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that they would protect the money paid.
The money customers have paid can be used with any of Royal Caribbean’s line which includes luxury cruise lines Silversea, Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. Customers also have the option of getting a refund, with Silversea to release the details on their website shortly.
Silversea Endeavour will debut in November 2022 and will replace the Silver Explorer for the 2022/2023 Antarctica season, including the ship’s Antarctica Bridge sailings.
Guests who were originally booked on a Crystal Cruises itinerary will have their deposits protected and be able to use their funds for a trip to the Antarctic on the newly purchased Silver Endeavour.
The ship was purchased well below the cost of construction. When the ship was built it was the most expensive ship ever created on a per-berth basis.
The ship has been designed to take travellers to the most remote regions in the world including the polar regions, with an emphasis on comfort and style.
It has been dubbed one of the most luxurious expedition vessels on the ocean and has been constructed with Silversea’s high standards of luxury, comfort and service and has a capacity of 200 passengers.
The ship was built to PC6 polar class specifications, which makes it ideal for exploring the greatest depths of the earth. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing guests to have an immersive experience while they explore the world.
There are also plenty of opportunities to relax with brilliant restaurants, bars and lounges, a spa, a two-storied solarium fitted out with a pool and whirlpool and expansive observation areas.
