Countdown On for Crystal Endeavor

GerryBarker · August 11, 2019

MIAMI, August 9, 2019 – One year from tomorrow, on August 10, 2020, Crystal Endeavor will embark on her maiden voyage from Tokyo. The groundbreaking vessel under Crystal Expedition Cruises will sail a remote and remarkable journey through the islands of Japan and the Russian Far East, marking the beginning of her inaugural season exploring the world’s farthest corners.

In her 2020 season, the yacht will sail expedition voyages through Japan and the Russian Far East; Antarctica via the Ross Sea; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines. In 2021, Crystal Endeavor will add New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands; Alaska and the Aleutian Islands; Norway and the United Kingdom; Canary Islands, Atlantic and South America to her repertoire, as well as an extraordinary voyage through the rarely traveled Northeast Passage.

Guests sailing on her maiden voyage round-trip from Tokyo will enjoy an inclusive overnight pre-cruise stay. The voyage explores the island coastlines and volcanic landscapes of Japan, as well as the remote islands and forests of Russia’s Far East, including sailing along the Zhupanova River and Morzovaya Bay. On other voyages, travelers can visit iconic natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Fuji; reflect on ancient heritage at Japan’s most sacred temples and shrines; trek among the treetops of Borneo’s rainforest observing the resident orangutans; and quest for penguin colonies on Antarctica’s expansive icy landscape.

In May, Crystal announced that veteran explorer David Sinclair will serve as one of the expedition leaders for Crystal Endeavor’s most intrepid journeys. His decades of experience exploring the polar regions –skiing across Greenland, summitting the Arctic’s highest peaks and honing his skills as a naturalist and photographer – will bring the destinations and experiences to life for Crystal guests. Sinclair is also involved in building the team of expedition guides and experts on board and developing the shoreside excursions. For an exclusive interview with Sinclair and Crystal’s senior vice president and managing director of Australasia, visit the Crystal Insider blog.

The German-built, 20,000-GRT Crystal Endeavor will accommodate just 200 guests with elegantly casual, expansive public spaces; all-suite, butler-serviced guest rooms; Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including designated “mud rooms” and helicopter lounge.

(Gerry Barker is a freelance travel writer who has covered the cruise industry for 10 years, formerly with The Palm Beach Post. He and his wife Pam maintain a Cruise Blog on NorthPalmBeachLife.com)

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