Miami, FL, Aug. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises celebrated the next important milestone in the construction of Crystal Endeavor as the keel was laid at MV WERFTEN’s Stralsund shipyard for the company’s first luxury expedition yacht.

During the special ceremony, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her role as a member of the German Bundestag, joined Crystal President and CEO Tom Wolber and Genting Hong Kong's Executive Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, as well as Mecklenburg Western Pomerania’s Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig for the festivities. Also in attendance were Minister of Economic Affairs Harry Glawe and CEO and President of MV WERFTEN Peter Fetten as well as hundreds of MV WERFTEN team members clad in “Team Endeavor” shirts, showing their enthusiasm and anticipation of the grand vessel they will help build. Once the traditional lucky coins had been put into place, the 400-ton section was lowered onto the keel blocks.           

“It is truly a thrill to mark this important milestone for Crystal Endeavor and the entire Crystal Family, as this yacht will change the way guests can explore the world both adventurously and luxuriously,” Wolber said. “I am honored to share this occasion with Chancellor Merkel, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and our special guests as well as the skilled workers of MV WERFTEN who are building this game-changing ship.”

“The keel laying of Crystal Endeavor here in my political hometown of Stralsund marks a special moment for me that is doubly significant,” said Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel.  “Today, the foundation has been laid for this highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art cruise ship. But the ceremony itself, which is taking place in the lively shipyard with the participation of so many employees and trainees, also bodes well for the future of shipbuilding in the Hanseatic City of Stralsund and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.”

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said, “We are delighted with the success and progress of the Crystal fleet and continue to share the company’s vision for expanding the choices for travelers around the world. Crystal Endeavor is a ship like no other, and will take travelers on journeys unlike any they’ve ever experienced.”

“MV WERFTEN breaks new ground with Crystal Endeavor .  We wish the company great success in building this ship and other ships of its class, the construction of which safeguards and creates jobs in the shipyards of Wismar, Stralsund, and Warnemünde,” said Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig during her address.

The 20,000 GRT yacht will be the world's largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship.   Crystal Endeavor will feature 100 suites and all the luxurious amenities and special touches for which Crystal is known. The yacht will boast generous public spaces, a full-service spa & salon, six restaurants including Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma, expedition rooms and elegant suites that contrast beautifully with the rugged adventures beyond the vessel. Crystal Endeavor’s accommodations will offer private butler service for every suite and feature luxurious touches including king-sized beds, walk-in closets; heated storage for drying parkas; spa-like bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities, anti-fog mirrors and rain-showerheads.

Crystal Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship will feature the latest technology, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions and exotic locations across the globe.

Crystal unveiled the itineraries for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season on July 31, spanning from August of 2020 through January 2021, offering voyages of 12 to 22 days far off the beaten path of traditional cruise routes. Voyages rich with discovery will explore the cultural and bio-diversity of Japan and the Russian Far East; Indonesia, Borneo and the Philippines; New Zealand and Tasmania; Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and Antarctica. The ship will sail a series of charters and special event voyages before it begins its inaugural season in August 2020.

Bookings for Crystal Endeavor’s global journeys will open to the public tomorrow on August 22, 2018 .

About Crysta l

The world-renowned Crystal Experience – featuring global journeys with Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal AirCruises and Crystal Luxury Air – continues to be the distinctive choice of the world’s most discerning travelers.

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