Keel-laying ceremony for Crystal Endeavor

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Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises celebrated the latest 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. 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. German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel 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-tonne 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. “Today, the foundation has been laid for this highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art cruise ship,” said Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel; Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig; Genting Hong Kong’s Executive Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay; Crystal President and CEO Tom Wolber; and other guests including members of the MV WERFTEN team take the stage for the keel laying of Crystal Endeavor. The 20,000 gross-tonne 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; and spa-like bathrooms with adjustable heated floors, dual vanities, anti-fog mirrors and rain-showerheads. Crystal unveiled the itineraries for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season just a few weeks ago, 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 open to the public today – more details here.

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