Crystal Launches New Jet, Megayacht

Crystal Endeavour

At this year's Seatrade Cruise Global Travel Agent got a chance to attend the unveiling of two new additions to Crystal Luxury Air and Crystal Yacht Cruises: A new Bombardier Global Express XRS jet and the Crystal Endeavor, a new expedition megayacht. 

Crystal Endeavour will launch in August 2018, joining the Crystal Esprit as part of the Crystal Yacht Cruises fleet. The 600 foot long, 100 guest suite ship, named after Captain James Cooks' research ship HMS Endeavour, will sail expedition cruises in the Arctic, Antarctic and tropical regions. 

Crystal says the megayacht will be the first purpose-built Polar Code compliant yacht in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. That means Crystal Endeavor will be able to cruise in the polar regions during the summer and autumn in medium “first year” ice, which may include old ice. It 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 technology will enable the megayacht to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without using anchors, which can damage the terrain.

The ship will cruise in the Arctic, and then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the winter. Along the way, it will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. With a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), expedition cruises will also be organized to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500 feet.

The Endeavour will also carry two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, seven-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. Additionally, a set of SEABOB underwater scooters will allow guests to move gracefully underwater.

The standard guest suites will measure a minimum 400 square feet (including balcony), while the yacht’s two Owner Suites’ will each be 3,122 square feet. Owner Suite guests will enjoy a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, private conservatory, garden and outdoor Jacuzzi, private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room. The Owners Suite can be connected to a penthouse suite (806 square feet) for a combined square footage of 3,928 square feet.

Public areas will range from the Palm Court, which will have 270-degree panoramic views for whale watching and wildlife viewing, as well as a combined Spa and Conservatory space of a 10,000 square feet, with a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon and Wellness Center; Jacuzzis; and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. The megayacht will also have six dining options, as well several guest amenities including a 200-seat theatre; numerous lecture rooms; cinema; card room; and a computer center. Butler service will also be available for all guests. 

Crystal Endeavor will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group, with bookings opening in late 2016. 

Photo by Susan J. Young

New Jet for Crystal Luxury Air

At the event Travel Agent also got a chance to see Crystal Luxury Air's new Bombardier Global Express XRS jet, which will enter service on April 3. 

With a capacity of 12 guests, the new aircraft will have three cabins to accommodate business activities, relaxation and sleeping quarters. The forward cabin has four executive wide club seats with foldout tables for dining or meeting, while the mid cabin is configured for conferences with seating for five, as well as a workstation and cabinet. The aft cabin has a three-person divan that can transform into a large bed. Forward, the galley has a cold air chiller, high temperature oven, microwave and Aerolux Nespresso machine. 

For entertainment and work, the jet will also have electronic video supplies, the ability to display laptop imagery on all cabin monitors, XM Radio, surround sound, a 31.5" LCD TV, high speed Internet and in-flight phone service. Here's our firsthand look at the aircraft:

Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young
Photo by Susan J. Young

Chartered flights aboard Crystal’s Global Express jet are now available for booking and will fly guests virtually anywhere in the world, with a max flight range at just under 12 hours per leg. The line will also add a Boeing 777 to its growing fleet in 2017 and 787 Dreamliner in 2018. Crystal charter aircrafts will be operated by Corporate Flight Management DBA Crystal Luxury Air.

Visit www.crystalcruises.com