Crystal has cancelled numerous launch season departures for its expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, as well as upcoming European river cruise voyages due to “ongoing challenges” related to COVID-19.

Crystal Expedition Cruises’ maiden ship, Crystal Endeavor, has completed its second and final sea trials ahead of its “technical delivery” on 27 May 2021.

Crystal more than half-filled the launch departures of its Luxury Iceland Expeditions aboard Crystal Endeavor one day after opening the five departures to the public for sale.

Crystal appears to be aiming to make amends with guests and travel advisors in relation to its refund processes.

Crystal has scheduled a revised inaugural deployment of Crystal Endeavor which will commence in Iceland on 17 July 2021. The factory-fresh luxury expedition yacht will operate a series of five 10-night voyages circumnavigating Iceland, operating roundtrip from Reykjavik. Reservations will open on 13 April 2021.

Crystal has cancelled the first eight voyages of its new expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor, due to production delays at the MV Werften shipyard. The initial itineraries to Japan and Alaska will instead be replaced by new voyages commencing in mid-July.

Crystal has expanded its health and safety measures for its Crystal Clean+ protocols to include requirements for COVID-19 testing for guests and crew, mandatory travel insurance, in-port guidelines and more.

Crystal Endeavor rolled out of MV Werften in Stralsund, Germany, touching water for the first time in late December. The latest addition to the Crystal fleet, the German-built polar-class vessel will embark on her maiden journey from Tokyo on 10 August, 2020, coinciding with the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics two days earlier.

2020 heralds the arrival of a further fleet of new luxury ocean ships, including two newcomers to cruising, Virgin Voyages and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Crystal Expedition Cruises is encouraging travel advisors to pursue prospective clients interested in Antarctic sailings for the inaugural season of Crystal Endeavor. Bookings opened for the purpose-built luxury expedition ship 14 months ago, with only limited suites now remaining for Crystal Endeavor’s unique sailings from Hobart and Christchurch to Antarctica in early 2021.

Crystal Expedition Cruises has unveiled details of the complete deployment of Crystal Endeavor for 2022 which will open for bookings on 14 November. The 200-guest luxury vessel will offer 28 voyages of nine to 19 nights’ duration.

Crystal Expedition Cruises has named naturalists Boris Wise and Eva Molin Westerholm as expedition leader and assistant expedition leader for Crystal Endeavor. Their appointments come as David Sinclair parts ways with the company to pursue “other opportunities” closer to home.