Crystal Cruises signs order to build eight new ships

Crystal Cruises, the fast-expanding ultra-luxury line, has increased its order of new ships from six to eight. 

Crystal President and CEO Edie Rodriguez signed the order with the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in Northern Germany.

The company said it will build six new luxury river yachts – two more than planned – to deal with demand.

The two additional river yachts will join the previously announced Crystal Debussy, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Bach, due to launch next year.

Crystal River Cruises makes its official debut this summer with launch of reimagined Crystal Mozart on July 13 in Vienna, Austria.

Additionally, the Polar Class luxury megayacht Crystal Endeavor will be delivered in August 2018. It will accommodate just 200 guests and take travellers to the Arctic and Antarctic Circles in addition to warm water cruising.

The final ship included in the agreement is the first of three Crystal Exclusive Class ships, which will weigh 117,000 gross tonnes and accommodate 1,000 guests and residents.

“We are pleased to build eight Crystal ships with Lloyd Werft, and are confident that the expert management and shipbuilding team and the excellent group of shipbuilding contractors and suppliers in Northern Europe will deliver extraordinary vessels that are worthy of the esteemed Crystal brand,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Crystal Cruises. “We appreciate the continued support of the German Federal and State Governments and their representation here today.”

“The new Exclusive Class ships, yachts and river yachts planned for the coming years provide travellers with an exhilarating glimpse into the future of luxury travel of all kinds, from rugged expedition adventures to indulgently relaxing river cruises,” said Rodriguez.

“In the agreement with Lloyd Werft for the building of these astounding new vessels, we are again reinforcing Crystal’s position as the leader in luxury travel and hospitality, as we continue to cater to virtually every wish of the discerning modern traveller.”