Crystal to build world’s biggest yacht

Crystal Cruises has announced that it is to build the world’s biggest yacht, complete with 100 suites and capable of sailing to polar regions.

Crystal Endeavor, which comes in at 600ft, was announced yesterday at SeaTrade Cruise Global at Fort Lauderdale.

The ship will launch in 2018 and joins a growing roster of planned expansion for Crystal, which includes Crystal Air, residences at sea and a fleet of river ships.

“With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands. As the interests and age of luxury travellers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options,” said Crystal president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. “Luxury means something different to virtually everyone, and we strive to meet and exceed the wishes of the discerning modern luxury traveller. Crystal Endeavor will cater to a particularly daring audience, one who values luxurious comfort and amenities as much as life-changing adventures.”

The ship’s name is a nod to Captain James Cooks’ HMS Endeavour, which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago.

According to a release from the company, the ship will cruise to the Arctic and then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas, Europe and Antarctica. The ship will be fitted with a ‘remote operated vehicle’ to give passengers a view of sunken ships such as the Titanic.

“Crystal Endeavor will absolutely set a new bar for expedition luxury travel,” added Rodriguez. “We have proven time and again that Crystal is the pioneer in luxury, and this megayacht will change the game entirely – the possibilities for expedition travellers will be virtually limitless.”

The yacht will also have two helicopters, two seven-person submarines, eight zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkelling and scuba equipment. There will also be Seabobs onboard, a powerful underwater scooter.

Standard accommodation will come in at 400 sq ft, while the two owner’s suites will measure 3,122 sq ft. Both numbers include balconies.