(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 27, 2021 – Guests can now book their autumn voyages for Crystal Serenity’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes as Crystal opens reservations for six recently announced sailings. The new departures expand options for the popular seven-night all-Bahamas itineraries including three cruises round-trip from Nassau on October 23, October 30, and November 6, and three cruises round-trip from Bimini on October 24, October 31, and November 7. The summer 2021 debut of Luxury Bahamas Escapes marks Crystal’s return to cruising, offering guests itinerary options close to home and yet a world away, with abundant outdoor activities from snorkeling and diving to eco-tours and sportfishing, to simply relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Best Available fares for the newly added Luxury Bahamas Escapes sailings start at $1,999 per guest, including $500 Book Now Savings and $500 air savings. Guests will receive a $125 per person As You Wish shipboard credit with Crystal Society Savings doubling to five percent; new-to-Crystal guests saving 2.5 percent; and solo fares starting at just 125 percent. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on this itinerary. Guests will also enjoy $100 reduced deposits and an extended final payment date of 60 days prior to sailing providing flexibility and ease in the return to travel.

Guests can choose to extend their cruise vacations with Crystal’s optional pre- or post-cruise Hotel Program featuring luxurious stays at Nassau’s chic SLS Baha Mar for voyages embarking and debarking in Nassau and stunning Hilton Resorts World Bimini for guests cruising round-trip from Bimini. Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations and daily breakfast, as well as access to amenities including spa services, golf rounds, casino nights and a host of world-class dining experiences. Pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Nassau and Bimini start at $359 per guest including transfers between Crystal Serenity, the resort properties and the airports, and all taxes and resort fees.

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. All-inclusive experience with award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; globally inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa’s only seagoing restaurants; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest underscores the Crystal difference. Crystal Serenity's social spaciousness will be further increased with a commitment to reduced guest capacity when the ship resumes sailing.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., May 27, 2021 — With deep-rooted cultures, colorful traditions and endlessly sunny skies, Hawaii and Mexico are a celebration of the senses waiting to be discovered on an award-winning Holland America Line cruise. Travelers can explore both regions on roundtrip sailings from San Diego, California, aboard Pinnacle Class Koningsdam during the 2022-2023 season, now open for booking.
 
Beginning in October 2022 through March 2023, guests can embark on a “Mexican Riviera” or “Circle Hawaii” getaway between five and 18 days. Two back-to-back itineraries can be combined for a 24- or 25-day “Circle Hawaii and Mexican Riviera Collectors’ Voyage” for the ultimate tropical getaway. Both regions feature a wealth of cultural experiences, immersion into nature and authentically distinct cuisine.
 
Highlights of the 2022-23 Mexico Cruise Season:

• All Mexico cruises are roundtrip from San Diego.
• All seven-day “Mexican Riviera” cruises feature three Mexican ports of call: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
• One special five-day cruise departs Dec. 17 and calls at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
• A nine-day New Year’s Holiday cruise departing Dec. 29 explores the Sea of Cortez and calls at the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Loreto.

 
Highlights of the 2022-23 Hawaii Cruise Season:

• Hawaii cruises sail roundtrip from San Diego with the exception of two departures that are roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• “Circle Hawaii” cruises range from 16 to 18 days:
  • 16- and 18-day roundtrip from Vancouver with calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Nawiliwili. 18-day also stops at Kona.
  • 17-day calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Kona, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.
  • 18-day calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili, Kona and Ensenada, Mexico.
• The overnight call at Honolulu allows guests extra time to visit Pearl Harbor, relax on Waikiki Beach, take in the breathtaking views from Diamond Head State Monument or spend the evening enjoying traditional Hawaiian food and entertainment at an authentic luau.

 
Mexico and Hawaii itineraries can be combined for the ultimate exploration of the two regions. The 24-day “Circle Hawaii and Mexican Riviera Collectors’ Voyage” departing Jan. 7, 2023, sails roundtrip from San Diego and calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kona, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas, with an additional call at San Diego during the cruise. The 25-day option departing Jan. 31, 2023, adds an overnight at Honolulu.
 
Awards and Accolades
Holland America Line took home the Editor's Pick Award for the best Hawaii sailings in the 2020 TravelAge West Wave Awards. In 2019, the company was named “Best in the Mexican Riviera” in the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards, solidifying the cruise line’s position as the number-one choice for a vacation in the region. Holland America Line’s shore excursion program has earned Best Shore Excursions for 11 consecutive years in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Readers’ Choice awards, most recently taking home the honor in 2020. 
 
Explorations Central Brings Local Cultures On Board
Throughout each cruise, Explorations Central programming brings Hawaii’s and Mexico’s local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life on board. Through EXC Encounters, guests might attend a live mariachi band performance or a hula dance lesson on board. Those who want to learn more about the destinations can attend an EXC Talk or head to a Port-to-Table cooking demonstration or themed mixology class featuring local fare. The Dining Room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of the regions, while bars will offer a variety of local ingredients.
 
Fares for Koningsdam’s seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises begin at a “Have it All” premium package rate of $899 per person, double occupancy, that includes four high-value amenities: one shore excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining in the Pinnacle Grill or Pan-Asian Tamarind, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only fares start at $619 per person, double occupancy. Fares for the Circle Hawaii cruises begin at a “Have it All” premium package rate of $2,499 per person. Cruise-only fares start at $1,859 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
 
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

 (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., May 25, 2021 — Following a series of four cruises to Greece in summer 2021, Holland America Line’s Eurodam will assume the previously scheduled cruises of Westerdam that span the Mediterranean. From Sept. 12 through its Oct. 30 transatlantic departure, Eurodam will offer five 12-day itineraries roundtrip from Venice, Italy; between Venice and Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Venice and Barcelona, Spain; or from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bookings open Thursday, May 27, for these cruises.
 
Guests who were booked on Westerdam cruises automatically will be rebooked on the same departure date aboard Eurodam in a comparable stateroom. As a Signature Class vessel, Eurodam has a slightly larger capacity and will be able to accommodate all Westerdam guests (Eurodam 2,104; Westerdam 1,964).
 
Holland America Line previously announced Eurodam would restart cruising in the Mediterranean Aug. 15, 2021, and offer three seven-day departures roundtrip from Piraeus and one seven-day cruise from Piraeus to Venice.
 
Mediterranean Cruise Itineraries (all cruises are 12 days):

• Sept. 12: Venice; Zadar and Hvar, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Argostólion, Crete, Rhodes (overnight), Mykonos and Piraeus (overnight), Greece.
• Sept. 24: Piraeus; Istanbul (overnight) and Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Sarandë, Albania; Dubrovnik, Korcula and Rijeka, Croatia; Koper, Slovenia; Venice (overnight).
• Oct. 6: Venice; Katakolon (Olympia), Piraeus, Rhodes (overnight), Santorini  and Crete, Greece; Kotor; Korcula; Venice (overnight).
• Oct. 18: Venice (overnight); Dubrovnik; Kotor; Corfu and Katakolon, Greece; Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Livorno (Pisa/Florence), Italy; Cannes and Marseille (Provence), France; Barcelona.
• Oct. 30: Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga (Granada) and Cadiz (Seville), Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Funchal, Madeira; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Fort Lauderdale.

 
The 12-day cruises can be combined to form epic 24-day Collectors’ Voyages that offer in-depth exploration of the region. The Mediterranean itineraries were designed to offer nonrepeating ports on back-to-back itineraries to enable guests to visit more ports and more countries on one extended voyage. Booking a Collectors’ Voyage represents a significant savings off booking the two itineraries separately.
 
Immediately following the transatlantic crossing, Eurodam is expected to begin its scheduled Caribbean season of cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. From November 2021 through March 2022, guests can embark on seven-, 10- and 11-day itineraries that explore the eastern, southern and tropical Caribbean, as well as partial Panama Canal cruises that spend a day on Gatun Lake.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, May 25, 2021- Crystal Expedition Cruises today announced the successful completion of the second and final sea trial for its new luxury expedition yacht Crystal Endeavor, marking another important milestone toward the upcoming delivery of the Made in Germany vessel from MV WERFTEN. Crystal Endeavor’s final sea trial began on Thursday, May 20 and returned to the shipyard the evening of May 23 where the final steps of the construction process will be completed. The ship is scheduled for its technical delivery on May 27, 2021. 

During sea trials, Crystal Endeavor underwent rigorous performance and operational tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines, including safety, navigation and propulsion systems, and noise and vibration measurements. Captain Thomas Larsen along with senior members of the Crystal Endeavor bridge and engineering teams participated in the sea trials in collaboration with the engineers, naval architects and builders from the expert MV WERFTEN team in Stralsund, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise.

The onboard team noted that the ship “is an absolute gem and performed like a dream, far exceeding specifications.”  For example, the ship “crash-stopped” from full speed to zero within 660 meters (4 ship’s length) compared with 1,700 meters (10 ship’s length) requirement and ship maneuverability, such as turning circle test, which far exceeds standards. Noise measured at 10 percent lower than requirements with vibration measuring even lower at up to 80 percent lower than requirements.

“These sea trials mark another successful milestone in the highly anticipated debut of Crystal Endeavor, bringing the award-winning Crystal Experience to the most remote places on the planet,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “We applaud the MV WERFTEN team for their partnership and professionalism in overcoming the many challenges of the past year and their engineering expertise and design excellence in working to create and deliver a new standard in luxury expedition cruising.”

From bow to stern, the 20,200-GRT Crystal Endeavor is designed with power, efficiency, and the environments of the world in mind. Crystal Endeavor will be the most spacious, fastest and most powerful expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ship’s propulsion system includes two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed specifically for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power, delivering well-balanced power and propulsion installation, giving both speed and comfort.

According to Captain Thomas Larsen, who will helm the ship: “The design and building standard of Crystal Endeavor is outstanding. Contracted for max speed of 19 knots, she has delivered an actual max speed of nearly 20 knots during sea trials, exceeding all performance expectations and standards with little to no vibration even during ‘crash stop’ tests in the suites and public areas. This means a comfortable, enjoyable experience for guests even in unpredictable weather conditions. With her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, this vessel is akin to driving a finely tuned German-built elite sports car such as a Porsche and there is no better ship to be on than Crystal Endeavor in adverse weather in the Arctic and Antarctic.  Combined with the programs and features that will bring the journeys to life, Crystal Endeavor represents the pinnacle of luxury expedition cruising and I look forward to exploring the world with her and our valued guests.”

 As the first and only true luxury expedition yacht to restart cruising in the Arctic and Northern Europe, Crystal Endeavor will set sail beginning July 17 with five 10-night immersive voyages circumnavigating Iceland’s most dramatically beautiful and fascinating locales. The Luxury Iceland Expedition voyages will sail round-trip from the ship’s homeport of Reykjavík, affording travelers convenient air options, just six hours from New York City, three hours from London and with frequent non-stop flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Europe and will be followed by the 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing September 5, 2021.

Crystal Endeavor’s luxurious design will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, expansive private and public spaces with 100 gross tons per person and 10,000 cubic feet per guest for a passenger space ratio of more than 100. The ship accommodates just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known. Accommodations are elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service.
             
Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (May 24, 2021) – Viking® (www.viking.com) announced today that it will expand its presence in the Mediterranean this summer, adding a third ship to sail roundtrip voyages from the Maltese capital city of Valletta—a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offered as part of Viking’s Welcome Back collection, Viking Star® will now join sister ships Viking Venus® and Viking Sea® and will sail a new 11-day itinerary, Malta & the Western Mediterranean.

With the addition of this new voyage, vaccinated guests now have three new options for experiencing the Mediterranean between July and early October 2021. Guests on the Malta & the Western Mediterranean itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Sicily, Italy and Spain, calling in Messina, Naples (Pompeii), Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Genoa and Barcelona, before returning to Valletta. Those on the Malta & Adriatic Jewels itinerary will overnight in Valletta and then sail to Montenegro and Croatia, calling in Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Šibenik, before returning to the Maltese archipelago, with a stop on Gozo Island and finally back to Valletta. And guests on the Malta & Greek Isles Discovery itinerary will also overnight in Valletta and then sail to Greece, calling in Kalamata, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Souda Bay, before returning to Valletta.

“Once again we thank the government of Malta for being such a supportive destination partner as we begin welcoming guests back on board for ocean voyages,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “Malta’s central position in the Mediterranean, as well as its historic sites and many cultural experiences, make it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore the Mediterranean from the comfort of a Viking vessel. We are pleased with the response we have received thus far, and we look forward to introducing even more guests to this fantastic European country.”

Today’s news follows Viking’s recent announcements of initial Welcome Back ocean voyages in England, Iceland, Bermuda and the Mediterranean, beginning in May 2021—as well as the restart of European river operations beginning in July 2021. Just last week, Viking named its newest ocean ship, Viking Venus®, and she is currently sailing in England with guests.

Those who sail these new voyages will also experience Viking’s industry-leading health and safety program. Grounded in scientific research, the Viking Health & Safety Program was developed in partnership with an international team of medical advisors, including Raquel C. Bono, M.D., Viking’s Chief Health Officer. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy Medical Corps—and most recently led Washington State’s medical and healthcare systems response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a full-scale laboratory installed on every Viking ocean ship, all guests and crew will receive daily quick and easy non-invasive saliva PCR tests. New air purification technology has also been installed on all Viking ships, which have always featured independent air handling units for all guest staterooms. And additional health checks, sanitization and physical distancing measures will provide further protection for Viking guests and crew at all points of the journey. A complete overview of the Viking Health & Safety Program can be found at: www.viking.com/health-safety.

(PRESS RELEASE)_SANTA CLARITA, Calif., (May 20, 2021) – Following passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials, and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Princess, is announcing its intent to return to service in the United States with a partial season of Alaska sailings from Seattle.
 
Departing July 25 through September 26, 2021, round-trip Seattle, seven-day cruises, onboard Majestic Princess, a MedallionClass™ ship, will be open for sale on May 21, 2021. These cruises will visit signature ports, glaciers and attractions in Alaska including:
 

• Glacier Bay National Park – this 3.3-million-acre world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage site features the magnificent Margerie Glacier
• Juneau – the 49th state’s capital city, with the chance to see humpback whales and Mendenhall Glacier
• Skagway – this Gold Rush-era town is home of the White Pass Scenic Railway
• Ketchikan – this quaint seaside port is known for its infamous Creek Street and as the salmon capital of the world

 
“We have been working towards this moment to return to service for over a year and starting with our Alaska cruise vacations is incredibly gratifying. We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young, and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “In addition, we would like to thank our long-standing partners at the CDC, and in both Alaska and the Port of Seattle who helped make this happen. Our passion has always been to provide our guests with a truly remarkable travel experience. We are thrilled to be able to do that again, safely with confidence.”

Plans for these itineraries to fulfill our obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved as are final instructions from CDC. Princess is continuing its return-to-cruising preparation already underway.
 
Dining, entertainment and shore excursion details are currently being finalized and will be communicated in the coming weeks.
 
“The return of the cruise industry to Alaska is great news for anyone hoping to experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “More importantly, it signals a hopeful new chapter for the dozens of communities and tens of thousands of Alaskans who rely on cruise industry partners to help them share Alaska with the world.”
 
These Princess cruises to Alaska are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Crew vaccinations will be in accordance with CDC guidelines.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., May 20, 2021 — Following passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials, and recent guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Holland America Line is announcing plans to restart cruising to Alaska in July roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam.
 
Bookings are open for the ten Saturday departures that will operate from July 24 through Oct. 2. The seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Sitka and Ketchikan. Scenic cruising in Alaska’s iconic locales includes Glacier Bay and Stephens Passage.
 
Plans for these cruises to fulfill Holland America Line’s obligations under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) are expected to be approved, as are final instructions from CDC, and the company is beginning the return-to-cruising preparation process effective immediately.
 
“Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska for nearly 75 years, and we feel deeply committed to trying to help our friends in ‘The Great Land’ get back on their feet in any way we can this summer,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Given the recent positive collaboration from the CDC, as well as optimism about a resolution with the PVSA, we feel like it’s now or never to give ourselves a chance to bring cruising back to Alaska this year.
 
“We would like to offer our sincerest appreciation to Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Don Young and Governor Mike Dunleavy for their tireless efforts on behalf of the many small businesses that are the backbone of Alaska tourism.”
 
“The Last Frontier is eager to welcome the return of the cruise industry this summer to restart our economy,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “Cruising has a tremendous impact on the people of our state and our communities, especially in the southeast, and we’re thrilled to finally see a light with the impending return of the cruise ships.”
 
On board, Holland America Line will continue to offer the amenities that are a hallmark of the brand. Dining will be available in all restaurants and specialty venues, as well as room service. Entertainment will be in full swing in the main show lounge, and live music will be featured in Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Port-to-Table culinary demonstrations and other enrichment programming will bring Alaska and its culture on board through engaging activities. To accommodate physical distancing, additional performances may be added.
 
Alaska cruises also feature expanded onboard programming. Guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, while EXC Talks and special presentations explore local topics such as Alaska’s bush pilots and famous Iditarod race. In Glacier Bay, the ship takes on a National Park Ranger and Huna native speaker.
 
Voted Best in Alaska
Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska cruises in the 2020 AFAR Travelers’ Awards, 2020 Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, 2019 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and 2019 TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick, confirming its position as the best cruise line in Alaska by some of the world’s most experienced travelers and cruise experts.
 
Cruise and Stay Healthy
These Holland America Line cruises in 2021 to Alaska are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. Shipboard crew vaccinations will also be in accordance with CDC guidelines.
 
Holland America Line guests will be required to comply with all health and safety protocols in place at the time of departure for travel to and from the ship, as well as all onboard protocols and procedures for visiting ports.
 
As of now and subject to change as CDC, public health and medical guidance evolves, Holland America Line’s onboard program provides steps to enhance public health. Travelers are encouraged to regularly check hollandamerica.com since updates will be posted as new procedures are finalized and existing protocols may evolve.
 
Full details, including information on shore excursions, are being finalized and will be shared in the coming weeks at hollandamerica.com. Attractive airfares will be available through Holland America Line’s FlightEase program. Flexible cancellation terms, including our COVID-19 Protections, are offered through “Book with Confidence” when booked by June 30, 2021, for sailings through Dec. 31, 2021. The cruise line’s Cancellation Protection Plan also allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
 
Fares for Nieuw Amsterdam's seven-day Alaska cruises begin at a “Have It All” premium package rate of $1,079 per person that includes four high-value amenities: one shore excursion, a Signature Beverage Package, specialty dining in the Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package to stay connected throughout the cruise. Cruise-only fares start at $799 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
 
Guests who were scheduled to sail on Oosterdam’s roundtrip Seattle cruises with a Sunday departure will be moved to similar accommodations on sister-ship Nieuw Amsterdam, departing on Saturdays. Eurodam guests who were affected by that ship’s move to Greece also will be moved to similar accommodations on Nieuw Amsterdam.
 
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_Miami, May 20, 2021 – Guests can now book Crystal Endeavor’s new 10-night Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway from Reykjavík to Tromsø, September 5 – 15, 2021, as Crystal opens reservations for this up-close destination expedition exploring Iceland’s “Lands of Fire and Ice” and the breathtaking fjords of Norway. A bold new itinerary for Crystal Endeavor’s inaugural season, Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway showcases Icelandic wonders including geothermal springs, waterfalls, whale havens and bird colonies; the majestic fjords, glaciers, and picturesque villages of Norway; and the chance to explore the Arctic Circle, land of the midnight sun. Crystal’s new German-engineered, precision-designed expedition ship features industry-leading space and service ratios, a state-of-the-art ship with signature spaces designed for wilderness viewing, and unrivaled destination immersion with onboard enrichment from an expert Expedition Team and shoreside explorations with Zodiac launches directly from the ship.

Crystal Endeavor’s upcoming launch and inaugural season has been met with incredible excitement and demand, with 50 percent of capacity for its recently announced Luxury Iceland Expeditions reserved within the first 24 hours of its release.

Best Available cruise fares for Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway start at $13,999 per guest, including limited-time Book Now Savings of $3,000 and As You Wish shipboard credits of $300 per guest. Returning guests will enjoy double Crystal Society Savings of five percent, while new-to-Crystal guests will save 2.5 percent on their voyage, with solo fares starting at just 150 percent. Guests who book back-to-back voyages comprising the August 26, September 5, September 15 and September 28 cruises will also receive five percent cruise fare savings. Travelers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on this itinerary. Guests will also enjoy reduced deposits of 15 percent and an extended final payment date of 60 days prior to sailing providing flexibility and ease in the return to travel.

Built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, Germany, part of a family of shipyards known for their passenger ship, icebreaker and private yacht building expertise, Crystal Endeavor will be the fastest, most powerful and most spacious expedition ship in the industry, with a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that enables her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The 20,200-GRT vessel is designed to the highest standards of renowned German engineering and, with her responsive, agile maneuverability, safety and technical capabilities, the yacht is akin to a finely tuned German-built elite sports car for seakeeping (like Porsche, a fast, smooth, powerful ride) and little vibration (like Mercedes).

Crystal Endeavor’s luxurious design will offer discerning travelers elegantly casual, expansive private and public spaces with 100 gross tons per person and 10,000 cubic feet per guest for a passenger space ratio of more than 100. The ship accommodates just 200 guests with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio delivering the personal and genuine service for which Crystal is known. Accommodations are elegantly appointed retreats for guests after days full of exploration, with every suite offering private butler service.
Throughout the ship, Crystal hallmarks will accent guests’ onboard experience: Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar, Prego, 24-hour room service and the Vintage Room experience; spacious social spaces; the only casino on an expedition yacht; a glass-covered, two-story solarium – which houses the Seahorse Pool and Jacuzzi – providing panoramic views from sea to sky; and the full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa with a state-of-the-art Fitness Center as well as a wrap-around Promenade Deck, rare in the industry but an iconic Crystal design element. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including enrichment areas, designated mud rooms, and an Expedition Lounge. The ship’s marina will feature the “toys” found aboard a private yacht for further explorations including a fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and more.