Crystal Announces Expedition Leaders

Boris Wise, left, and Eva Molin Westerholm

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, October 14, 2019 – As the countdown to Crystal Endeavor’s August 2020 launch progresses, Crystal Expedition Cruises announced today that naturalists Boris Wise and Eva Molin Westerholm have joined the Crystal team as expedition leader and assistant expedition leader, respectively. The two are working with Crystal experts to build the team of expedition guides that comprises a comprehensive roster of subject matter experts relevant to the destinations Crystal Endeavor will explore. The expedition guides will share their passion for discovery with Crystal guests, highlighting the history, terrain, wildlife and culture of the destinations on a variety of worldwide voyages. Depending on the itinerary, Crystal Endeavor will feature up to 22 expert guides that will include biologists, marine biologists, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, geologist, ecologists and others.

“Every destination featured on Crystal Endeavor voyages is absolutely fascinating in its own way. Each itinerary allows for authentic connections and great adventures that include wildlife spotting, zodiac and kayaking adventures, helicopter flightseeing and deep-water discoveries in a seven-man submersible,” said John Stoll, Crystal’s vice president of land programs. “As every region of the world is so vastly unique, so, too, will be the perspectives and experiences for our guests. We are thrilled to feature some of the world’s top experts in their fields uncovering the best ways to explore and truly become immersed in adventures that each area has to offer.”

Both Wise and Westerholm are veteran explorers of the Arctic and Antarctic, with vast experience leading expeditions in the polar regions and beyond. Wise, an accomplished photographer with a background in horticulture, has spent a decade sharing his expertise in Southeast Alaska, before he ventured to Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, Baffin Island, Svalbard Archipelago, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Westerholm has focused her background in social anthropology and passion for the wilderness on expedition voyages for more than 13 years, guiding travelers through the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as Iceland, Central America, Eastern Canada and the British Isles.

The addition of Wise and Westerholm to the Crystal Endeavor team comes as David Sinclair is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities closer to home.

“We are immensely grateful to David for his unique insights and assistance over the past months as we’ve developed programs to enrich and excite Crystal Endeavor guests,” Stoll said. “He was a wonderful asset to the team, and we wish him all the best in the future.”

In 2020-21, Crystal Endeavor will sail to the farthest reaches of the world, from the Arctic via the fabled Northeast Passage to the Ross Sea in Antarctica, and to many regions few travelers explore, including New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands; the Russian Far East and Japan; New Zealand, Tasmania and the Great Barrier Reef; Borneo, Philippines and Indonesia; Aleutian Islands and Alaska; Western Europe and Canary Islands; and South America. Guests will have opportunities to embark on thrilling adventures, cultivate deep cultural connections, and gain intimate understanding of the biodiversity and natural history of the destinations.

The German-built, 20,000-GRT Crystal Endeavor will accommodate just 200 guests with elegantly casual, expansive public spaces; all-suite, butler-serviced guest rooms; Michelin-inspired dining options including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including designated “mud rooms” and helicopter lounge.

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