Crystal is building a super-spacious polar-class yacht loaded with 'toys'

Announcing the news to media during a special event at Seatrade Cruise Global, Crystal president and ceo Edie Rodriguez said Crystal Endeavor will debut in August 2018. It will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group.

The 600-foot/183-meter vessel will join the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit in the Crystal Yacht Cruises fleet.

Named after the great explorer Capt. James Cook’s research ship HMS Endeavour, the new vessel will be designed for global expeditions in Arctic, Antarctic and tropical conditions.

'With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands, and as the interests and age of luxury travelers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options,' Rodriguez said. She added Crystal Endeavor will cater to a 'particularly daring audience,' one that values 'luxurious comfort and amenities as much as life-changing adventures.'

The megayacht will be the first purpose-built Polar Code-compliant yacht with a PC6 designation. That means Crystal Endeavor will be able to cruise in polar regions during the summer and autumn in medium 'first year' ice which may include old ice inclusions. The vessel will have dynamic positioning technology, enabling it to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without utilizing anchors, or other underwater wonders in waters too deep for anchors.

Crystal Endeavor will cruise in the Arctic then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of Europe and the Americas to Antarctica during the austral summer. Along the way, the vessel will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Equipped with a remotely operated vehicle the yacht will enable travelers to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships such as the Titanic at 12,500 feet.

Other equipment will include two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, seven-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. Crystal Endeavor will also have SEABOBs, technically advanced and powerful underwater scooters.

The standard suites will measure at least 400 square feet, including balcony, while the two owner's suites will cover a whopping 3,122 square feet (1,615-square-foot interior and 1,507-square-foot balcony).

Crowning the megayacht will be Crystal’s signature Palm Court with 270-degree panoramic views for whale-watching and viewing other wildlife. There will be a combined Spa and Conservatory space of 10,000 square feet, featuring a full-service spa, yoga, Pilates, salon and wellness center, Jacuzzis and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. Six dining options, a 200-seat theater, numerous lecture rooms, a cinema, card room and a computer center are other features.

Crystal Endeavor voyages will open for booking in late 2016. Steel-cutting for the newbuild is scheduled to begin this May.