Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Crystal Endeavor exceeds expectations in sea trials

CRUISE_Crystal_Endeavor.jpg
Crystal Endeavor returned to MV Werften in Stralsund for final oufitting following sea trials
Crystal Endeavor completed second and final sea trials and is scheduled for technical delivery from MV Werften May 27, with interior outfitting to continue.

The ship returned to the Stralsund yard Sunday evening. 

During sea trials, Crystal's first expedition newbuild underwent rigorous performance and operational tests of systems, machinery and engines, including safety, navigation and propulsion systems, and noise and vibration measurements. Capt. Thomas Larsen along with senior members of the Crystal Endeavor bridge and engineering teams participated in the trials in collaboration with the engineers, naval architects and builders from MV Werften.

'Performed like a dream'

The team reported the ship is a 'gem and performed like a dream, far exceeding specifications.'

For example, it crash-stopped'from full speed to zero within 660 meters (four ship’s lengths) compared with the 1,700 meters (10 ship’s lengths) requirement. Noise measured 10% lower than requirements with vibration up to 80% lower than requirements.

'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,' Crystal President Jack Anderson said.

The 20,200gt Crystal Endeavor is built to Polar Class 6. The ship has two Azipod D units and a diesel electric power plant designed for ice-going vessels to help them operate at optimum efficiency while providing 13,020 kW of installed power.

'The design and building standard of Crystal Endeavor is outstanding,' Capt. Thomas Larsen said. '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 in the suites and public areas even during crash-stop tests. This means a comfortable, enjoyable experience for guests even in unpredictable weather conditions.'

In terms of agility, safety and technical capabilities, Larsen compared Crystal Endeavor to driving a finely tuned German-built elite sports car such as a Porsche.

Iceland debut July 17

Crystal Endeavor is scheduled to enter service July 17 with five 10-night circumnavigations of Iceland, sailing round-trip Reykjavík. This will be followed by the 10-night 'Journey of Vikings: Iceland & Norway' voyage from Reykjavík to Tromsø departing Sept. 5