Crystal Endeavor Launch Delayed Due to COVID-19 Shipyard Closure

Genting's Crystal Expedition Cruises announced the launch of its new polar class luxury expedition ship Crystal Endeavor will be delayed due to the temporary closure of the MV Werften shipyards during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 164-meter, 20,000-gross-ton Crystal Endeavorc is currently berthed in MV Werften's Stralsund yard for final outfitting and was due to enter service in August before the shipbuilder in mid-March announced a four-week pause on operations at its locations in Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund due to the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday MV Werften said it would extened the suspension until at least May 4.

Citing uncertainty around when shipyard production will resume, Crystal canceled Crystal Endeavor's scheduled itineraries through October 31 and said it is reaching out to guests and travel advisors with rebooking options. According to current plans, the ship’s maiden voyage will be a 14-night cruise through Tasmania and Fjords of New Zealand embarking on November 14.

“We know that, like us, our guests have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore anew with Crystal aboard this groundbreaking ship, and we deeply regret that this change has become necessary and has disrupted our guests’ travel plans,” said Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber. “While this unprecedented global health crisis inhibits our journeys for now, we are looking ahead with great optimism to introducing Crystal Endeavorto the world on November 14 and welcoming travelers to their next great adventure.”

Both Crystal and MV Werften are owned by parent company Genting Hong Kong.