Crystal Serenity Prepares for Arctic Voyages

In preparation for cruise liner Crystal Serenity’s planned Arctic summer cruise in 2016, Crystal Cruises has selected Rutter Inc.’s sigma S6 Small Target Surveillance (STS) and Ice Navigator systems to provide enhanced small target detection of first-year and multi-year sea ice as well as other floating hazards to safe navigation.

This summer’s voyage will be the world’s first luxury cruise liner to sail from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean via the Canadian Northwest Passage. 

In addition to the installation of sigma S6 Small Target Surveillance and Ice Navigator systems, Crystal Serenity will be accompanied during the voyage by an escort vessel that will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment. On the escort vessel will be installed a dedicated sigma S6 Ice Navigator radar system that will allow for the detailed sweep of the area in advance of the Serenity. 

“Rutter’s sigma S6 and WaMoS enhanced marine safety, security and environmental monitoring radar systems are used globally, with extensive use for ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctic,” said Fraser Edison, Rutter Inc. President & CEO. “We are pleased and excited to be working with both Crystal Cruises and EYOS Expeditions Ltd, polar expedition experts and consultants for this voyage, as they become the first luxury ship to transit the Northwest Passage.” 

Rutter has been active for several years in the cruise industry having previously supplied sigma S6 radar systems to other cruise ships sailing into both the Arctic and Antarctic.