Crystal Cruises

Artist illustration of Northern Xplorer zero-emission cruise ship. (Photo credits: Northern Xplorer)

Ship Design: Zero-Emission Cruise Ship Concept Unveiled

Northern Xplorer AS (NX) announced itszero-emission, luxury cruise concept, designed to feature 'clean' technologies including fully electric propulsion, battery energy storage, hydrogen fuel cells and auxiliary renewable energy supply (wind and solar power). Northern Xplorer will provide opportunities to travel ‘off the beaten track’, connecting passengers with unique locations in the Nordic countries in a personal way,” said Rolf André Sandvik, the company's founder and CEO. Sandvik is a master mariner with extensive experience with cruise lines NCL and Crystal Cruises.

Photo: R&M Sea Level Marine

Refit River Cruiser Sets Sail for Crystal

The newly renovated vessel Mozart, which began passenger service in July 2016, marks Crystal Cruises’ first venture into European river cruising. Before for the revitalized river cruiser Mozart set sail, Crystal Cruises contracted R&M Sea Level Marine to completely renovate all the vessel’s cabins, suites and the reception lobby. The refit took place from April 24 to July 6 in Linz, Austria. Designed by II BY IV Design of Toronto, renovations included completely redesigned accommodations with all new bathrooms and complete renewal of all furniture and finishes.

Crystal Cruises Plans for Expansion

Crystal Cruises announced an expansion plan under new owners Genting Hong Kong that includes three 1,000-passenger vessels, its first new ships in decades. Plus, Crystal will expand into adventure, yacht and river cruising, and luxury jet trips. The three Crystal Exclusive Class ships will be about the same size as the 20-year-old Crystal Symphony and the slightly larger 2003-built Crystal Serenity. The line has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft to build the ocean ships, which will have an unprecedented space ratio of 100 gross tons of space per guest, Crystal said. The minimum size of the cabins on the ships will be 400 square feet.

(Photo: Valletta Cruise Port)

Cruise Liner Casino Approved in Malta

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has approved the first application received from Crystal Cruises, which is represented in Malta by Gollcher Group, for its Crystal Serenity which will call to Malta on June 5 and 6, 2015. Crystal’s onboard casinos on Crystal Serenity offer games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Mini-Baccarat (on request), as well as slot and video poker machines. “Valletta Cruise Port welcomes this first application, following our instigation to introduce this legislation.