Silver Endeavour

The 2021-built (as Crystal Endeavor) cruise ship Silver Endeavour is a polar-class vessel and was Crystal Yacht Cruises' newest vessel. She is the world's first purpose-built megayacht with a P6 (Polar Class 6) hull designation. Before 2021, Endeavor's fleetmate was Crystal Esprit/now Nat Geo Islander 2 (1991-built). Since June 2022, the vessel has been owned by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group and operated by its subsidiary Silversea via Silversea Expeditions (fleet).

The vessel (IMO number 9821873) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000932) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 as a subsidiary of the Japanese NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) - one of the world's largest container shipping companies. In 2015, NYK Line sold Crystal Cruises to Genting Hong Kong (GHK). Following the acquisition, the company was renamed Crystal Ltd.

In January 2022, GHK filed for bankruptcy and all its assets were put up for sale. In June 2022, the Crystal Cruises brand was acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd (Abercrombie & Kent). The 250-passenger ship was previously operated by Crystal Yacht Cruises - a division of Crystal Cruises Inc (USA), while the shipowner was Genting International Plc (Malaysia, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Ltd).

Following the bankruptcy of the parent company GHK-Genting Hong Kong Ltd in January 2022, GHK's subsidiary Crystal Cruises Inc (USA) filed for bankruptcy in February.

On June 14, 2022, it was announced that Crystal Endeavor had been sold to Silversea. At the time of the announcement, the vessel was at anchorage off Gibraltar and was reportedly scheduled for a drydock refurbishment and rebranding before joining Silversea's Antarctica 2022-2023 season. On June 8, Silversea also trademarked the ship names "Silver Endeavor" and "Silver Endeavour".

On July 18, 2022, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group received court approval to purchase Crystal Endeavor for USD 275 million. The acquisition was fully financed through a 15-year unsecured loan guaranteed by Euler Hermes (an insurance company within Allianz Group), with no amortization payments during the first two years. The deal was described as accretive to earnings, cash flow, and ROIC (return on invested capital).

Reportedly, other bidders for Crystal Endeavor included The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Heritage Group Monaco (which in June 2022 acquired Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, as well as the "Crystal Cruises" brand and its assets).

The vessel (renamed "Silver Endeavour") was scheduled to start operations for Silversea on November 21, 2022 (Maiden Voyage), following a drydock refit in Marseille France (September 6 through October 14). The refit added more staterooms in spaces originally occupied by passenger facilities. Planned changes included restaurant adjustments and repurposing the spaces of the Casino, the Helicopter Hangar, both Helipads, and the Submarine Deck. Silversea also removed both mini-submarines and both helicopters from the ship.

RCG protected all deposits of customers originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and allowed rebooking on any ship from the fleets of its three subsidiaries (RCI-Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Silversea). RCG also refunded any amount paid on the new bookings up to the value of the lost deposits from Crystal Cruises.

Crystal Endeavor left Gibraltar's West Anchorage area on July 22, 2022, en route to Port Marseille (France), arriving there for reconstruction on July 25.

Decks and Cabins

The yacht Silver Endeavour carries 252 passengers (maximum capacity/full occupancy) accommodated in 110 suites, ranging from 305 ft2 / 28 m2 (Deluxe Suite/balcony cabin) to Owner's Suites (1130 ft2 / 105 m2 plus a 740 ft2 / 69 m2 terrace). The two Owner's Suites (aka "Crystal Penthouse Suite") can be connected to a Penthouse for a combined area of 3930 ft2 (365 m2). Suite passengers can relax in a private conservatory, in-cabin spa and gym with steam room, sauna, and private treatment room, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, in addition to expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Regardless of cabin category, all passenger staterooms offer standard complimentary amenities including 24-hour butler service, refrigerator and mini-bar (fully stocked with beverages and snacks), UHDTV (Interactive Media Library), premium pillow menu, marbled bathroom (double faucets, full-sized tub, luxury-brand bath amenities, plush bathrobes), personalized stationery, umbrella, direct-dial phone, complimentary WiFi Internet, power outlets with dual voltage (110/220V), and a bottle of Champagne upon arrival.

On Silver Endeavour, Silversea added two new cabin categories - Master Suite and Signature Suite.

There are two aft-facing Master Suites (1165 ft2 / 108 m2) featuring wraparound terraces (310 ft2 / 29 m2) providing 270-degree unobstructed views. Master Suites include a separate bedroom (King-size double bed convertible to twins and walk-in closet), a full bathroom (walk-in shower and separate whirlpool bathtub), and a separate living room with a convertible single sofa bed for a third guest.

The four Signature Suites (720-850 ft2 / 67-79 m2) feature large balconies (165-270 ft2 / 16-25 m2), a separate living room with dining area, a separate bedroom (convertible King-size bed, walk-in closet, floor-to-ceiling windows), and an adjoining full bathroom (walk-in shower and whirlpool bathtub). The living room also has a convertible single sofa bed for a third guest and floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

The vessel has 10 decks, of which 8 are accessible to passengers and 4 contain cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Silver Endeavour offers the following dining venues:

The Restaurant (4144 ft2 / 385 m2, on Deck 4) is the main dining room (MDR) with a maximum capacity of 192 seats. The MDR is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a variety of international and regional dishes with a daily rotating menu.

Il Terrazzino (1044 ft2 / 97 m2, on Deck 4) translates as "little terrace", in homage to Silversea’s signature La Terrazza restaurant. The dinner-only venue has a maximum capacity of 36 seats and serves authentic Italian cuisine from an a la carte menu.

La Dame (495 ft2 / 46 m2, on Deck 4) is Silversea’s signature French restaurant. La Dame has a maximum capacity of 20 seats and offers gourmet French cuisine from an a la carte menu, plus an optional 6-course tasting menu with wine pairing. It is a dinner-only venue and reservations are required for a nominal fee of US$60 per person.

The Grill (2806 ft2 / 261 m2, aft on Deck 5 adjacent to the Pool Deck) provides 270-degree panoramic stern views and has a mezzanine level (on Deck 6). This casual eatery offers an a la carte menu of international dishes and has a maximum capacity of 80 seats for breakfast and lunch, and 48 seats for dinner.

Arts Café (2250 ft2 / 209 m2, midship on Deck 5) is a classic coffee shop and patisserie with floor-to-ceiling windows. The venue serves an extensive selection of premium coffees and teas, along with gourmet pastries and light bites.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Traditional shipboard entertainment includes bingo, team trivia, golf competitions, occasional movies, evening Broadway-style productions, and live jazz performances in the Explorer Lounge.

Onboard amenities include movies on demand and interactive TV services. Passengers can check messages, review onboard accounts, or select from a wide range of newly released movies. Smart TVs feature advanced hybrid UHDTV technology with an infotainment system integrating Internet and interactive features. Cabin TV programming includes channels such as CNN International, Fox News, ESPN, and BBC World.

Laundry rooms are available for guest use and are complimentary. Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing services are also available through the complimentary butler service provided for each suite.

Follows the complete list of Silver Endeavour lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Boutique shops (offer duty-free shopping including luxury jewelry and watches, brand perfumes, fashion, designer handbags, photo and video accessories, Silversea logo merchandise, special occasion gifts, and convenience goods)
• The Observation Lounge features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable seating, and its own bar service. Located at the bow, it offers one of the best vantage points on the top deck for photography and enjoying port and sea views. The Observation Lounge also doubles as the ship's Library, offering a wide selection of bestselling books, destination travel guides related to Silversea itineraries, magazines, newspapers, and media (DVDs and CDs) for in-cabin use.
• Explorer Lounge is the ship's theater (main show lounge) with tiered seating and a stage for live performances. In the evenings, the theater presents live music and small-scale show productions featuring guest artists, classical soloists, comedians, cultural performances, and movies. Daily enrichment programs include trivia games, language lessons, dance classes, lectures, and media presentations related to nature, history, culture, politics, and cruise destinations.
• Connoisseur’s Corner is the ship’s smoking lounge with comfortable seating, including leather chaise lounge chairs. Guests can purchase premium cognacs, fine cigars, and vintage wines here.
• Swimming Pool area features a heated saltwater pool suitable for cooler climates. The area includes a stage for live entertainment, a large outdoor Jacuzzi, and a sunbathing area with padded loungers, deckchairs, and tables.
• The Library (with audio listening stations and on-demand movies)
• Otium Spa features treatment rooms, a Beauty Salon, two saunas, two steam rooms, and a Thermal Suite.
• Beauty Salon (offers hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures)
• Fitness Centre (equipped with treadmills, stationary bikes, weight machines, and elliptical trainers). There is also a separate Aerobics Studio for classes.
• Power Walking/Jogging Track, Golf Cage, paddle tennis court, and golf putting green.
• 24-hour Room Service and WiFi Internet are complimentary.

Crystal Endeavor ship review

Crystal Endeavor featured six dining venues, including the main dining room, outdoor cafe, self-serve snack spot, grill, and 24-hour room service. The ship's dining experience highlighted world-class cuisine and diverse menus also available on all Crystal-owned vessels (river, ocean, and yacht), with all-inclusive dining, premium spirits, and fine wines served throughout.

The ship's specialty restaurants included Umi Uma (serving sushi and specialties by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa) and Prego (traditional Italian fare and host of "Vintage Room" winemaker dinners). Additional venues included the elegant Waterside (main dining room), Silk Kitchen & Bar (Asian-inspired, located in the two-deck solarium during the evenings), and Bistro Cafe (European-inspired, serving full-service breakfast and lunch and a popular spot for afternoon tea and freshly brewed espresso).

Follows the complete list of Crystal Endeavor restaurants and food bars.

• The Pantry (buffet restaurant open 24 hours, operating as a self-service bistro offering specialty teas and coffees, wine bar service, and light food)
• Waterside (main dining room)
• Silk Kitchen & Bar (Asian cuisine)
• Bistro Cafe (European-inspired venue offering full-service breakfast and lunch)
• Compass Room (wine bar and reservation-only specialty dining venue)
• Yacht Club Restaurant (main dining room offering waiter-served breakfast, lunch, and dinner with "Modern Tasting" and "Classic" menus, featuring contemporary and traditional gourmet specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients)
• Patio Cafe (Yacht Club's outdoor extension offering lighter menu options with waiter-served breakfast and lunch)
• The Grill (casual fast-food alternative dining venue)
• Umi Uma (sushi and specialties by Nobu Matsuhisa)
• Prego (traditional Italian restaurant)
• Sunset Bar (casual eatery and outdoor bar)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Before 2022, the superyacht had its own underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), equipment widely used in the offshore industry. On polar itineraries, the ROV provided underwater footage and was used to explore sunken objects, including vessels (warships, galleons, etc.).

The vessel (MV Werften hull number 124) has DWT (deadweight tonnage) of 2025 tons, GT (gross tonnage/volume) of 19800 tons, a draught of 6 m (20 ft), and four 4-stroke diesel engines.

For technical details and construction information, see the ship's Wiki section.

Crystal Endeavor featured a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and carried a fleet of 18 electric amphibious Zodiacs/RIBs, two submarines (7-person mini-subs), two helicopters for flight tours, two landing pads (helipads), 14 kayaks, and one ROV. The ship provided complimentary jet skis, kayaks, wave runners, paddleboards, fishing equipment, snorkeling and scuba diving gear, a recompression chamber, and multi-person ATVs. Passengers could also experience rides on Endeavour's SEABOB, one of the most technically advanced underwater scooters in the world.

This is the world's first purpose-built yacht compliant with the "Polar Code", enabling operations in polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica) during summer and autumn months in medium ice conditions (first-year ice).

The cruise vessel is equipped with advanced dynamic positioning technology (DPS - dynamic positioning system) and computer-controlled systems that automatically maintain the ship's position using her propulsion units (thrusters and propellers), even in adverse weather conditions. This capability allows the yacht to remain above coral reefs without dropping anchors that could damage the seabed.

The Zodiacs (motorized rigid inflatable boats) are used for near-coastal and inland waterway cruising, as well as for passenger disembarkation and tendering at destinations without port infrastructure (docks, piers, quays, or wharves). Each expedition boat is battery-powered and designed with additional storage holds.

At Palm Court Lounge, guests enjoy afternoon tea service, dancing, specialty cocktails, enrichment lectures, media presentations, classes, and evening entertainment. Other social venues include the only Casino Lounge on an expedition yacht, Connoisseur Club (cigar lounge), and Crystal Cove, where guests gather for guest speakers, pre-dinner drinks, and late-night entertainment.

Enrichment venues include the Library, Captain's Lounge, Expedition Lounge, and Observation Lounge (aka Helicopter Lounge). The Promenade stretches from Crystal Cove to Waterside and offers a more intimate setting for cocktails and scenic views. Crystal's onboard boutique shops, Apropos and Facets, provide designer and fine jewelry shopping.

The dedicated wellness complex covers an area of 930 m2 / 10,000 ft2 and includes the "Otium Spa & Beauty Salon" (formerly "Crystal Life Spa & Salon"), a fully equipped Gym Room (fitness center), a full-service spa facility (with three treatment rooms for massages), unisex steam rooms and saunas, indoor Jacuzzis, a Relaxation Room, and a full-service Beauty Salon (nail, hairdresser, and barber services). The two-story Solarium pool deck is covered by a glass-domed roof. Both Mudrooms (for expedition preparation and gear storage) also offer equipment and boot cleaning after shore excursions.

Follows the complete list of Crystal Endeavor lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Palm Court (with 270-degree panoramic views ideal for wildlife watching)
• Connoisseur Club cigar lounge
• Crystal Cove
• The Library, Captain's Lounge, Expedition Lounge, Helicopter/Observation Lounge (270-degree sea views)
• Spa and Conservatory (10000 ft2 / 930 m2 wellness area with spa, salon, Jacuzzis, and Crystal Life Fitness for spinning, yoga, Pilates, and personal training)
• Infinity pool (with a base that can be lifted to convert the area into an alfresco dining space or dance floor)
• Theatre (200 seats)
• Lecture Rooms, Cinema, Card Room, Casino, Computer Centre

Itineraries

Silver Endeavour's Maiden Voyage started on November 21, 2022, as part of the inaugural cruise season in Antarctica. Endeavour's 2022-2023 Antarctic program was originally planned for Silver Explorer, which was scheduled to leave Silversea's fleet in 2023.

The 2022-2023 polar program (November 21 through March 14) consisted of 12 total itineraries and fly-cruise expeditions to Antarctica. Departing roundtrip from King George Island, the itineraries (5-, 6-, 7-, and 9-day durations) visited the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands (Deception Island, Elephant Island, King George Island).

Via domestic roundtrip charter flights, cruise tourists fly from Punta Arenas directly to King George Island (Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport / Chile's Antarctic station) via Chile's Antarctica Bridge program. From King George Island, the ship crosses the Antarctic Sound (separating the Joinville Islands from the Antarctic Peninsula), then visits destinations on the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetlands before returning to King George Island, where tourists board the return flight to Punta Arenas.

The Antarctic 2023 schedule also included three roundtrip voyages from Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, Chilean Antarctica) via the Drake Passage - February 12 (20 days) and March 4 (10 days, followed by a 14-day relocation voyage to Valparaiso-Santiago de Chile).

Following the maiden Antarctic season, Silver Endeavour's schedule included several relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) as well as the Kimberley Western Australia 2023 season, based on homeporting between Darwin NT and Broome WA.

• Mar 18 / 25 days from Valparaiso-Santiago to Papeete Tahiti
• Apr 12 / 14 days from Papeete to Lautoka Fiji
• Apr 26 / 17 days from Lautoka to Cairns
• May 13 / 18 days from Cairns to Broome
• May 31, Jun 20, Jul 20 / 10 days from Broome to Darwin
• Jun 10, Jul 10 / 10 days from Darwin to Broome
• Jun 30, Jul 30 / 10 days roundtrip from Darwin
• Aug 9 / 17 days from Darwin to Fremantle-Perth
• Aug 26 / 17 days from Fremantle to Darwin
• Sep 12 / 18 days from Darwin to Cairns
• Sep 30 / 16 days from Cairns to Lautoka
• Oct 16 / 11 days from Lautoka to Papeete
• Oct 27 / 23 days from Papeete to Valparaiso-Santiago

Silver Endeavour's 2023-2024 program (May through March) included 25 expedition voyages (6- to 18-day itineraries) visiting 116 different destinations, including Svalbard Norway, the British Isles, Iceland and Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, and Antarctica/Antarctic Peninsula, as well as the UK's South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Of these, 24 destinations were new for Silversea.

Following the drydock refurbishment in Genoa Italy (April-May 2023), Silver Endeavour's inaugural Arctic season began on June 3 with a 14-day voyage from Reykjavik to Tromso.

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (through the company's "Silver Sky" program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip airfare (Economy Class), and airport-pier-airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package, "Silver Shore Simply Hotel", offers overnight stays in 5-star luxury hotels with optional transfers or upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") includes 1-3 nights at landmark hotels or boutique properties and includes private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).

Crystal Endeavor itineraries (Crystal Yacht Cruises)

Crystal Endeavor's itinerary program was originally scheduled to start on May 15, 2021 (Maiden Voyage, later rescheduled for July 17) and included destinations in Europe's and Canada's Arctic territories and Antarctica during winter, and during the rest of the year the Americas, Europe (Mediterranean-UK-Baltic), Pacific and Atlantic islands, Russia's Far East territories (including the Kuril Islands), the South Pacific (Australia and New Zealand), and Alaska. Itinerary lengths ranged from 12 to 22 days. Tropical destinations were also included as seasonal relocation crossings (RepositionCruises.com) between cooler and warmer regions.

The new ship was originally planned to begin operations in 2020. The inaugural list included 12 itineraries, three of which were Japan-based roundtrips from homeport Tokyo.

• (2020 August 10, Tokyo roundtrip) 17-day "Russian Far East Maiden Expedition" visiting Hakodate, Rishiri, Wakkanai, and Russia's Far East (Korsakov, Tyuleny Island, Yankicha Island, Srednego Island, Paramushir Island, Atlasov Island, Russky Island), then returning to Japan (Otaru, Tokyo).
• (2020 August 27, Tokyo roundtrip) 17-day "Japan's Cultural and Coastal Discovery" visiting Muroran, Hakodate, Ryotsu, Ogi, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Pohang, Hamada, Sazaki, Miyajima, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, Kobe, Hamajima, and Shimizu.
• (2020 September 13, from Tokyo to Taipei Taiwan) 16-day repositioning itinerary visiting Shingu, Osaka, Himeji, Tamano, Uwajima, Kagoshima, Anbo, Amami, Yoronjima, Motobu, Naha, Kerama, Shoto Islands, Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, and Taipei (debarkation).
• (September 29, 2020) "Philippines, Borneo and Indonesia Quest", 16-day from Taipei to Bali
• (October 15, 2020) "Indonesian Immersive and The Great Barrier Reef", 16-day relocation from Asia to Australia (Bali to Cairns Queensland)
• (October 31, 2020) "Australian Offshore and The Great Barrier Reef", 14-day from Cairns to Sydney NSW
• (November 4, 2020) "Tasmania and The Fjords of New Zealand", 14-day from Sydney to Christchurch New Zealand
• (November 28, 2020) "New Zealand Immersion", 12-day from Christchurch to Auckland NZ
• (December 10, 2020) "The Remote Coasts of New Zealand", 12-day from Auckland to Christchurch
• (December 22, 2020) "Holiday Expedition to New Zealand and Australia", 15-day from Christchurch to Tasmania
• (January 6, 2021) "Antarctica and The Ross Sea Expedition", 22-day from Hobart Tasmania to Christchurch
• (January 28, 2021) "Antarctica and The Ross Sea Expedition", 22-day from Christchurch to Hobart.
• The liner's complete 2021 schedule was officially opened for booking on March 13, 2019. Voyages ranged from 10 to 28 days and visited destinations throughout Antarctica, Russia's Far East, the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, Japan, China, Indonesia, Indian Ocean islands, Australia, New Zealand, Europe (including the Norwegian Fjords, UK, and Canary Islands), and South America.

In late January 2021, all departures planned for May through August were canceled. The latest cancellations included the Japan 2021 program and the Alaska 2021 mini-season (four departures from Seward and Vancouver BC).

Bookings for Crystal Endeavor cruises (inaugural season August 2020 - January 2021) opened on August 8, 2018 (to Crystal Society loyalty program members) and on August 22 to the general public. Fares started from USD 12750 per person based on double occupancy.

In mid-February 2019, a unique Russian Arctic cruise itinerary (Northeast Passage route) was announced - from Anadyr Russia to Tromso Norway. Departing August 18, 2021, the 28-day "Northeast Passage Expedition" visits some of the world's most remote islands and archipelagos in the Russian Arctic. Notable destinations include Franz Josef Land, Wrangel Island, the New Siberian Islands, and Severnaya Zemlya. The voyage also visits Murmansk and other Russian Federation territories including Novaya Zemlya and Solovetsky Island. Along the route, Crystal Endeavor navigates the Arctic Ocean (East Siberian Sea, White Sea, Barents Sea, Laptev Sea) with numerous opportunities for zodiac landings, depending on sea and weather conditions.

• Deals included a 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Anchorage Alaska and a flight transfer to Anadyr.
• Bookings opened on February 20 (Crystal Society members) and March 13 (general customers).
• Prices started from USD 44360 per person.

All Crystal Endeavor 2021 voyages were open for booking in mid-March 2019. The itineraries ranged from 10 to 28 days and visited destinations in Asia (Russian Far East, Japan, Indonesia), Antarctica, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Norway, the UK, Western Europe, the Canary Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and South America. Prices started from USD 9550 per person, with savings of up to USD 10000 per cabin offered on bookings made by April 30, 2019.

However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, the Maiden Voyage was first rescheduled for May 15, 2021 (13-day Japan itinerary from Tokyo to Kobe), then for August 18 (Northwest Passage along Russia's Arctic coast), and eventually for July 17 (10-night Iceland circumnavigation from homeport Reykjavik).

• Bookings for the "Luxury Iceland Expeditions" (around Iceland voyages / inaugural season 2021 from July 17 through August 26 / four departures) opened on April 13, 2021. The Iceland itinerary visited Flatey Island, Latrabjarg promontory, Vigur Island, Akureyri, Husavik, Grimsey Island, and included fjord cruising (Arnarfjordur, Vopnafjordur, Seydisfjordur, Patreksfjordur, Raudasandur, Borgarfjodur Eystri, Thingvellir National Park), as well as Heimaey and Surtsey Island.
• On May 20, 2021, bookings opened for the 10-night "Journey of Vikings: Iceland and Norway" (September 5-15) - a repositioning North Atlantic crossing from Reykjavik to Tromso Norway. Ports of call included Reykjavik (embarkation), Iceland's Westfjords (Arnarfjordur's Dynjandi Waterfall), Akureyri, Seydisfjordur, and Norway's Olden (overnight), Sandane, Nordfjordeid, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Vikingen Island, Reine, and Tromso (debarkation). Fares started from USD 14000 per person, including promotions such as "Book Now Savings" (USD 3000), "As You Wish" onboard credit (USD 300 per person), "Crystal Society Savings" (5%), first-time customer savings (2.5%), and a solo traveler supplement of 150%.
• In mid-August, bookings opened for the "Expedition Yachting: Caribbean Mystique" - the yacht's Caribbean Maiden Voyage from the USA. The 9-night itinerary (Miami to San Juan Puerto Rico, departing October 26, 2021) included ports of call in The Bahamas (Great Exuma Island, Inagua Island/Man of War Bay, Old Bahama Channel), St Barthelemy (Gustavia), the British Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke Island/White Bay/Great Harbor, Norman Island), and Saba Island. Prices started from USD 14000 per person.
• The inaugural Antarctic season was scheduled for 2021-2022 (November through March).

The yacht's 2022 itinerary program opened for booking on November 13, 2019, with prices starting from USD 6300 per person. It included a total of 28 cruises (9- to 19-night itineraries), about two-thirds of which were marketed as "Remote Expeditions" to Antarctica, the Arctic, Svalbard Norway, Greenland, Iceland, the Falkland Islands, and Chilean Patagonia (fjords and glaciers).

• Of the remaining voyages, the "Cultural Discovery" group focused on regional history, traditions, and local communities, while "Destination Exploration" focused on nature. These itineraries visited Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa), Western Europe (including the UK and British Isles), the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean.
• The Antarctica 2022 season ended with three relocation voyages - a 14-day South America cruise (Ushuaia to Buenos Aires / March 1-15), a 15-day Transatlantic crossing (Buenos Aires to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands / March 15-30), and a 10-day cruise from Tenerife to Lisbon (March 30-April 9).

Crystal Endeavor's 2023-2024 schedule (through January 2024) was announced in June 2021. Early Booking Promo prices (2-for-1) started from USD 7500 per person (EUR 6320 / GBP 5430). The 2023-2024 program included 27 itineraries (10- to 28-night voyages) to destinations such as Antarctica (Ross Sea, Falkland Islands, South Georgia), South America, Atlantic islands (Cape Verde, Canary Islands), the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe, the British Isles, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Arctic Norway (Svalbard), Arctic Russia (Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya), the Northeast Passage, Asia (Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia/Raja Ampat), and Australia.

In October 2022, Silversea announced that Felicity Aston was named as Silver Endeavour's godmother and that the christening ceremony would be held in Antarctica during the maiden voyage. Felicity Ann Dawn Aston (born 1977) is an English climate scientist, explorer, author, and TV presenter. In the period 2000–2003, she worked at Rothera Research Station (a British Antarctic Survey base on Adelaide Island, Antarctica) as a Senior Meteorologist. The naming ceremony was held on November 19 (in the Lemaire Channel, off the Antarctic Peninsula) and attended by the ship's Master (Captain Niklas Peterstam), Silversea executives, industry partners, passengers, and crew.

Silver Endeavour's MAIDEN VOYAGE was scheduled for November 21, 2022. The 7-day itinerary (roundtrip from King George Island, booking code #EV221121007) was priced from EUR 13050 per person with double occupancy (EUR 17700 fly-cruise). The voyage included cruising through Antarctic Sound (Nov 22), visits to the Antarctic Peninsula (Nov 23–26, with three daily land excursions including Zodiac cruising, hiking, and kayaking), and the South Shetland Islands (Nov 27—Deception Island, Elephant Island, and King George Island).

Silversea ship's namesakes include the smaller expedition vessels National Geographic Endeavour (1966-built), Ocean Endeavour (1982), Safari Endeavour (1983), Reef Endeavour (1996), and National Geographic Endeavour 2 (2005).

Silver Endeavour refurbishment 2023

The 2023 drydock (April 3 through May 6), conducted at San Giorgio del Porto Shipyard in Genoa Italy, was an extensive refurbishment project transforming Crystal Endeavor into Silver Endeavour.

The drydock project included replacing several facilities with new staterooms.

In the area previously occupied by the helicopter hangar, 6 new staterooms were installed (2 Master Suites and 4 Signature Suites). On the starboard side of Deck 5, 4 Classic Veranda Suites replaced the Infirmary/Medical Center (which was relocated to Deck 4, occupying the former Casino space).

On the starboard side of Deck 4, 4 additional Classic Veranda Suites (sized 355 ft2 / 34 m2 with a 50 ft2 / 5 m2 balcony) were installed.

The removal of the Casino (Deck 4) also created space for 4 new crew cabins, allowing Silversea to expand the ship's expedition team to 22 members.

Crystal Endeavor

On January 15, 2018, the vessel's steel-cutting ceremony was held at MV Werften (Stralsund Germany). The event was attended by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay (GHK's Chairman and CEO), Tom Wolber (Crystal Cruises' President and CEO), Harry Glawe (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economics Minister), Alexander Badrow (Stralsund Mayor), and Jarmo Laakso (shipyard's CEO).

The vessel's construction officially began with the steel-cutting ceremony on February 9, 2018. On August 21, 2018, physical construction started with the keel-laying ceremony (MV Werften Stralsund yard, hull number 124), attended by Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on December 22, 2019, with planned delivery to Crystal Cruises Inc (USA) and shipowner Genting International Plc (Malaysia) on June 30, 2020.

The technical delivery (from Lloyd Werft to Crystal Cruises) took place on May 27, 2021, while the official delivery occurred on June 29.

Crystal Endeavor's first Master was Captain Thomas Larsen. Silver Endeavour's first Master was Captain Niklas Peterstam.

Crystal Endeavor's inaugural season was initially planned to begin on August 10, 2020, from Tokyo Japan.

This is the world's first newbuild superyacht designed as a polar-class P6 passenger ship. Its name honors HMS Endeavour—the British Royal Navy sailing ship used by James Cook (1728–1779) on his first Pacific Ocean voyage (1769–1771) to Terra Australis Incognita (Australia and New Zealand), reaching Australia (Botany Bay) in April 1770.

On December 23, 2019, the shipowner GHK placed Crystal Endeavor on sale (sale-and-leaseback) for EUR 350 million (~USD 390 million), with an interest rate of 7%. Shortly afterward, GHK announced that the ship would be sold to SNC ENDEAVOR LEASING (Société en Nom Collectif ENDEAVOR LEASING)—a French joint venture founded in 2019 and owned by CAFI HESTER and DOUMER FINANCE. Both companies are part of the Crédit Agricole Group, a French banking cooperative headquartered in Montrouge, France, and currently the world's largest cooperative financial institution (reported revenue of ~EUR 30.43 billion / ~USD 34 billion for FY2016).

Within five days after the acquisition agreement was signed, SNC ENDEAVOR LEASING was scheduled to pay GHK EUR 280 million, with the remaining balance to be paid upon delivery of the vessel from the shipbuilder Lloyd Werft (part of MV Werften). For Crystal Endeavor, GHK also signed two agreements—a bareboat charter agreement (for chartering the yacht) and a share purchase agreement (an option to reacquire the vessel after the lease period). In late September 2019, GHK sold the Genting Dream (2016-built cruise ship) through a similar sale-and-leaseback deal. The vessel was sold for USD 900 million (~EUR 805 million), approximately 80% of its market value (USD 1.18 billion). The ship was immediately leased back to GHK for 12 years, with an option to repurchase it in 2031.

However, on December 20, 2020, GHK announced that the plan to sell and lease back Crystal Endeavor had been terminated. Citing the economic impact of the COVID crisis, GHK stated that "the Purchaser and the Seller mutually agreed and entered into a termination agreement to terminate the Acquisition Contract and Subordinated Loan Agreement."

In early April 2020, the first six scheduled Crystal Endeavor itineraries were canceled due to delayed delivery. The delay resulted from the temporary shutdown of the Lloyd Werft shipyard during the global pandemic. The canceled voyages included the maiden voyage (Aug 10), which was rescheduled for November 14. In early June 2020, Crystal Yacht Cruises canceled the remainder of Crystal Endeavor's 2020 program, and in December eight additional itineraries (in Australia–New Zealand and repositioning cruises) were also canceled. The decision was based on international travel restrictions, including Australia's and New Zealand's bans on cruise ships. For more information see the ship's CruiseMinus page.

The ship successfully completed Baltic Sea trials between May 20 (departure at 13:14 UTC) and May 23 (arrival at 17:31 UTC), sailing roundtrip from Stralsund Germany.

• Sea trials tested the ship's performance, engines, systems, and machinery.
• The crash-stop test (from max speed 20 knots to zero—37 kph / 23 mph to 0) resulted in approximately four ship lengths (the vessel fully stopped within 660 m / 2165 ft), compared to the required ten ship lengths (1800 m / 5900 ft). Maneuverability tests (including full-circle turning) also exceeded standards. Noise and vibration levels were lower than required (-10% noise, -80% vibrations).

The powerplant consists of four Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 6L32E/E2) with a combined output of 52.08 MW. The propulsion system is diesel-electric and based on two 360-degree rotating thrusters (model ABB Azipod D).

In mid-June 2021, PALFINGER Marine announced a contract with MV Werften to supply specialized equipment for the vessel. The package included 2 tender boats, 2 lifeboats, 2 rescue boats (model FRSQ 630), 3 shipboard cranes, and the boats' davit systems.

• The lifting equipment (hydraulic loader cranes) included 1 electric overhead crane (model PK-18502-SH) and 2 foldable knuckle boom cranes (model PK-29002). The yacht's foldable cranes (portside and starboard) are used for launching and recovering tenders (large-capacity boats used for passenger transport in destinations without port infrastructure). The electric crane is used for the cruise ship's submarines (for underwater tours).
• These cranes are also used on cruise ships for fast loading and unloading of provisions, cargo, tools, and equipment.
• PALFINGER Marine (a division of PALFINGER AG) is a Salzburg Austria-based manufacturing company specializing in deck equipment and lifesaving appliances (hydraulic lifting, loading, and handling systems).
• The company holds the world's largest market share (~35%) and produces approximately 150 crane models.
• PALFINGER Group owns 84 companies (11,100+ employees) and operates 33 manufacturing and assembly sites in 32 countries.

On June 25, 2021, Crystal Cruises announced that Endeavor's godmother would be Manuela Schwesig (born 1974), SPD politician (Social Democratic Party) and the first female Minister-President of Germany's Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state. The vessel's christening ceremony was held on June 26 at MV Werften's shipyard in Stralsund. The ceremony was live-streamed and attended by Peter Altmaier (Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy), Harry Glawe (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Economics Minister), Peter Fetten and Carsten Haake (MV Werften's Managing Directors), and Colin Au (Genting Hong Kong/GHK's Group President). The ship departed Stralsund on July 10 bound for Iceland.

Crystal Endeavor's Maiden Voyage was later rescheduled for May 15, 2021 (13-day Tokyo to Kobe) and priced from USD 16540 per person with double occupancy.

All affected/canceled bookings were provided with a full monetary refund or 125% refund in FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking on any Crystal Cruises ship and itinerary through 2023.

The new Maiden Voyage (July 18, 2021) was a 10-night roundtrip from Reykjavik, and one of the 5x "Iceland Circumnavigation" itineraries planned for the summer. The mini-season in Iceland ended on September 5th, with the 10-night "Journey of Vikings: Iceland and Norway" relocation itinerary from Reykjavik to Tromso Norway.

The next table shows the unique 28-day "Northeast Passage" cruise part of the yacht's 2021 summer program. Prices started from USD 50070 per person (EUR 41205 pp) with double occupancy.

Endeavor's inaugural cruise from PortMiami Florida (October 24-26) was a special 2-day "preview voyage" (cruise to nowhere) for travel agents and media representatives.