Just Back: Crystal Endeavor-London to Lisbon

With passion for cruising and immense knowledge of industry, Cadence Travel Advisor, Karyn Farr shares with us her recent experience aboard the new Crystal Endeavor which had its maiden voyage in July of 2021.

Cadence: Tell us about this new ship?
Karyn: The Endeavor’s first sailing was July 17, 2021 and featured Iceland expedition itineraries. At $20,000 per gross ton, the Endeavor sets a high standard for luxury expedition cruising. There is a space ratio of 100 gross tons per guest, and a staff ratio of 1-to-1. This ‘all-inclusive’ expedition yacht (200 guests max) is truly the most luxurious expedition ship afloat. As the ship is smaller than a traditional cruise ship and is able to visit small ports that are not available on regular ocean itineraries. The ship does not disappoint.

C: Tell us about your experience on the new Crystal Endeavor?
K: I took the 11-night cruise from London to Lisbon, this was a non-expedition itinerary that included great wine tasting along the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal. The included shore excursions were well planned and took advantage of the Fall harvest season. In additional to the included shore excursions, there are optional shore excursions too.

C: What was your favorite trip highlight?
K: I signed up for a wine pairing dinner at a Chateau in St. Emilion from our Bordeaux port, and it turned out to be very special. About 40 of us tried to pair 2 Grand Cru and 2 Grand Cru Clasee wines with our 2 starters & 2 main dishes. In the scoring, we could only score 0 or 2 or 4. I won a delicious bottle of Grand Cru Classe by being the only person to get all four correct!

C: Can you tell us about the dinning options?
K: If you are a loyal Crystal guest who loves the food, service and ambiance aboard Crystal’s ocean and river ships – this is your ship. Five star food is available at Umi Uma a Japanese restaurant and Prego, an Italian restaurant. Waterside, Bistro, and Solarium all have delightful food and there is 24-hour room service. Dining staff was so pleasant and helpful and happy to have guests aboard. Wine and spirits flowed freely after the many tastings ashore.

C: What amenities were available?
There are two venues with music in the evenings and even a lively dance party on the last night. Other amenities include the Vintage Room, a casino, a double-deck solarium, a salon and spa, mud rooms, an Expedition Lounge, a Captain’s Lounge, 2 helicopters, Zodiacs, kayaks, snorkel gear and a 6-person submarine! For those who want the special treat of expedition sailing to the exotic far ports, but don’t want small cabins, mediocre food or a lack of entertainment - this is your ship!

C: What was your cabin like?
K: I was in a standard cabin that was very roomy with a large walk-in closet, large bathroom with two sides. My balcony was pleasant & the furniture was comfy. But my room staff had several glitches (and this was on the PH deck).

C: Would you recommend a Crystal Endeavor cruise?
K: If I was going to sign up for Antarctica or the Arctic or Galapagos, this would be my ship of choice. I would be in good hands and would look forward to being pampered and fed well.

Thanks for sharing, Karyn! Let us know in the comments below - is a Crystal cruise on your travel wish list?