Silversea Cruises has agreed a deal to purchase Crystal Cruises’ expedition vessel Crystal Endeavor.

The agreement, valued at $275 million, will see the luxury line rename the ship Silver Endeavour, with plans to begin sailing in November 2022.

Upon its introduction to the fleet, it will replace Silver Explorer for the 2022/2023 Antarctica season. Bookings are open now.

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, the ship can operate all of Silversea’s current expedition itineraries, according to the line.

Silversea parent company Royal Caribbean Group said it will protect the deposits of guests who were originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and make a new booking on one of the group’s brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

To the extent that Crystal Endeavor guests do not receive their deposits back from Crystal or other sources, the Royal Caribbean Group will refund any amount paid on their new booking up to the amount of their lost deposits from Crystal.

Endeavor to ‘accelerate’ Silversea growth strategy

Silversea Cruises president and CEO Roberto Martinoli said: “One of the most luxurious expedition ships afloat, Silver Endeavour will accelerate our strategy of growth, enriching our offering to unprecedented levels and reaffirming our position as the leading ultra-luxury expedition cruise line.

“The expedition cruising industry is poised to resume accelerated growth, driven by demand among high-end, affluent customers for travel to remote and hard-to-access destinations.

“Silver Endeavour will strengthen our polar offering, further diversifying our broad-ranging product.

“With the ongoing support of Royal Caribbean Group, we are enhancing the cruise experience for our guests, unlocking the world’s most rewarding destinations in a way that only Silversea can.”

Silversea chief commercial officer Barbara Muckermann added: “To honour the spirit of expedition travel, we have renamed the ship Silver Endeavour – paying testament to one of history’s most famous vessels.

“Aboard Silver Endeavour, travellers will channel the same sense of discovery that guided pioneering explorers, such as James Cook, in bygone eras.”