Crystal Cruises has announced a new partnership with the California Ocean Alliance, (COA), which is dedicated to marine research to safeguard oceans for the protection of marine mammals worldwide.
COA scientists will join ‘Crystal Endeavor’, the line’s new expedition yacht, for a series of five remote expedition cruises to collect data on whale behaviour using submersible acoustic recorders, drones, suction cup tags, and remote biopsy sampling.
The scientists will also engage with ‘Crystal Endeavor’s’ guests to help with the research while sailing in the Antarctic.
Ranging in length from 11 – 19 nights, these select voyages depart on a round trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, from December, 2021 through February, 2022.
“It is a privilege to join with the California Ocean Alliance in its critical research to inform and promote conservation and management of our oceans and the health and survival of marine mammals,” said Walter Barinaga, Director, Crystal Destination Experiences and the You Care, We Care Crystal Voluntourism Adventures programme.
“Crystal guests have a thirst for exploration and a passion for the oceans and the destinations and wildlife they experience on our voyages. They will, no doubt, be enriched by the chance to engage with and learn from the distinguished researchers from the alliance for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ecosystems we explore,” he said.
“We are excited to partner with Crystal as not only do we know the company’s steadfast commitment to operating responsibly but we have the opportunity to conduct important conservation research in this remote area of the world,” added Dr Ari Friedlaender, Associate Researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz and part of COA’s senior leadership team.
“We also look forward to sharing our knowledge and engaging with Crystal’s guests to help foster a deeper understanding of marine animals and ecosystems and the direct connection between the health of world oceans and marine mammals to the well-being of ecology and all living organisms across the globe.”
Crystal’s new partnership with COA expands upon its wildlife conservation efforts, including its partnership with ORCA, a marine conservation organisation dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
ORCA wildlife experts will join ‘Crystal Endeavor’ for three designated destination and cultural expeditions in April and May, 2022, including a 13-night voyage of the isles and coastal cities of Africa, Spain, and Portugal, a 14-night voyage into the heart of Seville and Bordeaux, and a 14-night voyage exploring the British Isles.
Built at MV WERFTEN in Stralsund, Germany, ‘Crystal Endeavor’ will be have a Polar Class 6 (PC6) classification that will enable her to sail in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The ship features dynamic positioning capabilities to enable her to remain in one place using GPS and the thrusters, rather than dropping anchor, avoiding any potential damage to delicate reefs.
She will also be fitted with sonar FarSounder 1000 technology, which will allow the Master and bridge officers to detect sea life far in advance and navigate appropriately, using 3D imaging of the terrain up to 1,000 m ahead and 50 m deep.
‘Crystal Endeavor’ will be equipped to connect to shore power while in port, be fitted with several water treatment systems and will clean exhaust emissions through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
