Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has unveiled plans to replace its existing Galapagos Islands cruise vessel, National Geographic Islander, with the former Crystal Esprit it purchased in late 2021 from the now-defunct Crystal Cruises.

Ultra-luxury cruise operator Crystal is parting ways with its intimate 62-guest yacht, Crystal Esprit. Constructed in 1991, but only joining the Crystal fleet in 2015, the 31-cabin ship operated primarily in the Mediterranean (Adriatic, Greek Isles, Seychelles and Egypt) and featured a two-person submarine, zodiacs, water skis, wakeboards, jet skis and other water sports equipment.

Crystal is the latest cruise line to withdraw its planned port calls to Australia and New Zealand in early 2022.

Crystal has cancelled all Mediterranean sailings aboard Crystal Esprit from 1 August until 26 September 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic situation.

Crystal has cancelled the first eight voyages of its new expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor, due to production delays at the MV Werften shipyard. The initial itineraries to Japan and Alaska will instead be replaced by new voyages commencing in mid-July.

Crystal has added a new nine-night Iconic Passages: Corinth & Suez itinerary aboard Crystal Esprit to its 2021 schedule. The 62-guest boutique yacht will embark from Dubrovnik, Croatia on 1 April, 2021 and sail to Aqaba, Jordan, visiting some of the region’s most remarkable sites of historic, spiritual and natural significance during the less crowded spring season.

Crystal Yacht Cruises has opened bookings for the complete deployment for the all-suite, 62-guest Crystal Esprit for 2023 through the first quarter of 2024.

In 2020, Crystal will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a year-long celebration including commemorative gifts and special events aboard its ships as well as the gift of savings.

Crystal has selected French skincare company, Caudalie, to furnish the line’s bath amenities across its entire fleet of ships. Caudalie’s products are natural, luxurious and highly effective.

Crystal Esprit’s 2022 collection of yachting itineraries for the beginning of the 2023 season are now open for booking. On offer are 55 voyages. Among the highlights of the 62-guest, all-suite yacht’s deployment are intensive itineraries in Greece, Italy and Croatia; a return to the Mediterranean rivieras for the first time in three years; warm wintertime sailings along the Arabian Peninsula and the island paradise of the Seychelles; and more options exploring the Holy Land.

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises has unveiled the complete 2021 deployment for Crystal Esprit. In all, 45 voyages of epic discovery will combine Crystal’s signature luxuries with the legendary histories and landscapes of the destinations. Nearly all of the 62-guest, butler-serviced, all-suite yacht’s 2021 voyages are seven days, designed to suit busy calendars or combine easily for expanded holidays.