Crystal Endeavor: How the new yacht will look
German chancellor Angela Merkel attended the keel laying of Crystal Cruises’ new expedition yacht today.
Ms Merkel, who visited the MV Werften shipyard in Stralsund in her role as the local MP, said the event marked ‘a special moment for me that is doubly significant’.
Fireworks as the keel is laid
‘Today, the foundation has been laid for this highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art cruise ship. But the ceremony itself, which is taking place in the lively shipyard with the participation of so many employees and trainees, also bodes well for the future of shipbuilding in the Hanseatic City of Stralsund and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,’ she said.
The chancellor arrives
Merkel gives a speech
Hundreds of shipyard workers wearing ‘Team Endeavor’ shirts watched as the 400-ton section was lowered on to traditional lucky coins laid on the keel blocks.
Merkel lays a ‘lucky’ coin under the keel
Crystal president and CEO Tom Wolber said: ‘It is truly a thrill to mark this important milestone for Crystal Endeavor and the entire Crystal family, as this yacht will change the way guests can explore the world both adventurously and luxuriously.’
Hundreds of workers await the ceremony
The 20,000 GRT ship, featuring 100 butler-service suites, six restaurants and a spa, will be the world’s largest and most spacious purpose-built Polar Class ship, able to operate in summer and autumn through first-year ice. It will enter service in August 2020.
Workers line up to welcome the chancellor
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