Majestic ‘Titanic-like’ Luxury Cruise Liner Prepares For Maiden Voyage Through Frigid Waterways Of The Arctic — Report

Majestic luxury cruise liner Crystal is all set to embark upon its maiden voyage through the treacherous Northwest Passage according to a report. The magnificient cruise liner has been designed to accommodate more than 1,000 passengers and over 600 crew members on its much anticipated journey slated for August.

By far the largest and most extravagant cruise vessel ever, the Crystal is said to be more spacious than the Titanic and is believed to have drawn equally as much attention as the famed vessel that disappeared into the dark depths of the Atlantic over a 100 years ago.

It is said to be a landmark introduction into the league of luxury cruise liners and is far ahead of the many vessels that have historically navigated the Arctic waters ever since the Northwest Passage became accessible nearly 10 years ago. The star cruise ship is scheduled to depart from Alaska through the Arctic Ocean, and conclude its journey in New York City as the largest and most opulent vessel to cross the infamous Northwest passage.

With climate change paving the way for sea vessels to access the icy corridors of the Arctic, many suspect that the idea of a journey of this magnitude involving a 14-deck 250-meter-long cruise vessel could well be as dangerous as it is exciting. The announcement has prompted the U.S. and Canadian coast guard to initiate emergency training exercises to deal with a potential “Titanic-like” catastrophe, should it happen at all. Local communities have also proceeded to voice their own concerns about the evident dangers of traversing through the Arctic waters.

According to Robert Papp, formerly a U.S. coast guard admiral, preparations are necessary for infrastructure planning in the North.

“Yes, we are concerned about this cruise ship going through but we have been concerned for a number of years because during the summer time Shell has been going up there to drill, other companies have been exploring, there has been an increase even in recreational sailors or adventure sailors going up there.”

The cruise line has reportedly invested three years in the planning of the vessel’s itinerary as well as meticulously looking into the unforeseen contingencies that might arise along the way. According to the company, the starting prices for the journey aboard the luxury vessel start at over $20,000, with this year’s cruise reportedly sold out.

Recently, Crystal’s President and CEO Edie Rodriguez announced the introduction of the line’s first-ever expedition “mega-yacht,” The Crystal Endeavor, which is slated to commence sailing in August of 2018.

“With Crystal Esprit, we discovered there are many guests, young and young at heart, who enjoy sports at sea and discovering remote islands, and as the interests and age of luxury travellers increasingly vary, we will continue to expand our collection of luxury travel options. Luxury means something different to virtually everyone, and we strive to meet and exceed the wishes of the discerning modern luxury traveller. Crystal Endeavor will cater to a particularly daring audience, one who values luxurious comfort and amenities as much as life-changing adventures.”

The Northwest Passage is a sea corridor through Canada’s Arctic archipelago and along the northern coast of North America. In the past, the Northwest Passage had been virtually impenetrable but more recently, climate change is allowing commercial vessels to pass through its corridors more frequently than ever before.

NASA studies have shown that the extent of Arctic sea ice is declining at a rate of several percent per decade. These developments howsoever perturbing are a boon for luxury cruise liners as well as commercial vessels longing for access to the Arctic’s most frigid and treacherous waterway.

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