German shipyard Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven AG has been selected by Crystal Cruises to build three new Exclusive Crystal Class ocean cruise vessels. Owner of the company, Genting Hong Kong, has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft to build the polar ice class vessels, which will have the capacity to accommodate 1,000 passengers with a gross tonnage of over 100,000gt each. The first ship is expected to be delivered in late 2018. Lloyd Werft has also been selected for the construction of a new class of river vessels for the new brand Crystal river Cruises. Exactly 25 years after Crystal Cruises took to the world stage, the company announced this trio of new ships.

Later this year, the Crystal Esprit will embark on her maiden voyage as the first expansion of the Crystal Cruises fleet. The vessel is an extravagantly appointed yacht, delivered to Crystal Cruises by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), and extensively redesigned to reflect the Crystal Cruises brand. The 62-guest, 3,300gt yacht will offer intimate, exclusive, and immersive experiences with a boutique ambiance. The vessel will be delivered in November 2015 and the maiden voyage departs on 23rd December 2015. The spring of 2017 brings more growth with Crystal river Cruises. Featuring expertly curated itineraries, Crystal River Cruises will offer the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Crystal experience. Spacious suites with exquisitely designed interiors and elegant public rooms will punctuate Crystal’s entry into worldwide river cruising.

The aforementioned trio of polar ice class newbuilds will enable Crystal to become the first-ever cruise line to deliver expedition-capable ships with all the signature features and amenities of a luxury ship or private yacht. The all-suite, all balcony vessels will accommodate 1,000 guests, similar to the capacity of the Crystal Symphony (922) and Crystal Serenity (1,070). Additionally, for the first time ever, guests will have the opportunity to call a Crystal ship “home,” with innovative Crystal residences. Situated on the top deck of the new ships will be 48 unique homes, boasting their own private restaurant, reception and facilities, and much higher ceilings than residences on any other cruise ships or yachts; and equal to most land apartments. Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4,000 square feet of interior living area, which will be the largest on the high seas.