Silversea Cruises of Royal Caribbean Group has acquired its newest expedition cruise vessel, the Endeavour, for $275 million as the brand continues expanding its expedition arm.

The luxury cruise ship was delivered in 2021 to Crystal Cruises before the brand halted operations in February.

Under its new management and name, the 200-passenger Silver Endeavour is expected to return to sea with itineraries planned for Antarctica, servicing the increasing count of affluent and high-end customers showing keen interest in expedition cruises, per a press report.

Silversea’s whopping $275 million acquisition came at a steep discount: The eight-deck cruise ship reportedly required $385 million to be built, making it one of the most expensive cruise ships ever constructed.

Jason Liberty, the CEO and president of Royal Caribbean Group, said in a press release that with Endeavour, they are attempting to grow the fleet to meet the demand for ultra-luxury cruising while enhancing its profitability profile.

Like any luxury expedition ship, the polar class vessel can accommodate kayaks, zodiac boats, camera systems, and observation areas. However, it would not be a cruise ship if it did not provide leisure and recreational offerings.

Besides expedition gear, the ship boasts amenities like a spa, many bars and restaurants, a gorgeous swimming pool, and a well-balanced ratio of crew members to guests.

The brand new acquisition is Silversea’s fifth expedition ship in the firm’s 11-ship fleet. The addition comes at a time when Silversea is witnessing an exceptional demand for expedition cruises, per the firm. In its response, in late June 2022, the Royal Caribbean Group added three more Antarctica itineraries to the 2023 –2024 cruise seasons.

Source: https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/luxury-cruise-line-silversea-wins-a-bid-for-one-of-the-most-expensive-vessels-the-endeavour/