Crystal Cruises has announced a new partnership with the California Ocean Alliance, (COA) an organization dedicated to cutting-edge marine research to safeguard oceans for the protection of marine mammals worldwide.
COA researchers and scientists will join five Antarctic expedition cruises on the line’s new Crystal Endeavor. The scientists will conduct whale research while on board, as well as provide interactive guest experiences.
The research will involve collecting data on whale behavior using submergible acoustic recorders, drones, suction cup tags, and remote biopsy sampling. Crystal Endeavor guests will have the opportunity to assist with the research during the 11-19 night voyages departing roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, December 2021 through February 2022.
Walter Barinaga, Director, Crystal Destination Experiences and the You Care, We Care Crystal Voluntourism Adventures program says, “Crystal guests have a thirst for exploration and a passion for the oceans and the destinations and wildlife they experience on our voyages. They will, no doubt, be enriched by the chance to engage with and learn from the distinguished researchers from the alliance for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse ecosystems we explore.”
Crystal’s new partnership with COA is an expansion of its wildlife conservation efforts. The cruise line already has a partnership with ORCA, a leading marine conservation organization dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. In 2019, wildlife experts from ORCA traveled on board Crystal Symphony in Alaska to train Crystal’s bridge crew in the protocol for collecting scientific data about the animals’ behavior and treated guests to hours of whale watching.
ORCA wildlife experts will also be part of the Crystal Endeavor experience. They will join three designated destination and cultural expeditions in April and May of 2022, including a 13-night voyage of the isles and coastal cities of Africa, Spain, and Portugal, a 14-night voyage into the heart of Seville and Bordeaux, and a 14-night voyage exploring the British Isles.
ORCA experts and COA researchers and scientists will join Crystal Endeavor’s slate of expedition experts such as biologists, marine biologists, naturalists, historians, ornithologists, geologist, ecologists and others (depending on the itinerary) who will be on hand to offer insights into the local environments, wildlife, landmarks, traditions and cultures.
Below are the cruises featuring COA and ORCA scientists. Crystal reminds travel advisors their clients should book by 05MAY to enjoy Early Booking Savings on Crystal Endeavor voyages.
Crystal Endeavor - Antarctic Expedition Cruises featuring California Ocean Alliance
- Expedition Antarctica - Dec. 10 - 21, 2021 (11-nights) Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula to discover an icy wilderness of stunning landscapes and extraordinary wildlife few have ever seen. Fares starting at $USD 14,649*.
- Antarctic Holiday Expedition - Dec. 21, 2021 - Jan. 5, 2022 (15-nights) Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Ring in the new year with adventure, following in the footsteps of explorers and the currents of humpback whales and elephant seals, with explorations of Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands, Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Fares starting at $22,049*.
- Expedition Antarctica - January 5 - 16, 2022 (11-nights) Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands in search of penguin colonies, seals, whales, and seabirds. Fares starting at $15,999*.
- Falklands, South Georgia, & Antarctic Wildlife Expedition - Jan. 16 - Feb. 4, 2022 (19-nights) Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Spy glittering glaciers, magnificent icebergs, and the largest penguin colony on earth, on explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Elephant Island, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands, with fares starting at $28,899*.
- Expedition Antarctica - Feb. 4 - Feb. 15 2022 (11-nights) Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Departing roundtrip from Ushuaia. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands in search of penguin colonies, seals, whales, and seabirds. Fares starting at $15,999*.
Crystal Endeavor - Spring Destination & Cultural Voyages featuring ORCA Experts
- Expedition Africa - April 16 - 29, 2022 (13-nights) From Dakar to Málaga. Journey from Cape Verde to the Canaries to explore birding paradises, experience legendary Marrakesh and Casablanca, and revel in the glamour of the Costa de Sol. Fares starting at $10,599*
- River Discovery: Heart of Seville & Bordeaux - April 29 - May 13, 2022 (14-nights) From Málaga to Bordeaux. Explore the stunning Algarve Coast, dock in the heart of Seville, discover the Basque culture of Spain and France and savor the famed vintages of Bordeaux. Fares starting at $12,999*.
- Exploration: Springtime in the British Isles - May 25 - June 8, 2022 (14-nights) From London to Edinburgh. From cosmopolitan London to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the windswept Shetlands, each magnificent isle reveals a new treasure. Fares starting at $13,599*.
