Luxury line Crystal Cruises’ ambitious expansion plans continue unabated, with confirmation of eight new ships agreed with the newly formed Lloyd Werft Group.

The Lloyd Werft Group was recently acquired by Crystal’s parent company Genting Hong Kong. Crystal has ordered six new luxury river yachts which are scheduled for delivery from 2017 to 2019.

 This is an additional two vessels from a previously announced order for the Crystal Debussy, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Bach river ships which are due to be floated out next year.

The order also includes its largest vessel yet – a 117,000 gross ton ocean going ship able to accommodate 1,000 guests.

This will be the first of three Crystal Exclusive Class ships capable to traversing Polar and Arctic regions.

The order also includes the first purpose-built Polar Class luxury mega yacht, the 200-guest Crystal Endeavor, which is scheduled for a August 2018 delivery.  

“The new Exclusive Class ships, yachts and river yachts planned for the coming years provide travellers with an exhilarating glimpse into the future of luxury travel of all kinds, from rugged expedition adventures to indulgently relaxing river cruises,” said Crystal CEO Edie Rodriguez.“In the agreement with Lloyd Werft for the building of these astounding new vessels, we are again reinforcing Crystal’s position as the leader in luxury travel and hospitality.”

 The mega order will support at least 2,000 jobs at Lloyd Werft’s four German shipyards, said Rudiger Pallentin, managing director of the Lloyd Werft Group.