Review: Crystal Endeavour

_Location: Crystal Cruises' first expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, launched with a series of Iceland cruises in July and will sail in the Arctic and Antarctic as well as the Norwegian fjords, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia and beyond.

Highlights include round-trip Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia this winter, a Ghana to Senegal voyage in April 2022 and a Tokyo to Taipei cruise in November 2023.

_{First impressions:} With its neutral tones, elegant suites and glitzy design features, Endeavor feels more like a boutique hotel than an expedition vessel.

The line has done an impressive job of pairing contemporary design with polar-going practicality- it's built to PC6 polar-class specifications with sustainable features including LED lighting and sparkling water bottled on board alongside extra luxuries such as a cigar lounge, library and casino.

_{The facts:} The 100-suite, 540ft-long ship has the highest guest to space ratio at sea, as well as a staff to guest ratio of 1 :1. All suites come with butler service and private verandas.

The casino is the first on an expedition ship, the library boasts an artificial fire smoking away and there's a pool, spa, salon and fitness centre for those wanting to keep in shape.

Crystal Cove is the ship's central hub, with a bar, LED screens and stage hosting evening entertainment, while Palm Court offers another cocktail bar as well as daily afternoon tea and an after-hours pianist.

On the practical side, the ship will carry two helicopters as well as 18 Zodiacs, 14 kayaks, snorkelling gear and a submarine.

_{The food:} Six culinary venues include the first Japanese restaurant on an expedition ship, an Italian eatery and the Vintage Room, which specialises in wine-paired dinners.

I sampled main restaurant Waterside, tucking into artistically presented roast quail, pan-fried halibut and a melt-in-the­mouth chocolate dessert.

Everything is a la carte, including breakfast, where poached eggs, freshly-baked pastries and fluffy pancakes sit beside more adventurous options including a Japanese-inspired platter.

_Wow: The spaciousness and elegance of a ship built to plough the polar regions really impressed me.

The panorama of Greenwich from my veranda was breathtaking enough even on a brief ship visit - I can only imagine what waking up to a huddle of penguins, ice floes and glacier-blue water on this ship might feel like.

_{Book it:} An 11-night Expedition Svalbard: In Search of Polar Bears cruise starts from £14,331, including all meals and drinks, most excursions, gratuities, two nights in a hotel in Oslo and domestic flight to Longyearbyen, departing June 22, 2022 (cruise-only).
Crystalcruises.co.uk