CRYSTAL Cruises has
announced a new “charter party
agreement” with UK-based
Tactical Marine Solutions which
will see the RRS Ernest Shackleton
escort Crystal Serenity through
the famed Northwest Passage
later this year.
The escort vessel is an ICE 05
classed icebreaker which will
provide operational support to
Serenity including ice-breaking
if required, as well as carrying
additional safety and adventure
equipment.
The Shackleton will also carry
two helicopters for flight-seeing
activities as well as emergency
support plus survival rations.
Prior to the departure Serenity
will be outfitted with new
forward-looking sonar, ice
detection radar, ice searchlights
and thermal imaging as well as a
navigation system displaying near
real-time satellite ice imagery and
ice forecasts, Crystal said.
