“This voyage symbolises the risk of large-scale cruise ships operating in the Arctic. In a statement, Crystal Cruises said it was taking great care with the sailing. The typical conditions along the planned route during the Arctic summer are substantially free of ice and within Crystal Serenity’s safe-operating parameters. The vessel is by far the largest luxury cruise ship to sail through these remote, icy waters. Crystal Serenity will be accompanied by an ice–strengthened polar logistics vessel, RRS Ernest Shackleton, for safety backup.

Source: The Guardian August 13, 2016 06:00 UTC