Crystal signs exclusive purchase option agreement to work on returning the historic ship to service as the fastest cruise vessel in the world
Already in the midst of the most significant expansion in the company’s celebrated history, Crystal Cruises’ next step in expanding its award-winning fleet is truly an historic endeavor. Together with the SS United States Conservancy, Crystal today announced it will save “America’s Flagship,” the SS United States, and embark on the enormous undertaking of bringing the ship into compliance with the 
latest standards, and returning her to oceangoing service. During the announcement, made at a press conference at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City, Crystal also committed to covering all costs associated with preserving the ship while undertaking a technical feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
latest standards, and returning her to oceangoing service. During the announcement, made at a press conference at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York City, Crystal also committed to covering all costs associated with preserving the ship while undertaking a technical feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.“The prospect of revitalizing the SS United States and reestablishing her as ‘America’s Flagship’ once again is a thrilling one. It will be a very challenging undertaking, but we are determined to apply the dedication and innovation that has always been the ship’s hallmark,” says Crystal President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. “We are honored to work with the SS United States Conservancy and government agencies in exploring the technical feasibility study so we can ultimately embark on the journey of transforming her into a sophisticated luxury cruise liner for the modern era.”
“Crystal’s ambitious vision for the SS United States will ensure our nation’s flagship is once again a global ambassador for the highest standards of American innovation, quality and design,” said Susan Gibbs, executive director of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, William 
Francis Gibbs. We are thrilled that the SS United States is now poised to make a triumphant return to sea and that the ship’s historical legacy will continue to intrigue and inspire a new generation.”
Francis Gibbs. We are thrilled that the SS United States is now poised to make a triumphant return to sea and that the ship’s historical legacy will continue to intrigue and inspire a new generation.”In order to meet modern demands and be in full regulatory compliance, the SS United States will have to be extensively re-built to meet over 60 years of new maritime rules and shipbuilding practices. The modern United States by Crystal Cruises will be transformed into an 800-guest-capacity vessel, featuring 400 luxurious suites measuring about 350 square feet with dining, entertainment, spa and other luxury guest amenities that are true to the ship’s storied history. Features of the original SS United States such as the Promenade and Navajo Lounge will be retained, while new engines and sophisticated marine technology will be installed to maintain her title as the fastest cruise vessel in the world.
Adds Rodriguez: “It is truly a privilege for the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line to be entrusted with the opportunity of restoring a ship that served as a symbol of patriotism and maritime supremacy and bring her into the modern day, while also giving guests a taste of a bygone era of luxury travel.”Crystal will be examining exciting new itineraries for the 60,000-gross-ton United States by Crystal Cruises including not only the traditional transatlantic voyages from New York City, but cruises from key U.S. ports as well as international voyages around the globe which are a signature offering of Crystal and part of the line’s “World Cruise.”
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What is Fathom?
It's a new kind of cruise that combines your love of travel with your desire to make a difference.
Travel With Purpose
Pioneered by Fathom, impact travel is a whole new category of travel: it’s travel with purpose. Travel that transforms lives. Sometimes including your own. Impact travel with Fathom provides the opportunity to build community with like-minded travelers, become immersed in another culture, and work alongside its people to create enduring social impact.
Every Fathom™ journey is based on our sincere belief that the person-to-person connection is among the strongest catalysts for transformation. What sets Fathom apart is the long-term, systematic partnership approach with its partner countries paired with the unique business model that allows for sustained impact and lasting development. Fathom’s scale and global vision reach beyond what the world has ever seen.
The adventure begins in Spring 2016 with separate round-trip voyages from Miami to two of the Caribbean’s most desired destinations: the Dominican Republic and Cuba. In the Dominican Republic, you’ll have the opportunity to work side by side with local residents in existing programs that focus on improving the lives of children, families and communities. In Cuba, you’ll participate in an ongoing cultural exchange program that gives you the opportunity to interact with the Cuban people, one on one.
And you’ll come home seven days later knowing that, for the people whose lives you’ve just touched, the world has become a little brighter because of you.
People + Passion + Partnership = Enduring Social Impact
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CUBA: A Meeting of People. And Cultures.
For mindful travelers, Fathom offers a truly historic opportunity: a chance to help build new bridges to a rich and vibrant culture that, until now, hasn’t been open to U.S. travelers by sea for more than 50 years.
Fathom is proud to be among the first cruise ship companies to be granted U.S. approval for round-trip travel between the U.S. and multiple destinations in Cuba, including Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Our intention is to create the kind of true cultural immersion experience that will give you and your fellow travelers the rare chance to learn more about the lives and aspirations of the Cuban people.
Fathom cruise itineraries to Cuba are authorized under current people-to-people guidelines as set forth by the U.S. government, which allow travel to Cuba for the purpose of engaging in activities that support the Cuban people. As a Fathom traveler, you’ll have the opportunity to interact, one on one, with the artists, musicians, small-business owners, students, health workers and others who make up the fabric of Cuban society. And you’ll quickly realize that what you could learn from them is every bit as important as what they could learn from you.
Your own itinerary might include a walking tour of Havana’s Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A visit to an organic farm. A meal at a home-based restaurant. An English workshop with students at a local primary school. A brainstorming and idea-sharing session with local microentrepreneurs. A chance to interact with local artists and musicians in their own environment, as you deepen your understanding of the arts as a vital bridge between people and cultures.
Dominican Republic: A Journey Of A Different Kind
Almost from the moment you step on board your ship in Miami, you’ll realize that a Fathom™ voyage is anything but travel as usual. Yes, of course you’ll have leisure moments, creature comforts and time for recreation. But, during your time at sea, you’ll also be focused on building a community with your fellow travelers, as you participate in on-board activities designed specifically to prepare you for your on-ground impact experience.
Once your ship docks in Amber Cove, you’ll put all that preparation to good use. During your time on the ground, you’ll work alongside local community members on carefully chosen projects focused on improving educational, environmental, and economic conditions in the Dominican Republic.
Meet Our Partners
Fathom is proud to work alongside so many amazing local organizations. We can't wait for you to meet them in person.
Our lead impact partners, Entrena and IDDI, have strong community connections in the northern Dominican Republic. Their deep roots and long experience provide us with a greater understanding of the specific needs of the local communities, and their well-established programs form the foundation that allows us to help address those needs in the most meaningful way.
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A-List Advisors - Travel and Leisure Awards 2023
We are proud of our professional travel advisors who orchestrate 5-star memories with clients traveling around the globe. Industry leading advisors were recently recognized with Travel + Leisure's 21st Annual A-List and we're excited to announce our own David Lowy and Jessica Renshaw with recognition. David LowyTravel Advisory Board / Private Travel SpecialistThis private-jet expert works… Read More
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