Following a year of voluntarily suspending trips, Crystal Cruises is planning a return to ocean operations on July 3, 2021 — but not directly from the U.S. The luxury line will instead homeport Crystal Serenity in the Bahamas through at least October. The line will also resume sailings onboard Crystal Symphony in St. Maarten on Aug. 2, 2021 or Antigua & Barbuda on Aug. 5, 2021.
The new “Bahamas Escapes” itineraries onboard Crystal Serenity will include 16 seven-night roundtrip cruises from Nassau and 16 seven-night voyages roundtrip from Bimini starting on July 4, 2021. Reservations open on March 18 for the sailings. Its 10-night voyages onboard Crystal Symphony will homeport in either Philipsburg or St. John’s and visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago (subject to government review) and the British Virgin Islands. Bookings open on April 20, 2021.
"Like our guests, we have been eagerly looking forward to the day we can welcome them back onboard, and we’re thrilled that this day will come in the Bahamas,” said Jack Anderson, interim president and CEO of Crystal, in a press release.
This itinerary will appeal to so many clients, including mature travelers who are vaccinated; upper-premium travelers who can now experience Crystal’s luxury product with this week-long sailing; and those who just want to get on a ship.
“The new Bahamas Escapes cruises will allow travelers to enjoy luxury cruising now, as well as bring much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays. The launch of these cruises will also drive economic growth to the Bahamas, which, like other destinations around the world, has been negatively affected by the global pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Cruise Safety Measures Required by Crystal
Crystal will require passengers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to boarding. Anderson indicated during a press conference that 80% of the brand’s guests wanted this requirement in place, and that the policy has been “positively received” by guests and travel partners.
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Additionally, coronavirus testing will still be required, and onboard capacities will be reduced. The ship is already “socially spacious by design,” according to Anderson. And as for face coverings, Crystal describes a “nimble mask policy,” mentioning that face masks will be necessary for at least the crew and that the line will “err on the side of caution.”
When asked for clarity on the mask point, Crystal explained, “we will constantly be reassessing mask policies in light of evolving best practices recommended by epidemiologists, as well as compliance with the policies of local governments.”
For now, face coverings will be required of guests during Crystal’s organized airport and hotel transfers, as well as in venues and instances where proper distancing is not possible, including in restaurants prior to being seated, show lounges, the casino, the fitness center, elevators, ship tenders, shoreside terminals and tour dispatch areas. Crystal will further comply with all destination health authorities, which may require masks on shore.
Details and Incentives for Crystal's Bahamas Escapes
In the Bahamas specifically, showcased destinations will include Harbour Island, Great Exuma, San Salvador Island and Long Island.
“The Bahamas is ready and delighted to welcome cruise visitors back to the islands, and to partner with Crystal Cruises in the effort to restore and help re-activate our tourism industry and protect jobs and businesses,” said Bahamian minister Dionisio James D’Aguilar, in the release.
"Crystal Cruises will go on record as the only cruise line offering Bahamas-only voyages that highlight the signature features and experiences travelers can find here in our islands, and the support that these cruises will bring to multiple communities within the country will be tremendous,” he continued. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and healthy stay for all travelers, enhancing the innately spacious and outdoor-focused experience the islands provide. Guests will find ample room to roam and a warm welcome from the people of this unique destination.”
As a further incentive, pricing begins at $1,999 per guest, including $500 Book Now Savings and $500 air savings, as well as Best Available Savings by category. Clients will get $125 per person As You Wish onboard credit, and Crystal Society Savings double to 5%, while new-to-Crystal guests save 2.5%. Solo fares start at only 125%. What’s more, there is no money down until April 5, 2021, with a reduced deposit of just 15% due at that time.
Reactions to the new sailings from the travel advisor community have been positive.
"Finally, we have a date to return to sailing,” said Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners in a statement. “Kudos to Crystal for creating a luxury, close-to-home experience for our travel advisors to sell, as this type of Bahamas cruise is different for the brand. We know these will sell out fast because of the pent-up consumer demand, our consistent recent growth in sales and the fact that Crystal has smaller vessels. This itinerary will appeal to so many clients, including mature travelers who are vaccinated; upper-premium travelers who can now experience Crystal’s luxury product with this week-long sailing; and those who just want to get on a ship. I think we can all call this a win for cruising and something we have been looking forward to.”
The Details
Crystal Cruises
www.crystalcruises.com
