Crystal has announced that it has updated its health and safety protocols to now require all passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise. Guests will need to present proof of vaccination before boarding and must have received both doses of the vaccine within that timeframe, if recommended by the manufacturer. The vaccination requirement enhances the company's comprehensive Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, which include negative COVID-19 tests for both passengers and crew, pre-boarding temperature checks at the terminal, mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures, and reduced capacity, among others.
“We are heartened by the progress being made with COVID-19 vaccines and what this means for our Crystal Family and the travel industry as a whole, as we look forward to exploring the world again,” said Crystal’s interim president and CEO, Jack Anderson. “We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury, and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for everyone on board. This sentiment is underscored by conversations with our guests and travel agents and by a recent Cruise Critic survey of cruisers that revealed more than 80% of respondents would take a cruise if the vaccine were mandatory.”
Crystal understands that vaccine availability varies depending on the distribution plan of each traveler's country and/or state of origin. Effective today, the company has voluntarily suspended operations until May 2021 for its river fleet, until June for its ocean-going vessels, until August 1 for Crystal Esprit, and until August for Crystal Endeavour, allowing most travelers ample time to fully vaccinate before Crystal resumes sailing.
Crystal's crew, hailing from dozens of countries worldwide, will also be required to be vaccinated when the company resumes sailing; however, this may not be a viable option for all crew members given their age and/or the availability of vaccines in their home countries. “As part of the company’s Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, crew members will be tested for COVID-19 before leaving their home country to join the ship and must receive a negative result. They will also be tested for COVID-19 upon boarding; they will quarantine for seven days upon arrival; they will be retested at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before commencing their duties,” Anderson noted. “When vaccines are fully available, they will be an employment requirement for crew members, which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service.”.
In addition to providing verified COVID-19 vaccination documentation at boarding, passengers will complete an online form acknowledging this requirement before their cruise tickets are issued. Crystal has published a document in the notices section of its website for reference.
Crystal will continue to evaluate and update its Crystal Clean+ 4.0 health and safety protocols for its luxury brand experiences – Crystal Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and the upcoming Crystal Expedition Cruises – in accordance with the latest scientific data and expert guidance.
Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and voyages with refined details and nuances that make a lasting impression on discerning travelers. All-inclusive entertainment; inspired dining, including Nobu Matsuhisa's unique maritime restaurants; unlimited servings of fine wines, beers, and premium spirits; and an unwavering standard of personalized service for every passenger underscore the Crystal difference. Crystal ships are designed to offer nearly twice the space per guest of similarly sized vessels, and their social spaciousness will be further enhanced by a commitment to reducing guest capacity when the ship resumes sailing.
