Crystal Cruises continues to expand its travel options with the addition of new round-trip Caribbean voyages departing from St. Maarten aboard the Crystal Symphony from August 2 through December. These new voyages are part of the 10-night Luxury Caribbean Getaways aboard the Crystal Symphony and offer guests the choice of a round-trip cruise from Philipsburg, St. Maarten, beginning August 2, or the previously announced round-trip voyages departing from San Juan, Antigua and Barbuda, beginning August 5. The 10-night Caribbean itineraries will explore the tropical beauty of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands. Bookings open May 12, 2021.
St. Maarten as a departure port expands air travel options for guests, as major U.S. cities offer air service to the country. These itineraries, along with the recently announced Luxury Expeditions to Iceland aboard Crystal Endeavour and Luxury Bahamas Getaways aboard Crystal Serenity, represent the resumption of service for 97 percent of Crystal's ocean fleet.
“Crystal remains at the forefront of the return to cruising, continuing with our hallmarks: Service, Space, Quality, Choice, and Destinations. Our goal is to ensure that guests have options to tailor their travel experiences to their personal preferences,” said Jack Anderson, President of Crystal. “As we look forward to welcoming our guests back to explore the Caribbean and the world with us, the five pillars of the Crystal experience remain fundamental, as they have been for more than 30 years, providing our guests with the confidence and assurance that we will continue to offer the finest experiences on thoughtfully crafted itineraries with outstanding service and virtually limitless choices.”
The itineraries include visits to the following destinations:
- Phillipsburg, St. Maarten boasts a vibrant local culture that extends beyond its Dutch and French heritage. Travelers will find innovative cuisine and a passion for the outdoors, with a wide range of water sports, hiking, and zip-lining available.
- Roadtown, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola, is a haven for beach lovers, scuba diving enthusiasts, and hikers who will find rewarding views of the bougainvillea-covered hills. A short ferry ride takes travelers to Virgin Gorda, where the granite crags of The Baths form a stunning geological wonder on the breathtaking beach.
- St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, with its UNESCO-listed English Harbour on the south coast and its enduring British heritage, St. John's is the starting point for Antigua's rich historical landmarks, but it is its 365 beaches that make the island a perfect destination.
- Bridgetown, Barbados – Barbados’s UNESCO-listed capital city proudly displays its British history, with significant sites throughout the city attracting history buffs. From the original Trafalgar Square and the bustling shops of Broad Street to the island’s famous rum, beautiful botanical gardens, and Harrison’s Limestone Cave, there’s much to discover beyond the crystal-clear sea.
- Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago – Tobago is ideal for travelers seeking to connect with nature, offering rainforest excursions, spectacular diving spots, and secluded bays. A highlight is the Pigeon Point Nature Reserve, which offers 125 acres of pristine natural landscape with opportunities for boating, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.
- Castries, St. Lucia – The vibrant colors and Creole flavor are at the heart of the town, while toward the pristine beaches, travelers will find world-class diving spots and a lush surrounding forest dotted with the towering, UNESCO-listed Pitons. Guests can also visit Sulphur Springs, the world's only volcano where people can submerge themselves for mud baths.
With ample personal and social space, the Crystal Symphony will sail again at reduced capacity, welcoming passengers to spacious cabins, suites and social areas and providing an experience with abundant options for activities and enrichment; elegant environments and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine and personalized service of the crew.
Crystal Society members will enjoy double savings of 5%, while new members will save 2.5%. Travelers can book their Caribbean cruise with a reduced deposit of just 15% and have up to 60 days before departure to make the final payment. Members with Future Cruise Credits can redeem them on these voyages.
Crystal announced in February that passengers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before boarding. This new requirement is in addition to Crystal's extensive existing Clean+ measures, which include negative COVID-19 tests for both passengers and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask use, and health questionnaires.
Crystal distinguishes its ships and voyages with refined details and nuances ideal for the most discerning travelers. Crystal's offering is based on an all-inclusive experience that includes entertainment, diverse enrichment options, inspired restaurants—including the only Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants at sea—unlimited service of premium wines, beers, and spirits, and genuine, personalized service for every passenger.
