Crystal Cruises cancels all 2020 sailings

Crystal Cruises cancels all 2020 sailings

Crystal Cruises has cancelled all its cruises up to the end of the year.

The suspension affects sailings onboard ocean ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, as well as on its yacht Crystal Esprit.

Sailings onboard river ships Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel are also cancelled through to the end of 2020.

In June, Crystal set out plans to return to sailing in the autumn.

The cruise line said: “Like all travel enthusiasts, we are eagerly anticipating the day we can return to sailing the world again and welcome our guests back aboard. Unfortunately, the constantly changing variables related to Covid-19, coupled with differing restrictions for international travel, continue to determine when and where this can happen.

“The uncertainty surrounding this global health crisis hinders the ability for all cruise lines to operate.

“We extend our deepest apologies for this situation that is beyond our control and is a great frustration to all of us. Everyone at Crystal, along with the officers and crew of our ships fleetwide, are extremely disappointed that we were compelled to take this action as we were looking forward to exploring together.

“What is certain is Crystal’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our guests and crew above all else. While we are looking forward to welcoming our valued guests back aboard again as soon as possible, we will not do so until it is deemed safe by governing health authorities.”

Crystal encouraged its affected passengers to contact their travel agents to rebook.

Affected ocean and yacht passengers are entitled to a future cruise credit equal to 125% of the fare paid on fully-paid reservations and a refund of port charges, taxes and fees paid and any air and hotel packages booked through Crystal.

Guests who have not fully paid will get a credit based on the deposited amount. Credits are valid on any Crystal experience (ocean, river, yacht or expedition) up to December 31, 2023.

Crystal is offering a River Rollover to river cruise customers – who can move 2020 reservations, including all payments made, to an equivalent sailing in the same time period in 2021 with price protection on the cruise fare and port charges which the line said to represent “significant value for them”.

They can also choose to transfer reservations to any Crystal experience embarking up to December 31, 2023.

If guests do not choose an option by August 14, 2020, Crytal will automatically issue a Future Credit, equal to 100% of the cruise fare paid.

The line added: “While our fleet is paused, the Crystal team has been developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and to ensure our guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Each protocol will be continually evaluated as new information becomes available.”