Crystal Cruises postponed the launch of its newest vessel - Crystal Endeavor, due to the temporary closure of MV WERFTEN (shipbuilder) yards in Germany. The shutdowns suspended ship production activities in order to protect employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.
Because of uncertainty regarding when production will resume, the cruise company has been compelled to delay the newbuild's introduction, initially planned for August 2020, and cancel scheduled itineraries through October 31.
Crystal Endeavor's Inaugural Cruise was rescheduled for November 14, with the 14-night "Tasmania and Fjords of New Zealand" itinerary from Sydney NSW Australia to Lyttelton-Christchurch NZ.
According to Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber, their guests had been "eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore anew with Crystal aboard this groundbreaking ship," and they deeply regretted that the change had become necessary and had disrupted guests’ travel plans.
He added they were "looking ahead with great optimism to introducing Crystal Endeavor to the world on November 14 and welcoming travellers to their next great adventure.”
Crystal Expedition Cruises is reaching out to passengers and their travel advisors with rebooking options.
For Coronavirus updates on cruise ship quarantines (infected passengers and crew) and top-pandemic countries (COVID-19 cases and deaths, daily updated statistics) see at CruiseMapper's Norovirus page.