The top-luxury brand Crystal Cruises announced in an update on its website on Friday, July 31, that it will cancel all yacht (ships Esprit and Endeavor) and ocean voyages (ships Serenity and Symphony) through the end of 2020 due to "constantly changing variables" related to the pandemic coupled with "differing restrictions for international travel." Symphony). All Crystal Yacht and Crystal Ocean ships restart operations in early-January 2021.
"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," the company said. "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."
The cruise company will provide passengers with a credit equal to 125% of the total price paid on fully-paid reservations, along with a refund of port charges, taxes and fees, air and hotel packages booked through Crystal Cruises. The credit will be based on the deposited amount for passengers who have not fully paid.
The future cruise credits (FCC) are valid on any of Crystal's Ocean, River, Yacht, or Expedition voyages with departures through and including December 31, 2023.
If travelers are unable to redeem their credit by December 31, 2023, they may request a refund of the original fare paid. Customers should allow a minimum of 90 days from receipt for the refund request to be processed.
The move follows the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) decision last month to extend its no sail order for cruise ships through September 2020 due to the pandemic.