Crystal Cruises has cancelled all of its 2020 sailings, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The cruise line made the decision to cancel all cruises across its ocean and river fleets, ocean ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity and river ships Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel.
Sailings on board the cruise line’s expedition yacht, Crystal Esprit, have also been suspended until next year.
The cruise line has originally planned to resume sailings this autumn, but due to the ever-changing crisis has pushed back the date.
A spokesperson for 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.”
Passengers booked onto Crystal cruises in 2020 are being encouraged to contact their travel agents to rebook.
Due to the cancellation, Crystal passengers are entitled to a future cruise credit of 125 per cent of the original fare. Port charges, taxes, fees and any packages booked through the cruise line will also be refunded.
Passengers who have not paid the full amount will get a credit equal to the amount already deposited. This can be used towards any of Crystal’s sailings up until 31 December 2023.
Despite hopes to restart river cruises, Crystal is now offering a ‘River Rollover’ offer to its customers. The new offer allows river cruise customers to move their 2020 reservation to a similar date in 2021, keeping the same itinerary and price.
The spokesperson 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.”
