MIAMI — Crystal Cruises has opened the books on its all-Bahamas itineraries setting sail in July 2021.
The cruise line first announced the new Bahamas lineup on March 11, making Crystal the first ocean-going cruise line to restart cruises in the Americas.
Crystal Serenity will set sail from Nassau on July 3, 2021 and from Bimini on July 4, 2021. Ports of call include Harbour Island, San Salvador, Long Island and Great Exuma. Capacity onboard the ship is capped at 900 passengers.
While the challenges for Canadians looking to travel are considerable, the new cruises will hopefully be a first successful foray into COVID-19-era cruising in the Americas.
In Europe a number of cruise lines resumed limited sailings last summer, with charters and local passengers, and more are getting ready to do so again this summer.
A Q&A in The New York Times today, ‘Why U.S. cruises are still stuck in port’, notes the differences in the cruise situation on each side of the Atlantic.
Crystal says the all-Bahamas itineraries eliminate the risk of border closures between countries and offer close-to-home options for North American travellers eager to begin exploring again.
Crystals also says that the partnership with The Bahamas is also an important step toward reinvigorating tourism and support for the islands’ local communities, which have been greatly impacted by the global pandemic.
Cruise fares for the Luxury Bahamas Escapes itineraries start at US$1,999 per guest, including $500 Book Now Savings and $500 air savings along with Best Available Savings by category. Guests will receive a $125 per person As You Wish shipboard credit with Crystal Society Savings doubling to 5%; new-to-Crystal guests saving 2.5%; and solo fares starting at 125%.
The company’s Crystal Confidence program offers a no-money-down deposit window until April 5, 2021, with a reduced deposit of 15% due at that time as part of its Easy Book program. Travellers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these sailings.
Extended Land and Hotel Programs are also available.
Last month Crystal announced that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship.
