Crystal Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

Luxury operator Crystal Cruises has announced that it will require all of its passengers to have been fully inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine at least two weeks prior to sailing. Each passenger will be required to present proof of vaccine prior to boarding any Crystal ship. The new requirement is in addition to existing Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, which also includes a negative COVID-19 test and health screening questionnaire. This update will make Crystal among one of the first larger lines to announce a vaccine requirement for passengers when sailing operations resume. 

“Like our guests, the Crystal team is eagerly looking forward to the resumption of service for our fleet of Ocean, River, Yacht and upcoming Expedition ship later this year. The company is preparing for this time by planning enhanced safety and health measures for guests and crew through its Crystal Clean+ protocols, which are continually evaluated and updated as appropriate. We are encouraged by the recent development of multiple vaccines and optimistic about what this means for the wellbeing of the Crystal Family and their loved ones around the world,” wrote Crystal in an official announcement regarding the new requirement. 

“With this in mind, and according to the latest scientific data and expert guidance, we have made the decision that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses if recommended by the manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship and will be asked to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation,” continued the statement from Crystal.  

Crystal has suspended operations through May 2021 for its river fleet and has canceled into June for its ocean ships (through August 1 for Crystal Esprit and through August for Crystal Endeavor). The line says that it confident in its timeline for returning to cruising this summer will allow guests sufficient time to get fully vaccinated. 

In regards to Crew Members, Crystal says they will expect all crew to be vaccinated however the line recognizes that as it stands today this may not be a viable option for all crew members given their age and/or the availability of vaccines in their home countries. New health and safety measures already set by Crystal require the following: Crew members must be tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving their home location to join the ship, receive a negative COVID-19 test result upon embarkation, quarantine for seven days upon arrival, and take a negative test at the end of that seven-day quarantine period, before beginning their duties. When vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of crew employment at least 14 days prior to service.

To read the official announcement from Crystal visit: https://www.crystalcruises.com/advisory-alerts/covid-19-vaccine-requirement.