Uncertain Future for Crystal Cruises

While the cruise line has made no official statement, it appears a complete shutdown of Crystal Cruises is imminent. Following the January announcement of the liquidation of parent company Genting Hong Kong, no one has yet to come forth and express interest in a reorganization process that would keep Crystal Cruises (including Crystal Ocean, Crystal River, and Crystal Expedition brands) operational. 

According to Seatrade Cruise News, Crystal Cruises ​​will be letting go of nearly all remaining employees working with the line (including corporate employees and crew). Secured creditors will be taking possession of the vessels and will no longer fund the liquidation process. In addition, individual assets of the company are expected to be sold off.

Crystal Cruises built a reputation for stellar service and delivered a luxury product that always felt welcoming. Hundreds of thousands of loyal cruisers enjoyed traveling to the farthest reaches of the globe. Many customers built relationships with crew members who greeted them with warm smiles and fond memories of previous voyages. Cruisers have expressed their concern for the crew on social media.

A Tweet posted to Crew Center by a reported Crystal Cruises Captain seemed to confirm this news of an upcoming closure announcement. 

Crystal Cruises office in the US is closing down. V.Ships will take over as Management Company of the ships. Unfortunately, this is the end of Crystal Cruises. pic.twitter.com/7IUdp6GSd6

— Crew Center (@CrewCenter) February 8, 2022

“I have been informed that the home office in the U.S. of Crystal Cruises is closing down…The latest we have received is that V Ship is going to be our new management company that have been appointed by the banks,” said the audio.  

In regards to the crew onboard Crystal Cruises’ ships, the line released the following statement last weekend, “The officers and crew onboard are being well cared for and staying in single accommodations, some of which are guest staterooms. We are making sure they are comfortable and able to enjoy the various amenities on board. Crew members have been paid per their normal schedules, and we are meeting and exceeding all contractual obligations.”

This latest comes on the heels of a multi-week long saga where two Crystal Ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, were both issued arrest warrants by a U.S. Federal court during Caribbean passenger sailings for unpaid fuel bills. Both ships diverted to Bimini, Bahamas, where passengers were disembarked and taken by ferry to Fort Lauderdale. On Friday, February 4, 2022, the ships were seized by authorities off the coast of Freeport, Bahamas. 

At this time, no official announcement has been made by Crystal Cruises regarding a complete shutdown of the company. However, Cruiseline.com will provide any updates as they become available. 

Booked on an Upcoming Crystal Cruise? 

Crystal Cruises has temporarily paused its call center as of January 19, 2022. However, the cruise line has provided the following resources to contact the line directly: https://www.crystalcruises.com/advisory-alerts/how-to-reach-crystal.

If you booked with a travel advisor, we recommend contacting them immediately to review the available options and get the latest updates. Additionally, contact your credit card company and ask for their assistance in refunding monies paid to date. 

Sources: Seatrade Cruise News, Crew Center (Twitter)