Amid the second wave of coronavirus outbreak, Crystal cruises announced that all passengers onboard its ocean and river cruises are required to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise.
According to the cruise company, guests will need to provide proof of vaccination before embarkation and must have received both doses of the vaccine if recommended by the manufacturer by that timeline.
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The vaccine requirement augments the company’s comprehensive Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, temperature checks at the terminal prior to boarding, a nimble mask policy, social distancing guidelines, enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures, reduced capacity and more.
“We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury; and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all on board. This sentiment is underscored by conversations with our guests and travel partners and a recent Cruise Critic survey of cruisers that revealed that more than 80 percent of respondents would cruise if a vaccine were required.”
…said Crystal’s interim president and CEO, Jack Anderson.
In addition, as part of the company’s Crystal Clean+ 4.0 measures, crew members will be tested for COVID-19 prior to leaving their home location to join the ship and must receive a negative result.
At the same time, they also will take a COVID-19 test at embarkation; quarantine for seven days upon arrival; be tested again at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before beginning their duties.
“When vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of employment for crew which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service.”
…the company stated.
In addition to providing verified documentation of their COVID-19 vaccine at the time of boarding, guests will complete an online form acknowledging this requirement before their cruise tickets will be issued. Crystal has publisheda frequently asked questions document on the advisory alert section of its website for further reference.
Concluding, Crystal understands that the widespread availability of vaccines varies according to the distribution plan of each travelers’ home country and/or state. As of today, the company has voluntarily paused operations through May 2021 for its River fleet, into June for its Ocean ships, through August 1 for Crystal Esprit and through August for Crystal Endeavor, allowing most travelers sufficient time to get fully vaccinated before Crystal’s resumption of sailing.
