Crystal Cruises Suspends Operations Through Spring 2022 After Parent Company Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Date: Jan 20 2022
TORONTO One of the best-known brands in luxury cruising has been forced to temporarily suspend operations in the wake of bankruptcy filings for its parent company.
Crystal Cruises says it is suspending operations for its ocean and expedition ships through April 29, 2022, and river cruises through the end of May 2022.
The cruise lines parent company, Genting Hong Kong, part of the Genting Group, filed for bankruptcy protection on Jan. 19, 2022.
Speculations about Gentings financial stability have circled for years, even pre-COVID.
Genting Hong Kongs holdings also include Germany-based shipyard MV Werften, which filed for bankruptcy on Jan. 10, 2022. Crystal vessels built at MV Werften include river cruise ships Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.
The statement on Crystals website, posted late afternoon on Jan. 19, 2022, says cancelling voyages will allow the cruise line to assess its options.
Suspending operations will provide Crystals management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.
Crystals three ships currently in operation Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailing in the Caribbean and Crystal Endeavor in Antarctica will complete their current voyages. Crystal Symphonys current voyage ends in Miami on January 22, Crystal Serenity in Aruba on January 30 and Crystal Endeavor in Ushuaia, Argentina, on February 4.
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Whats Included In A Crystal Cruise
Whats IncludedCrystal Cruises
Crystal River Cruises All-Inclusive fares include beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff personal Butler service airport transfers to and from the River Ship,
Secondly, is WIFI included on Crystal Cruises? Internet/Wifi: Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi access is available on board throughout all Crystal ships. Crystal encourages you to bring your own device/s with you to use during your voyage. Once on board, please connect to Crystals complimentary Wi-Fi.
Keeping this in consideration, are gratuities included on Crystal Cruises?
With Crystal Cruises, basic gratuities are included in the cruise fare. As with Azamara, an extra 18% is automatically added for spa and salon services. Theres no obligation to tip anything extra, but staff will always appreciate extra tips in cash if you feel the desire to do so.
Are Crystal Cruises good?
Crystal Cruises two ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are lauded by critics and reviewers for their elegant design and sparse crowds. Crystal also separates itself from other luxury liners with its low passenger-to-crew ratio, which allows for more personalized service.
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Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises Signature Hallmarks
All-suite, butler-serviced accommodations Unlimited fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and beers, as well as all coffees, soft drinks and bottled water in-suite All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside Michelin star-inspired, farm-to-table dining Complimentary Crystal Adventures ® in nearly every port of call Fitness facilities with Technogym® fitness equipment and outdoor yogaSwimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing from yachts marina platform** Exclusive optional water toys: submersible and Wider 32 speedboat** Complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet access
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What Can I Bring On A Crystal Cruise
Khaki pants, Bermuda shorts, short-sleeve button-down shirts and golf shirts for men. There are bathrobes, kimonos and slippers in each stateroom/suite aboard all Crystal ships for your use during the cruise. For days in port or depending on your activity, be sure to bring comfortable walking/sports shoes.
Crystal SerenityYear Built2003Year Last Refurbished2018Capacity980 passengersTonnage68,000
Dress Code And Suite Amenities
Dress code on the Crystal Esprit is Crystal Yacht Casual. This is defined as comfortable, stylish attire that includes tasteful swimming attire and shorts and similar yacht/resort wear during the day. For evenings, the dress code is defined as elevated fashionably chic.
Amenities on the yacht include bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, ETRO soap, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Both 110 and 220-volt outlets and USB ports are available as well as a bedside iPad that runs all your electronics, lighting, shades, and alarm for your suite. Each of the 31 suites features 42 HD ultrathin TVs and free unlimited Wi-Fi.
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Dining On Crystal Cruises
Food, and the lavish table settings and smart service that come along with it, is a highlight of a Crystal cruise. Each ship has an elegant formal dining room with two seatings as well as three chic alternative restaurants: an Italian venue inspired by Piero Selvaggio of Valentino in Los Angeles and two pan-Asian restaurants featuring cuisine by renowned master chef Nobu Matsuhisa, including a sushi bar. Crystal Serenity also offers Tastes on the Lido Deck for casual dinners. Also see: Dining On Crystal Symphony, Prego & Other Options
See related video: Crystal Symphonys Silk Road & Sushi Bar, But Is It A Real Nobu Experience?
The Bistro offers specialty coffees and a delectable spread of pastries, cheese and cold cuts. Evenings, The Bistro features petit desserts and cheeses.
Theres also a poolside grill serving everything from salmon burgers to tuna melts until 6 p.m. Enjoy the daily elaborate high tea service and the great themed luncheon buffets that are legendary in cruise circles.
Four Things You Should Know About Crystal Cruises
There are many cruise lines around the world and, even for people who travel frequently, appreciating what makes each cruise line different can be a daunting task. Im a firm believer that there is a cruise experience for everyone, whether you enjoy bumper cars at sea or a thrilling expedition to the polar regions. Cruising has never been more popular, thanks not only to the accessibility of the travel style, but lower costs and a greater willingness by travelers to do something a little different, to venture out further than they would ordinarily. Personally, I think cruising is a great arrow in ones travel quiver. Its another option, to be enjoyed every now and then as a unique way to experience destinations you might not otherwise see. Ive always enjoyed this style of travel, and in recent years Ive fine-tuned what it is I like most in a great cruise experience. A focus on the destination, dedicated crew members and a certain level of comfort are all important to me, and theyre also all qualities I found in clear abundance during my first sailing with Crystal Ocean Cruises onboard the Crystal Serenity. Today I want to share some features of both the ship and the company that might be news to you but which, for me at least, made my adventure with them an experience that I know Ill never forget. Note: I was invited by Crystal Ocean Cruises to join them for a sailing but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
All-Inclusive Luxury
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Antarctica Escapes: Onboard Credit Free Air & Hotel Stays
For a limited time, book select Crystal Endeavor Antarctica cruises with us, departing from January 16, 2022 through March 1, 2022, to take advantage of:$1,000 Onboard Credit per person!FREE Roundtrip Charter Air between Miami and Ushuaia!Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Ushuaia!
Offer valid for new bookings made from January 6, 2022 through March 1, 2022 only on select Crystal Endeavor Antarctica cruises with departing from January 16, 2022 through March 1, 2022. Additional restrictions apply. Offer is capacity controlled and subject to availability.
Contents: Our Crystal Cruises Review
Weve already mentioned Crystals two main ships
Crystal Symphony debuted in 1995 while the Serenitywas launched in 2003.
Both ships were designed to carry some 1,000+ passengers each.
But with major recent revamps, theyve cut their passenger numbers down to 848 passengers and 980 passengers bumping up the per-passenger space and crew-to-passenger ratio, important when judging how good the service is on a ship.
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Are Drinks Free On Crystal Cruises
Your Exclusive Fare includes all beverages including fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and all non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks and specialty coffees gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff one complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining in Prego and at least once in
Activities Galore On Crystal Cruises
Crystals impressive roster of activities is another high point. A typical Crystal cruise hosts four or five accomplished lecturers, from authors to politicians, scientists and other luminaries, as well as complimentary computer training classes, Berlitz language classes and Yamaha keyboard instruction.
Sign up for art classes conducted by the Parsons School of Design and wellness programs organized by the Cleveland Clinic and the Tai Chi Cultural Center. Further, there are dozens of themed sailings spread over the year and focused, food and wine, art, film, dance, jazz, wellness, and other subjects.
See related video: Crystal Cruises, Activities That Are Traditional, Tried & True? Or New & Fresh?
For more physical pursuits, large oceanview gyms are stocked with the latest equipment and offer complimentary classes like spinning, yoga and pilates. There are also golf-driving nets, a putting green, paddle-tennis courts, shuffleboard and walks along the 360-degree Promenade Decks.
Multiple entertainment venues include a theater for production shows, plus several romantic lounges, a dance club, a couple of bars and a spacious casino.
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Why A Crystal Cruises Luxury Cruise Is A Cut Above
Note: John was a guest of Crystal Cruises. Opinions are his own.
Im just back from a cruise on Crystal Serenity, a 980-passenger luxury cruise ship from Crystal Cruises.
And when I say luxury, I mean that this cruise ship offers an experience above and beyond any other kind of cruise vacation you can imagine. Now, if I could only win the lottery to be able to afford to do this more often.
Admittedly, this is not a cheap cruise, but with so many inclusions and the gourmet food and outstanding service offered, it is definitely worth considering a sailing to treat yourself to something special.
A Crystal Cruises voyage is the perfect way to see the world in pampered comfort and luxury while celebrating a big birthday or anniversary, for example.
Warning: These cruises will spoil you and may very well change your expectations for how you want to cruise from here on out.
Hey, if youve got a big bank account, this could end up being your line of choice. If it already is, you know what Im talking about here.
Ive discovered at least five things that make a Crystal Cruises trip worth every dollar.
Why Choose Crystal Cruises For Your Cruise Holiday
We highly recommend Crystal Cruises if you seek an all-inclusive holiday aboard a cruise ship that doesnt feel restrictive in terms of size. For example, guest capacities on Serenity and Symphony are 1,100 and 1,010, respectively, making them larger than many of the vessels in service for other luxury cruise lines.
However, this does have its advantages. Both Crystal ships are packed full of amenities and facilities, including a cinema, two outdoor swimming pools and an electric golf simulator amongst the usual variety of bars and lounges you would expect.
Crystal Cruises ships also offer a variety of health-related facilities. The spa is equal to that which you may find in a luxury retreat, while Crystals array of onboard enrichment classes will let you try your hand at everything from keyboard playing to the ancient art of Tai Chi.
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About Crystal Cruisesthis Cruise Line Is Good For
- All-Inclusive
International Callers
WMPH Vacations and AlaskaCruises.com are located in Delray Beach, Florida. You may book online or contact us directly. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below:
Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents.
All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip.
Are Excursions Included On Crystal Ocean Cruises
CrystalCruisesCrystalexcursions
. Consequently, are shore excursions included on Crystal Cruises?
Crystal Expedition Cruises offers both inclusive and optional shore excursions available for purchase on all voyages. Guests can be as active as they wish, and there will be multiple opportunities during the voyage to enjoy adventures in some of the worlds most coveted and beautiful yachting locales.
which cruise lines include shore excursions? If you want something a little different to highlight your time in port, here are the nine best cruise lines for boutique excursions.
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Review Of Crystal Cruises
This is CruiseMappers page for the three Crystal Cruises subsidiary companies the sister-brands Crystal OCEAN, Crystal RIVER and Crystal YACHT, their fleets , cruisetour itineraries, destinations, homeports, cruise tracker. We have listed all Crystal ships as schedules and current position tracking maps.
One of the top-luxury travel brands and premium passenger shipping companies, Crystal Cruises operates both ocean and river cruises on premium ships and newbuild riverboats. All vessels are operated with all-inclusive travel package deals. The companys ships are top-ranked in numerous categories, offer intimate cruising experience, 5-star hotel amenities, superior services, elegance and perfection in every detail.
The companys chief officers are Tom Wolber and Karl Muhlberger . On July 24, 2020, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary.
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Can I Bring Booze Onboard A Crystal Cruise
Bringing alcohol onboard at embarkation: Crystal does not impose any limitations on alcohol brought onboard alcohol brought on may be consumed in all public areas and staterooms, with no corkage fee.
Purchasing alcohol in port to bring onboard: Its allowed and may be consumed onboard without restriction.
Purchasing alcohol in ships duty-free shop: Duty-free liquor that is bought onboard will be delivered to passengers at the end of the cruise, and is meant to be taken home.
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Crystal Cruises 2021 Global Itineraries
The Crystal yacht Endeavor is planned to embark from Anadyr Russia to Tromso Norway on August 18, 2021. On the 28-day Northeast Passage expedition, the superyacht visits some of the most remote islands and archipelagos in the world, including Ayon and Medvezhiy Islands. The cruise calls at places that are hardly occupied since polar explorer Nils A.E.Nordenskjold first successfully transited the passage in 1878-1879.
Itinerary highlights include Franz Josef Land, UNESCO World Heritage Site Wrangel Island, The New Siberian Islands, Cape Chelyuskin on the Taimyr Peninsula, and Severnaya Zemlya. The trip also visits Murmansk and several Russian Federation ports such as and Solovetsky Island. Crystal Endeavor visits Russias territorial waterways East Siberian Sea, White Sea, Barents Sea, Laptev Sea, with numerous opportunities for coastal navigation and zodiac landings .
Passengers on the Northeast Passage journey benefit from 1-day pre-cruise hotel accommodations in Anchorage Alaska as well as flight transfer to Anadyr Russia. The itineraries for Endeavors inaugural season ranged 12-22 days. The maiden voyage was planned as Tokyo roundtrip .
The planned for Crystal Endeavor cruises were to Antarctica, Adelie Coast, Ross Sea, South Georgia , Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas, Macquarie Island, Svalbard Norway, Greenland, Canadian Arctic, plus 3c Japan-based roundtrips from Tokyo.
Do Luxury Cruise Lines Include More In Their Cruise Fares Than Mainstream Lines
Yes. Luxury cruise lines want to give passengers a feeling of ease and relaxation by taking away the stress that can come from watching an onboard bill add up. Almost all luxury lines include some alcoholic beverages, for example, so you won’t be presented with a piece of paper to sign every time you order a drink. Another common practice on a luxury cruise line is to wrap tips and gratuities into the fare, again so you don’t spend the cruise worrying that someone has their hand out.
Other big ticket items that might be included in the fare, depending on the line, are flights, hotels, transfers and shore excursions. Smaller inclusions might be specialty restaurants, fitness and enrichment classes, and Wi-Fi.
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Are All Drinks Free What About The Mini
On Seabourn, Silversea, Regent and Crystal, your fare comes with an open bar, as well as an ensuite mini-bar that is stocked with your favorite bottles. You will have to pay extra for super premium spirits and wines, however.
Azamara also includes a menu of alcoholic beverages, while Viking Ocean makes wine, beer and soft drinks available at lunch and dinner, and in the mini-bar. Windstar and Oceania do not include alcoholic drinks. Specialty coffees, soda, juice and bottled water are included on all lines.
Are All Luxury Cruise Lines All
Even within luxury cruising, not all lines are created equal. Regent, Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal tend to be the top end , and — not coincidentally — have the most included in the price. Even here, what’s wrapped into the price can vary.
Azamara, Windstar, Viking Ocean and Oceania, which generally carry a lower price point than the lines mentioned above, also have some items included in the fare. Overall, you’ll find that these cruise lines offer a more a la carte experience than the ones listed above.
No luxury cruise lines include spa treatments, photos, souvenirs or unique shore excursions in their fare.
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The Exceptional Attitude Of The Staff
The fundamental reason Crystal Cruises can achieve its high quality of service is its staff. Perhaps the most exceptional staff of any cruise line in the world, they simply continue to wow our clients and in turn wow us. What always impresses us about Crystal is the can do attitude of the staff. Having extensive experience in escorting groups on a variety of cruise lines, it is always a pleasure to do so on Crystal as we know in advance that if something goes wrong of if something out of the ordinary has to be requested, we feel confident that Crystal will step up to the plate and make things right. More often than not, other lines may say there is nothing we can do. We have never heard these words on a Crystal sailing. The staff seem to genuinely love that they work for Crystal and this is a clear reflection of how the company treats their own. We would also like to point out that our company has a very close and strong relationship with the representative that covers our region. This relationship only bolsters our high regard for Crystals staff and we couldnt wish for a better partnership.