Crystal Cruises is planning to restart cruising on 3 July with with a series of 16 seven-night close-to-home Bahamas Escapes from Nassau on its flagship, Crystal Serenity.
In addition, from the following day Crystal will also offer 16 seven-night voyages round-trip from Bimini.
It means Crystal Serenity will be the first ship to homeport in The Bahamas, as well as the first ocean ship to sail from the Americas since the cruise industry’s voluntary halt in operations almost a year ago because of the COVID pandemic.
“Like our guests, we have been eagerly looking forward to the day we can welcome them back on board, and we’re thrilled that this day will come in The Bahamas,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO.
“The launch of these cruises will also drive economic growth to The Bahamas, which, like other destinations around the world, has been negatively affected by the global pandemic.”
Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, added: “The support that these cruises will bring to multiple communities within the country will be tremendous.
“We have worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and healthy stay for all travellers, enhancing the innately spacious and outdoor-focused experience the islands provide. Guests will find ample room to roam and a warm welcome from the people of this unique destination.”
Crystal Serenity will return to sailing with reduced capacity, providing guests a passenger space ratio that is twice that of contemporary cruise lines.