Crystal Cruises reports that ‘Crystal Symphony’ will re-deploy to sail from Boston and New York in August and September respectively, replacing previously announced fall departures from St. Maarten and Antigua. It will be the first departures from the US cities since the industry-wide pandemic pause.
Citing “ongoing uncertainty regarding ports of call and adequate airlift,” Crystal says it made the decision to cancel voyages from the two Caribbean islands, which were heralded in the line’s summer return to cruising.
More significantly, with “positive developments” in the US – specifically, the lifting of the US Center for Disease Controls “no sail” order, which prevented cruise ships from operating in US waters – Crystal acknowledges that “US travellers… show an increased preference for more direct access to luxury cruise options.”
To that end, the cruise line has introduced a series of seven-night voyages to Bermuda beginning next month. The first four voyages will depart round-trip from Flynn Cruiseport Boston beginning on Aug. 22, featuring Sunday-to-Sunday itineraries, followed by nine voyages set to depart round-trip from New York’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal beginning on Sept. 24, featuring Friday-to-Friday itineraries.
The “Luxury Bermuda Escapes” cruises, which will feature two full days and two nights in the destination, will have reduced capacity, all guests and crew will be vaccinated as a requirement of the company’s Crystal Clean+ protocols (a set of measures established in response to COVID-19), and guests and crew will be required to follow all local health guidelines and protocols on island.
In Bermuda, Crystal Symphony will call into the Royal Naval Dockyard, a British stronghold for more than 150 years, now home to historic architecture, shopping, galleries, restaurants, and more.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take advantage of a host of water-based activities on the island, including snorkeling and diving, sport fishing, sailing, kayaking, as well as exploring the centuries-old brick streets in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George, biking the scenic Bermuda Railway Trail for cross-island sightseeing, or visiting the spectacular Crystal Caves.