The Travel Industry Association of Ontario has issued guidance for travel agents and consumers regarding claims against Crystal Cruises, which on Feb. 11 commenced an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, an alternative to formal bankruptcy proceedings, in Florida (the “ABC Case”). TICO notes that all future cruises have been cancelled and no cruises will be rescheduled in the future.
According to TICO, all cruises departing from a US port with accommodations for more than 50 passengers are required by US law to have secured financial coverage to reimburse passengers in the event of a failure, and Crystal has appointed a representative to facilitate the claims process.
However, TICO says, “As it is not known how long the ABC Case consumer claims process will take or what the level of reimbursement may be, we advise consumers to file a claim with the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund at the same time to avoid missing the claim filing date (Aug. 12, 2022).”
TICO advises that travel agents may also be eligible to recover commission payments from Crystal Cruises through the ABC Case claims process.
Consumers
• Consumers who purchased their Crystal Cruises travel services from a registered Ontario travel agency or website may request a claim form by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or tico@tico.ca. The filing deadline for claims is Aug. 12.
• Ontario legislation requires claimants to explore all other possible options for reimbursement as part of the claims process, including via credits cards and travel insurance, as well as the ABC claims process, which TICO recommends filing concurrently with a TICO claim.
• ABC claims can be made at crystalcruiseclaims.com (deadline June 11, 2022).
Not eligible
TICO advises that the following items are not eligible for reimbursement from the Compensation Fund:
• Unredeemed future travel credits, vouchers or similar documents issued by a cruise line for future travel
• Payments for travel services such as airfare, ground transportation, hotel expenses, or other travel services that are still available to be received.
• Purchases made from a travel agency located outside of Ontario or directly from Crystal Cruises.
Travel agents
TICO advises travel agents who sold Crystal Cruises and are still owed commissions to seek more information at crystalcruiseclaims.com, noting that any claim would come under the General/Vendor Claim Form option. If necessary, download the claim form and submit the supporting documentation to the address listed on the form by no later than June 11, 2022.
For further claims questions, or clarification on TICO’s Closure Advisory, contact the council at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or tico@tico.ca.