Crystal to Require Vaccination Proof from all Guests

Crystal is the latest cruise line to announce proof of vaccination for all guests once operations resume.

The cruise line is now requiring all guests to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to their Crystal cruise. 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.

In addition, guests must also complete an online form acknowledging this requirement before their cruise tickets will be issued. An FAQ document on the advisory alert section of Crystal’s website has been published for more details.

Crystal has voluntarily paused operations through May 2021 for its river fleet, into June for its ocean ships, through Aug. 1 for Crystal Esprit and through August for Crystal Endeavor, giving most travellers ample time to get fully vaccinated prior to departure.

In addition to guests, Crystal’s crew will also be expected to be vaccinated when cruises resume, however, the company acknowledges that this may not be a viable option for all crew members given their age and/or the availability of vaccines in their home countries.

Crystal is the fourth cruise line to mandate proof of vaccination for guests. Britain-based Saga Cruises was the first to announce the requirement in January, followed by sister brands American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines earlier this month.

Among the larger cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line told Travelweek earlier this month that it is “currently exploring all options” regarding vaccinations for guests and crew, while Carnival Corporation said that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and will make a decision with regard to vaccines as the situation evolves.

Source: Travelweek