The GHK-owned luxury brand Crystal Cruises introduced an expanded set of health and safety measures for the company's “Crystal Clean+” protocols to include requirements for COVID testing for passengers and crew, in-port guidelines, mandatory travel insurance, and more.
The new Crystal Clean + 3.0 health and safety protocols build on the initial set of enhanced procedures released in July, Crystal Clean+ 2.0.
The Crystal Clean+ protocols go beyond the already stringent practices of the line to further safeguard crews’ and guests’ well-being and offer vacationers peace of mind when they return to cruising.
Crystal Clean+ 3.0 guidelines feature updates in the pre-boarding and embarkation procedures, shore excursion policy, social distancing requirements, crew member standards, and more. The new protocols are tailored to meet the needs of the luxury traveller and incorporate the recommendations provided by CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
As per Crystal Clean + 3.0, passengers will now be required to complete a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test before departure for their sailing and provide a printed copy of the negative result at check-in. Passengers will take a second coronavirus test upon arrival at the pier and have to test negative before boarding. Passengers will be required to purchase travel insurance via Crystal Cruises or a third party.
While onboard, Crystal passengers are asked to observe social distancing of at least 6 feet (2 metres). As a result, in-suite babysitting services, Crystal’s Ambassador Host dance program, and Crystal’s Junior Activities programming will be suspended until further notice.
Guests will only be permitted to disembark the cruise ship in port if participating in the line’s shoreside activities or trips. Shuttle buses into town will not be provided when in port.
As part of Crystal Clean + 3.0 program's updates, the company has also enhanced the health and safety measures for its crew members. All crew will be tested for the virus prior to leaving their home location to join the cruise ship and must receive a negative result. They'll also take a COVID-19 test at embarkation, quarantine for 7 days upon arrival, and take a test at the end of the 7-day period and receive a negative result, prior to beginning their duties. The crew will also be tested periodically during the rotations.
Crystal Cruises has voluntarily extended its suspension of global sailings until December 31, 2020.