Image courtesy of Travel Weekly
Yesterday Crystal Cruise Line announced they will require passengers to be vaccinated 14 days prior to boarding a Crystal ship. his applies to the Ocean Vyage Ships, River Ships and the new Expedition Ships and will also apply to members of the crew.
This is part of the Crystal Clear 4.0 measures which includes testing prior to sailing, mask worn in the terminal and on board, reduced capacity, social distancing guidelines and the extensive cleaning and disinfection measures. How long this will last is unknown at this point. But to be honest, if the vaccine is required, I would imagine the other measures will soon disappear.
Currently Crystal is on an operational pause for its River Voyages through May, the Ocean Voyages into June and the new Expedition ship, Endeavor is expected to sail in August.
Crystal is not the first cruise line to make announcements surrounding vaccines. Last month American Steamboat Company and sister company Victory Cruises announced they will require proof of vaccination to sail beginning July 1, 2021. Saga Cruise Line, based in the UK will require the same beginning in May.
Of the larger cruise lines, Royal and NCL have stated they will require the crew to be vaccinated but nothing yet about passengers. Carnival Corp Chairman Arnold Donald says its too soon to decide so we will just watch for updates. Freedom to Roam Travel
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