Crystal Cruises to insist all passengers are vaccinated
Crystal Cruises will require passengers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before boarding its ships.
The company said guests must have received both jabs at least 14 days prior to departure.
It is the second cruise line to ban non-vaccinated guests. Last month Saga was the subject of a social media backlash after it became the first UK travel company and cruise operator to insist that all its clients must have received both doses before its holidays resume on 1 May.
Crystal Cruises passengers will also be required to produce a negative Covid test, while temperatures will continue to be taken ahead of boarding,
Enforcing a Covid-jab policy was the best way forward, Crystal said.
"We are encouraged by the progress being made with the Covid-19 vaccines and what this means for our Crystal Family and the travel industry as a whole as we eagerly look forward to exploring the world again," Crystal’s interim President and Chief executive Jack Anderson said.
"We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal Experience for all on board."
He predicted customers would welcome the move, citing a study which found 80% of respondents would cruise if a vaccine was required.
Crew members who are not yet eligible for a vaccination will be tested prior to leaving their home and again at embarkation.
"They will also need to quarantine for seven days upon arrival; be tested again at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before beginning their duties," Anderson said.
"When vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of employment for crew which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service."
Crystal has suspended all operations until May 2021 for its river fleet, June for its Ocean ships, 1 August for Crystal Esprit and until the end of August for Crystal Endeavor.
That will allow most travellers sufficient time to get fully vaccinated, Crystal said.
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