Crystal heralds Antigua homeporting with new 10-night cruises

The program, open to vaccinated travelers, will continue with 15 departures through December, including a holiday sailing on Dec. 23.

Three overnights in port

Crystal Symphony will visit Barbados, St. Lucia, Tobago (pending government approval), St. Maarten and Tortola. The ship will overnight at Antigua on embarkation day and in Barbados and St. Maarten.

'[Antigua Tourism] Minister Charles Fernandez and his team, and the local tourism businesses throughout the islands, have been working to renew travel to the islands safely and we are thrilled to partner with them to support economic growth in the region and to deliver the kind of luxuries and hospitality Crystal guests have been craving for the past year,' said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO.

'We’re looking forward to welcoming our Crystal on-board family back, as well, as Crystal Symphony’s new itinerary, combined with Crystal Serenity’s luxury Bahamas escapes and Crystal Endeavor’s luxury Iceland expeditions will mean that nearly all of our ocean crew members will return to work very soon,' Anderson continued, 'and we know they are as excited about returning to the seas as our guests.'

Among Crystal's oceangoing fleet, this leaves only the Crystal Esprit yacht's resumption to be announced.

'Important milestone'

Fernandez welcomed Crystal Symphony as 'an important milestone in reinvigorating tourism here, as well as deeper support of our island communities’ economies as Crystal becomes the first cruise line to homeport on a scheduled basis in St. John’s.'

He added that, together with the local health authorities, health and safety protocols have been developed to ensure the protection of residents and visitors.

'With the continued commitment of the government of Antigua and Barbuda and our port operator, Global Ports (Antigua) Ltd., we are certain that Crystal guests will find themselves at home here,' Fernandez said, 'as our local businesses and tourism specialists share Crystal’s spirit of hospitality and relish sharing the rich culture and beauty of our islands with travelers.'

Global Ports welcome

'We are very happy to play an integral role in restarting cruise travel in the Caribbean after this long pause,' said Dona Regis-Prosper, general manager of Global Ports (Antigua) Ltd. 'Having just completed construction of our fifth berth just in time for the start of the season and developing our port health and safety procedures in collaboration with local health authorities, we’re prepared to welcome Crystal guests to this beautiful island.'

Cruise fares start at $2,999 with 'Book Now Savings' of up to $1,000 and on-board credits of $200 per person.