Crystal chalks up record booking day on Bahamas cruise restart

From March 18 to 19, nearly 4,000 travelers reserved staterooms or suites on at least one of the seven-night voyages aboard Crystal Serenity that will sail round-trip from Nassau or Bimini.

Reservations from the biggest number of travel agencies in Crystal’s history

This translates to more than 25% of the 16 voyages' combined availability. Almost 200 passengers reserved back-to-back cruises, with some planning to spend 42 days on board. The luxury line realized a 2,024% increase in online bookings and received reservations from the biggest number of distinct travel agencies in Crystal’s 30-year history.

'We are thrilled by the wonderful response to these new sailings. It’s clear that travelers have been eagerly looking forward to exploring again and are as excited to see Crystal Serenity return to sailing as we are,' said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO.

Strong demand for top suites

With 80% of Crystal Serenity’s butler-serviced Crystal penthouses – the biggest suites -- already reserved for the Bahamas season, Crystal also saw tremendous interest in its other top suite categories including penthouse suites and seabreeze penthouses.

'After a year of uncertainty, our new luxury Bahamas escapes mark an important return to service for Crystal, but also a significant step forward for travel and tourism overall in the Americas,' Anderson said. 'The all-Bahamas cruises mean there is no risk of border closures, alleviating concerns related to a multiple-country itinerary that may be impacted by differing travel restrictions.'

He credited the partnership of the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar and Director General Joy Jibrilu.

The cruises are planned through October, with calls at Harbour Island, Great Exuma, San Salvador Island and Long Island. Fares start at $1,999 per person.

Crystal is among the lines that requires passengers be fully vaccinated.