Sept. 24 update: New York hails cruise restart with Crystal

Crystal Symphony is scheduled to depart from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal today on the first cruise from New York City since the shutdown.

This begins nine weeklong round-trips to Bermuda through Nov. 19. It follows Crystal Symphony’s Bermuda sailings from Boston in late August and early September, which Crystal Cruises said earned rave reviews.

All crew and passengers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, a requirement Crystal recently extended through 2022.

'As the manager of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals, NYCEDC has worked closely with federal, state and local health officials as well as our terminal operator, Ports America, and the cruise lines to ensure all health and safety protocols are met,' said Rachel Loeb, president and CEO, New York City Economic Development Corp.

'At the same time, we are excited to welcome the cruise lines back to New York cruise terminals as a sign of New York City’s recovery,' she added. 'The cruise industry helps generate millions of dollars in tourism revenue across the city, bolstering Broadway, restaurants, museums and other special events that translate into jobs for New Yorkers.'

Crystal offers an optional pre- or post-cruise hotel stay at The Pierre Hotel, a historic Fifth Avenue landmark, or the InterContinental New York Times Square, within walking distance of the Broadway Theater District, shopping and restaurants.

On Sept. 12, Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas began its New York area deployment with cruises from Bayonne, New Jersey's Cape Liberty.